Chapter 220

The storm outside rattled the windows as Vivian Hartley sat up in bed, her fingers clutching the silk sheets. She hadn't expected to wake up in such luxurious surroundings after nearly drowning.

Julian Montclair didn't ask what had brought her to this desperate state. Instead, he casually leaned against the mahogany dresser. "Funny coincidence. I was supposed to be on a private cruise with some associates, but the storm forced us to dock at Crestwood."

Vivian's eyebrows lifted slightly. She knew these exclusive yacht trips often masked high-stakes gambling rings operating in international waters. The Julian she remembered from university had been a scholarship student wearing thrift store blazers.

Her stomach chose that moment to growl loudly. Heat rushed to her cheeks.

Julian's lips quirked. "It's well past dinner, but I could make you some carbonara." His tone was light, as if they were back in their college days sharing instant noodles.

"Thank you," she whispered, suddenly aware of how dry her throat felt.

"Still so formal," he chuckled, pausing at the cabin door. "Oh, and one of the female crew members changed you into dry clothes." His considerate explanation made her shoulders relax.

When he left, Vivian moved to the panoramic window. The yacht barely rocked despite the raging sea outside, its stabilizers working perfectly. Only the slight sway of the crystal chandelier betrayed the storm's fury.

Her momentary safety felt fragile. Once they reached port, Maxwell Sterling's reach would extend far beyond Crestwood. The tabloid scandal that had started this nightmare replayed in her mind - too perfectly timed to be coincidence.

The cabin door opened again, bringing the rich aroma of garlic and pancetta. Julian carried a steaming plate, his expression expectant. The sight unexpectedly transported her to another time, when Adrian Blackwood had cooked for her during a power outage.

"Try it," Julian urged, offering a forkful.

She pushed the memory away and took a bite. The flavors exploded on her tongue, reminding her how long it had been since she'd eaten properly. Within minutes, she'd cleaned the plate.

"Better?" Julian watched her with amused eyes.

Vivian nodded, though her stomach could have handled more. "I'm completely full," she insisted when his gaze remained skeptical.

Julian set the plate aside with an indulgent smile. "Remember that café near campus? The one with the terrible jazz music but amazing tiramisu?"

A genuine laugh escaped her lips for the first time in days.