Chapter 182

Vivian's smile faltered slightly. "I'm just glad you enjoyed it," she murmured, deftly avoiding any emotional display.

A pang of guilt twisted in Vivian's chest. The melody wasn't truly hers - it had been Eleanor's favorite lullaby, the one she'd hummed during golden afternoons in their tiny kitchen. Growing up in that provincial town without means for proper lessons, Vivian had clung to this simple tune, repeating it until it became part of her very being.

She knew its every nuance better than any classical piece. Who could have imagined this childhood comfort would become Adrian Blackwood's final musical legacy?

The audience erupted in deafening applause, their cheers reverberating through the grand hall. Even the skeptics couldn't deny the raw magnetism of Vivian's performance, their reluctant admiration evident in their thunderous ovation.

One attendee, caught in the moment's magic, remarked knowingly, "Mr. Blackwood has truly outshone himself with this lavish declaration of love for Mrs. Blackwood." As guests dissected the evening's events, they unanimously credited its success to Adrian's meticulous planning. With his vast resources and connections, particularly his friendship with Dominic, arranging elite coaches to polish Vivian's skills would have been effortless.

Yet Adrian merely shrugged, his voice steady, "This had nothing to do with me."

His modest denial earned knowing smiles; clearly he was protecting Vivian's dignity. The event not only silenced rumors of marital discord but also rewrote social narratives, transforming Vivian from Cinderella to undisputed Blackwood matriarch.

As the celebration wound down, Bianca approached Dominic with disappointment lacing her voice. "Father couldn't make it tonight," she said softly, fingers brushing his sleeve. "Could you take me home?" Her eyes held a silent plea for companionship.

Dominic subtly stepped back, avoiding her touch. "I can't. I've been drinking and shouldn't drive."

Bianca had orchestrated tonight's scheme to humiliate Vivian, using Dominic as her unwitting pawn. Had this not been Beatrice's birthday, he would have confronted her directly.

"But I—" Bianca stammered.

Dominic was already walking away without a backward glance.

Vivian remained engrossed in conversation with the elderly couple, only noticing the emptied courtyard much later. Rising gracefully, she bid them farewell. "Beatrice, Leonard, I should be going now."

Beatrice offered a gentle smile. "Adrian's had rather too much to drink and isn't feeling well. He's resting upstairs. Would you mind checking on him?"

Unsuspecting, Vivian nodded and ascended the grand staircase. The Blackwood estate maintained a permanent suite for them on the second floor, its door slightly ajar.

"Adrian?" she called softly, rapping lightly on the doorframe.

When no answer came, she pushed the door wider and stepped inside. The expansive foyer concealed the room beyond from immediate view. Moving forward, she found Adrian bent over, rummaging through a cabinet.