Chapter 249

"Adrian, you don't care about me anymore," Serena's voice dripped with petulance through the phone. "You missed my check-up, and now you're refusing to go to Silverpine. What if I need another heart transplant? Would you just abandon me then?"

His voice turned razor-sharp. "Don't even say that! You won't need another transplant."

Realizing her misstep, Serena's tone melted into honeyed sweetness. "Adrian, that's not what I meant."

Vivian froze mid-bite, Serena's words chilling her to the bone.

So Serena had received a heart transplant.

A hazy memory surfaced - Adrian once mentioning Serena's "good heart." Had he meant the actual organ?

And if so, what was the connection?

The puzzle pieces hovered just out of reach, one crucial fragment still missing.

Adrian's voice softened, the earlier edge replaced with soothing warmth. "Don't dwell on it. Transplants aren't something you undergo casually. It won't happen again. By the way, you liked that pink Porsche, didn't you? I'll have Ethan bring it over."

After more coaxing, Serena finally relented and ended the call.

Adrian pocketed his phone and turned back to Vivian. "I'll accompany you to the cemetery."

She blinked, his words pulling her from her thoughts.

"No need," she said tersely. "I want to speak with my mother privately."

"I'll drive you," he insisted, leaving no room for argument.

"Fine," Vivian muttered, her mind still spinning around Serena's heart.

Could Adrian's unwavering devotion to Serena stem from something more profound?

She stole a sideways glance at him, lips parting as if to voice her question.

But ultimately, she lowered her head and continued eating in silence.

What would knowing change? Would it dull the sharp edges of her anger, or simply provide another excuse to forgive him?

A single highway connected Crestwood to Vivian's hometown, Willowbrook - a route infamous for holiday traffic jams. Fortunately, with Sebastian scheduled for an awards ceremony, the production granted early leave. To beat the rush, Vivian suggested departing a day early.

After packing, she tucked some bread into her suitcase.

"No need for that," Adrian said. "Willowbrook's developed rapidly this year - faster than other counties. They've even opened a new hot springs resort with excellent dining."

"I'm not staying at a resort. I'll be at my grandmother's apartment," Vivian countered, retrieving the bread and stuffing it back before zipping her suitcase shut.

Adrian looked taken aback. "You hadn't mentioned that before."

Vivian arched a brow. "Why would I? Traveling together was all I agreed to, not sharing accommodations."