Chapter 223

"Adrian, are you even listening to yourself? What's gotten into you?" Audrey snapped, rolling up her sleeves with fire in her eyes.

Dominic quickly intercepted, placing a restraining hand on her arm. "Easy, Audrey. Adrian's just worried sick. Would he have spent all night searching if he didn't care? Give him a break."

Though still visibly fuming, Audrey remembered Adrian's frantic state the previous evening. With a reluctant huff, she allowed Dominic to steer her away, muttering curses under her breath.

Vivian stood frozen, her mind reeling. Adrian actually thought she'd run away because of some online rumors? How little did he think of her strength?

Her voice shook with barely contained emotion. "Adrian, do you have any idea what I endured last night?" The unspoken accusations burned in her chest, but his lack of trust cut deeper than any physical wound.

Before Adrian could respond, Julian stepped forward, positioning himself as a protective shield between them.

"I don't know the full details," Julian began, his tone measured yet firm, "but when I found Vivian last night, she was unconscious in open water. If not for my crew's quick action, she wouldn't be standing here now."

He turned to the nearby officers with grave authority. "This appears to be an attempted homicide. I insist on a thorough investigation."

Vivian felt warmth spread through her chest at Julian's words. His steady presence anchored her, the stark contrast between the two men undeniable - one dismissive, the other fiercely protective.

Adrian's gaze darkened as it locked onto Julian, a storm brewing beneath his composed exterior.

For the first time, he believed he recognized a true manipulator - the kind who cloaked themselves in false innocence that women so often fell for.

"I'll take you to give your statement," Adrian stated coldly, reaching for Vivian's hand.

She recoiled from his touch.

With deliberate movements, she shrugged off his jacket and held it out. "Julian, as a witness, would you accompany me to the station?"

Adrian stood motionless, refusing to take the garment. The expensive designer jacket fell to the muddy ground, its pristine fabric instantly soiled, but his eyes never left Vivian's face, his chest constricting painfully.

"Of course I'll go with you," Julian replied softly, his tone carrying an undercurrent of challenge that Adrian found infuriating.

As they moved to leave, Adrian blocked their path, his voice glacial. "I said I'm taking you."

Vivian attempted to step around him. He shifted to block her again, his voice sharpening. "Vivian!"

"Enough. She's been through enough trauma," Julian interjected, his frown deepening despite his controlled tone.