Chapter 250

Adrian turned to Ethan with a commanding tone. "Prepare a travel kit with snacks." Vivian, irritated by Adrian's habit of making unilateral decisions, rose abruptly from her seat.

"You were never invited to stay with me," she snapped, her annoyance evident.

Predicting her reaction, Adrian remained unruffled. "Staying alone isn't wise. While the resort area is developing, the residential zones remain unchanged since your childhood—barely more advanced than Emberglow County. If trouble arises, I wouldn't know immediately. Safety demands we stay together."

Vivian found herself momentarily silenced.

With a self-satisfied smirk, Adrian directed Ethan to pack provisions as if they were embarking on a spring picnic.

Vivian sank back onto the sofa, observing their preparations, when her phone's ringtone interrupted.

Audrey's cheerful voice came through. "Darling, what are your holiday plans?"

"I'm visiting Willowbrook to pay respects at my mother's grave," Vivian answered.

Without hesitation, Audrey declared, "I'll join you."

Vivian arched an eyebrow. "It's dreadfully dull there—no entertainment or decent food. You'll be bored stiff."

But Audrey, ever the optimist, countered, "Perfect! I adore tranquility. I'll grab my bag and meet you at your place so we can depart together."

"We're already loaded in the car," Adrian's voice unexpectedly interjected from behind, making Vivian jump.

Audrey adapted instantly. "No problem! I'll arrange my own transportation and meet you at the highway junction."

Before Vivian could protest, Audrey had already hung up.

Surveying the mountain of luggage Ethan was handling, Vivian remarked dryly, "Seems we're forming a caravan now."

Adrian selected a sleek luxury sedan for their journey.

During the drive, Adrian remained engrossed in work calls, discussing staggering financial sums, while Vivian focused on her laptop. Hearing him casually mention figures like "800 million" or "90 million," Vivian couldn't help contrasting them with her own modest earnings.

Yet she found reassurance. Career focus had significantly boosted her confidence in dealing with Adrian. Hard work wasn't about competing with elites, she realized, but about cultivating independence—freeing herself from reliance on relationships or romantic fantasies for fulfillment.

When they stopped at a florist, Ethan exited the vehicle. Noticing Vivian's curious glance in the rearview mirror, he explained, "Mr. Blackwood requested perfume roses."

These roses, Catherine's favorite two decades prior, had become scarce locally. Vivian usually purchased them in Crestwood for such occasions.

She'd planned to visit a florist before hitting the highway, but discovered Adrian had already arranged everything.

Ethan returned with the roses arranged in a nostalgic, classic style—99 blooms interspersed with baby's breath. Placing the fragrant bouquet in the front seat, their sweet perfume soon filled the car's interior.