Chapter 195

The upscale restaurant maintained impeccable discretion about its VIP patrons. The maître d' led Maxwell and Vivian to a secluded table by the floor-to-ceiling windows, offering a discreet nod before withdrawing.

Vivian's quiet sophistication commanded attention, her poise rivaling the cascading crystal droplets of the chandelier above them.

Maxwell observed her with keen interest, sensing a subtle metamorphosis in her aura. His gaze traveled over her conservative ensemble - a high-necked blouse with flowing sleeves paired with wide-leg trousers. Though her attire concealed everything but her face and hands, an undeniable radiance emanated from her.

As she tilted her chin to peruse the menu, Maxwell's sharp eyes caught a faint bruise peeking above her collar. His pulse quickened.

He knew those marks intimately. The pieces clicked together - Vivian's earlier tension with Adrian now made perfect sense. This wasn't merely anger; something fundamental had shifted within her. She carried herself differently, as though she'd crossed some invisible threshold into womanhood.

Unbidden, his mind conjured vivid images of Vivian and Adrian together, wondering about the passion hidden beneath her composed exterior.

Despite his extensive experience with women, Vivian remained an enigma. Her allure transcended circumstance - from her previous untouchable ice queen persona to her current status as a married woman. Even in her most vulnerable moments, like when he'd rescued her from those thugs, she'd awakened something primal in him.

Since returning from Emberglow County, she'd haunted his dreams relentlessly. His attempts to distract himself with other women only intensified his obsession.

A visceral hunger tightened his throat.

"I'll have the mineral water," Vivian said, closing the leather-bound menu.

Maxwell snapped back to the present, quickly ordering the chef's tasting menu with an assortment of signature desserts. "Their chocolate soufflé is legendary. May I suggest—"

"That's quite excessive," Vivian interrupted gently. "I could never finish all that."

"Consider it a tasting experience," Maxwell countered smoothly. "No need to clean your plate. I derive pleasure from indulging beautiful women."

His mind flashed to Emberglow County when he'd bought her that wardrobe. The cost meant nothing - he'd simply wanted to win her favor effortlessly. Then Adrian had arrived with his obscenely expensive replacements, undermining Maxwell's gesture.

"I dislike extravagance," Vivian said firmly. "Besides, this is my treat, as we agreed."

Maxwell conceded with a practiced smile. "As you wish. We'll have other opportunities."

When the server departed, Vivian met his gaze directly. "Mr. Sterling, while I appreciate your assistance in Emberglow County, I believe we should maintain appropriate boundaries moving forward."

Her meaning couldn't be clearer.

Just as Maxwell opened his mouth to respond, movement caught his eye. A private dining room's door swung open momentarily as a server entered. Through the gap, he glimpsed Adrian seated near the entrance with a female companion, though the woman's face remained obscured by Adrian's broad shoulders.