Chapter 221

The golden afternoon light filtered through the yacht's windows as Vivian and Julian lost themselves in memories of their university days.

Exhaustion soon claimed her, and she drifted into sleep under the comforting weight of his presence.

Julian carefully draped a cashmere throw over her, his fingers lingering on the soft fabric. He studied her peaceful expression before pressing a whisper-soft kiss to her temple. "Vivian," he murmured, "I've returned."

Dark dreams plagued Vivian's sleep. She thrashed beneath the covers, reliving the terror of drowning in icy waters. Through the murky depths, she saw Adrian standing on shore, his expression cold as marble. Beside him, Serena smirked in triumph, watching Vivian struggle for breath.

A sharp knocking shattered the nightmare. "Vivian? Are you awake?" Julian's concerned voice carried through the door.

She jolted upright, heart pounding. Rubbing her temples, she glanced at the window where the storm had given way to a breathtaking sunset painting the ocean in fiery hues. For a disorienting moment, she couldn't distinguish dream from reality.

"I'm up," she called, surprised at how steady her voice sounded.

Julian's tone softened. "We've docked. Take your time getting ready."

"Thanks." She threw off the covers with determination. The previous night's storm had knocked out all communications, leaving her unable to contact Sebastian or Lydia. She could only imagine their worry.

Emerging onto the deck, Vivian found the yacht eerily quiet. Only Julian and a few staff remained as everyone else had disembarked. Leaning against the railing, she scanned the bustling dock below.

Her breath caught.

There, standing out like a raven among doves, was Adrian. Police officers surrounded him, yet his commanding presence dominated the space. He'd come for her - whether by duty or summons, it didn't matter. Where had he been when she'd been fighting for her life?

Her gaze shifted, finding Lydia and Audrey at the crowd's edge. Surprisingly, Dominic stood with them rather than beside Adrian. Vivian dismissed the thought as she followed Julian down the gangplank.

"Chilly today," Julian remarked, draping his tailored coat over her shoulders with protective care. "I triggered the emergency beacon immediately after finding you. That wasn't an accident, Vivian. Since everyone else had left, this gathering is undoubtedly for you."

Gratitude warmed her chest. Julian's quick thinking had saved her in more ways than one.

"Vivian!" Audrey's voice cut through the noise as she rushed forward, grasping Vivian's arms. Her sharp eyes scanned for injuries. Though the rope burns were hidden beneath clothes and the cut on her lip nearly healed thanks to Julian's care, Audrey's concern was palpable.

The sunset painted the scene in dramatic golds and purples as Vivian stepped onto solid ground, leaving the nightmare at sea behind. But the real storm, she knew, was just beginning.