Chapter 244

Adrian paused, his piercing gaze locking onto Vivian. "Is that jealousy I detect?"

Vivian arched an eyebrow, her voice laced with steel. "I'm being perfectly rational. That scandal? Entirely her doing. Maxwell only found out about my location because of her obsessive fans - that's what triggered his kidnapping scheme."

The persistent buzzing of Adrian's phone filled the tense silence.

His brow furrowed as he studied Vivian's determined expression. "Do you have concrete evidence?"

"Not yet," Vivian admitted, her tone softening slightly as she adjusted her silk blouse. "But I will uncover the truth."

Without another word, she turned on her heel and ascended the spiral staircase, her designer heels clicking against the marble steps.

Adrian glanced at his vibrating phone - an unprecedented moment of hesitation.

He silenced the call with a swipe, typing instead: "In negotiations. What's urgent?"

Upstairs, the guest suite had been transformed into a writer's sanctuary.

Floor-to-ceiling windows framed a panoramic view of Crestwood's glittering skyline, the city lights twinkling like scattered diamonds.

A sleek, modern desk of polished ebony dominated the space, flanked by a plush velvet chaise lounge and a minimalist bookshelf curated with rare first editions.

Every element had been meticulously arranged to foster creativity - from the ergonomic chair to the strategically placed mood lighting.

Vivian's earlier irritation had dissipated, replaced by a contemplative stillness as she settled into her workspace.

The massive curved monitor before her illuminated the dim room, casting blue shadows across her sharp features.

As she logged into her messaging platform, Julian Montclair's profile picture pulsed with notification.

His chosen image - a delicate porcelain teacup steaming against misty mountain peaks - perfectly encapsulated his reputation as the reclusive poet-philanthropist.

His message was characteristically direct: "Visited a colleague today who mentioned your friend Audrey investigating the trending topic. They confirmed your suspicions about Serena's involvement. While I understand your history, since your series hasn't premiered, she currently poses minimal professional threat."

Vivian's fingers hovered over the keyboard.

Their first meeting at the harbor had been abrupt, leaving many details unshared.

She typed with deliberate clarity: "I should clarify - I've been married for two years. To Adrian Blackwood."

"Serena is Adrian's former partner. The tabloids constantly speculate about them, though they're careful never to explicitly identify him."

She couldn't presume Julian's knowledge of her marital status - transparency seemed wisest.

His response came swiftly, bypassing any surprise: "I'll investigate this for you."

The ellipsis of his typing indicator pulsed like a heartbeat.

Then:

"Consider it done."