Chapter 224

Adrian Blackwood's piercing gaze locked onto Julian Montclair, his eyes flashing with dangerous intensity. "Julian, is that any way to speak to your elders?"

The tension in the air thickened as everyone assumed Adrian was mocking Julian by implying their similar ages made them practically equals.

Vivian Hartley believed it too.

Her emerald eyes darkened with barely concealed contempt as she deliberately stepped on Adrian's polished leather shoe. "Move."

The simple ballet flat made the gesture deceptively casual yet dripping with defiance, a silent challenge that echoed through the dock.

Julian, meanwhile, discreetly lowered his lashes to hide the spark of amusement dancing in his hazel eyes.

The message was clear - she was defending him.

Dominic Sinclair sucked in a sharp breath.

Defying Adrian Blackwood was a line few dared cross, yet Vivian did it without hesitation - for another man.

"Vivian!" Adrian's voice cracked like a whip through the tense silence.

Unfazed, she simply tugged at Julian's sleeve, guiding him toward the waiting police vehicle with deliberate steps.

Julian paused just long enough to give Adrian a perfectly polite nod before holding the car door open for Vivian.

They disappeared into the backseat together.

The officers, who had witnessed this brazen display of insubordination, wished they could melt into the wooden planks beneath their feet.

One senior officer finally gathered his courage. "Mr. Blackwood, we'll be returning to file the report now."

Adrian's stormy gaze remained fixed on the car containing Vivian, his expression unreadable.

"We'll keep you informed of any developments," the officer added hastily.

Taking Adrian's silence as acquiescence, the officer signaled sharply. "All units, return to station!"

"Lydia, let's follow them," Audrey Winslow suggested, guiding Lydia Bennett toward her parked Mercedes.

Dominic glanced between Audrey and Adrian, hesitating before biting out, "I'll come too," his eyes lingering on the departing vehicles with something akin to longing.

Soon, only Adrian and Dominic remained on the deserted dock.

Breaking the heavy silence, Dominic ventured carefully, "Adrian—"

A single glacial look from Adrian silenced him immediately.

At Cascade Residences...

After giving their statements, Audrey and Lydia accompanied Vivian to the hospital for a checkup. Fortunately, she only had minor scrapes that needed basic first aid.

Back in their apartment, Vivian kicked off her shoes and collapsed onto the plush sofa.

Audrey flopped down beside her, poking her friend's shoulder in mock annoyance. "Some best friend you are! You didn't tell me a single thing about what happened in Emberglow County!"