Chapter 236

The afternoon sunlight filtered through the cafe windows as Julian set a peach iced tea before Vivian. His voice carried a thoughtful note. "Life rarely deals in absolutes. Though I suppose there might be... one exception?"

His gaze drifted unconsciously toward Isabella, who sat biting her lower lip, her knuckles white around her smartphone.

To most who knew him, Julian Montclair was the eternal optimist - hopelessly idealistic.

Yet out of respect for his genuine warmth, people rarely challenged his worldview directly.

Instead, they'd exchange knowing glances and smoothly steer conversations elsewhere.

Vivian wiped barbecue sauce from her fingers with a napkin. "Coming to watch filming today?"

"Not this time," Julian replied with a regretful smile. "I've got a job interview this afternoon."

Vivian's eyebrows lifted. "Planning to settle in Crestwood?"

"Without question." Julian's smile deepened. "My roots, my friends..." He trailed off meaningfully. "Everything important to me is here. I'm definitely coming back."

Glancing at his wristwatch - a luxury timepiece worth seven million sterling - he added, "Running late now. I'll catch you on set another day."

Vivian recognized the watch immediately.

Adrian owned a similar model, though his carried a twelve-million price tag.

She remembered the sales associate presenting various options that day, how she'd joked about identical-looking watches with wildly different values.

It had felt like an elaborate con for the ultra-rich.

Adrian had patiently explained the subtle craftsmanship differences - a lesson that still stuck with her.

She knew two other watches from this collection belonged to Blackwood family members.

Julian's wasn't the limited edition, suggesting he'd purchased it overseas.

When afternoon filming wrapped, crew members clustered around a mint-green luxury sedan parked nearby.

"That color is divine! Absolutely breathtaking!"

"A car like that out here? Must belong to Sebastian!"

Harrison shook his head. "Sebastian only drives black cars."

Realizing she couldn't avoid the attention, Vivian stepped forward. "It's my family's car."

The crew, familiar with Vivian's identity as Katrina, showed little surprise at her access to such vehicles.

After brief murmurs, they dispersed.

As Vivian approached, Ethan emerged to open the rear door formally. "Mrs. Blackwood."

Inside, Vivian's first question came sharp. "What are you doing here?"

"Can't I occupy my own vehicle?" Adrian's eyebrow arched, his tone glacial.