Chapter 194

A faint blush colored Vivian's cheeks as she smoothed back a loose curl. "Adrian dropped me off before going to work. I wanted to walk, let my dinner settle, maybe find some creative inspiration under the stars."

Maxwell seized the opening. "Then you must see the lounge at Crestwood Tower. Breathtaking city views, exquisite dessert cocktails. I saved you once - surely you owe me at least one dinner?"

Refusing would seem churlish. Even if Maxwell wasn't actively following her, his relentless generosity hinted at ulterior motives. This might be her chance to uncover his true agenda.

Vivian's smile was carefully measured. "If you insist, then dinner's my treat. Shall we call a car?"

"My ride's right here," Maxwell gestured, revealing a gleaming emerald Bentley.

As Vivian buckled in, an eerie prickling sensation traveled up her spine. She scanned the lively street through tinted windows but detected nothing unusual.

Crestwood Tower dominated the metropolitan skyline, its 160 floors piercing the clouds. A commercial colossus housing everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to exclusive boutiques, crowned by an observation deck offering panoramic urban vistas.

Maxwell escorted Vivian to the 150th floor, where astronomical rents permitted only a single French fine-dining establishment. The space exuded opulence, transforming mere sustenance into a symphony of refined indulgence.

Hand-cut crystal chandeliers shimmered like captured constellations, their quality distinguishing them from mass-produced imitations. Delicate lampshades projected aquatic light patterns across walls, creating an immersive underwater ambiance. A pianist in champagne silk coaxed melodies from a white grand piano, her notes floating through the air like spun sugar.

"The usual private dining room," Maxwell informed the waiter with quiet authority. "My companion wishes to enjoy the skyline."

The waiter maintained professional composure despite his apologetic tone. "My sincerest regrets, Mr. Sterling. That room is currently reserved."

Annoyance flickered across Maxwell's features. He glanced at Vivian before addressing the waiter with thinly veiled irritation. "Any available room with a view will suffice."

"Unfortunately all view rooms are booked this evening. We only have interior alcoves or main dining available."

Vivian, eager to avoid private quarters, interjected smoothly. "The main dining room sounds lovely."

Maxwell acquiesced with a nod. "Very well. The main dining room then."

"Right this way," the waiter gestured gracefully toward their table.

As they followed, Maxwell indicated the coveted private room. "That one has the same vantage as the observation deck. I'll reserve it properly for our next visit."

The waiter added discreetly, "Tonight's guest reserved twenty-four hours in advance. Quite an important figure."

Maxwell scoffed quietly. "Important enough to brave Crestwood Tower on a Friday night? Don't these celebrities worry about causing pandemonium?"