Chapter 198

"That was definitely Vivian," one of Dominic's companions whispered.

"And the guy with her? Maxwell Sterling from the Sterling family," another confirmed.

Dominic's face darkened instantly. His fist slammed onto the marble tabletop with a loud crack. "That bastard actually called her his girlfriend! What about Adrian? If he's messing with my best friend's woman, he'll answer to me!"

But when Dominic scanned the upscale restaurant, Maxwell's seat stood empty. The waitstaff had already cleared the champagne glasses and dessert plates, leaving no trace of the man who'd ignited his fury.

His friends quickly restrained him, pulling him back into his plush chair.

"Dom, think before you act," cautioned one.

Another chuckled nervously. "If you cause a scene here, people might think you're the jealous boyfriend."

The voice of reason came from his left. "This isn't something you can handle with fists. If you want to deal with Maxwell, it has to be Adrian's call. Otherwise, you'll just make things worse for Vivian."

Dominic exhaled sharply through his nose. "Fine." He yanked out his phone, fingers stabbing at Adrian's contact.

The first call rang twice before disconnecting. The second met the same fate. By the third attempt, Dominic's jaw clenched tight enough to crack teeth.

On the fourth try, Adrian finally answered.

"Adrian! Where the hell have you—"

"Make it quick." Adrian's voice carried that dangerous calm Dominic knew too well.

Dominic swallowed hard. "I just saw Vivian having dinner with Maxwell Sterling. The bastard introduced her as his girlfriend!"

Before he could continue, a feminine voice floated through the receiver. "Adrian darling, have you seen my silk chemise?"

Dominic froze. The implications hit him like a freight train—Adrian ignoring his calls, a woman's voice asking about lingerie, the hushed background suggesting an intimate setting. Adrian and Serena were together.

Memories flashed through Dominic's mind—how Adrian had always treated Serena more like a sister during their relationship, never showing physical affection in public. Their dynamic had never seemed... passionate.

But now? Lingerie? The mental image made Dominic's stomach twist.

"I—I have to go," Dominic stammered, abruptly ending the call before Adrian could respond. His fingers trembled slightly as he pocketed his phone, the restaurant's ambient chatter suddenly deafening.