Chapter 243

Vivian's phone had been in Adrian's line of sight for just a moment. Could he have spotted something revealing her growing affection for Sebastian? Was this all part of some calculated game he was playing?

She dismissed the thought almost immediately.

Adrian wasn't the scheming type. Besides, how much could anyone really deduce from a fleeting glance at a phone screen?

Dominic, noticing her pensive expression, leaned forward with genuine concern. "You might want to be careful around him. That kind of attention could lead to complications."

Vivian's eyes flashed with irritation. "I don't recall asking for your opinion on my personal relationships!"

She adjusted her position, crossing her legs with deliberate grace and lifting her chin in defiance. The movement accentuated her curves beneath the fitted dress.

Adrian's gaze darkened as it traveled over her form.

There was no denying it - she possessed that rare kind of beauty that commanded attention, the sort that made men forget their better judgment.

Even her marital status hadn't stopped admirers from circling like sharks. Since handing him those divorce papers, her return to the spotlight had only magnified her radiance, like a diamond finally freed from its dusty setting.

Vivian caught his lingering stare and arched an eyebrow. "Like what you see? I've been working hard on this figure. Could give any runway model a run for her money." She deliberately emphasized her cleavage. "Especially up here."

The memory of his past criticisms still stung.

"That's quite the ego you've developed," Adrian remarked, forcing his eyes away. "Most people don't praise themselves so shamelessly."

"Don't confuse confidence with arrogance," she shot back. "You were the one staring. Now you're pretending you weren't? How very mature."

Adrian hesitated, then leaned closer with a wolfish grin. "Maybe I just needed the right incentive." His voice dropped to a husky whisper. "You always did know how to get my attention... especially between the sheets."

The playful teasing had taken a distinctly flirtatious turn, charged with the memory of their recent intimacy.

Vivian wavered, uncertain whether to break the tension or let it build.

The sudden vibration of Adrian's phone on the coffee table shattered the moment.

"You should get that," she said quickly, seizing the opportunity to put space between them.

Her eyes caught the caller ID - Serena's name flashing across the screen.

Her expression cooled instantly as she recalled Serena's role in her recent near-disaster.

With icy precision, she said, "Before you critique my friendships, perhaps examine your own associations."

"I'd appreciate it if Serena stayed out of my way. Better yet, ask her about her true motives. I may no longer be Mrs. Blackwood, but her inability to marry into your family isn't my problem. She shouldn't take her frustrations out on me."

Adrian looked stunned, the forgotten phone still buzzing in his hand.

Just moments ago, they'd been teasing and playful. Now Vivian was building walls again.