Chapter 252

The cemetery was undergoing expansion when they arrived, leaving the grounds in chaotic disarray. Construction debris blocked the road, forcing them to park and continue on foot.

Adrian carried a bouquet of crimson roses in one hand while gripping Vivian's fingers tightly with the other. The weathered stone steps, partially buried under loose soil, made Vivian stumble as she searched for stable footing. Adrian remained an immovable anchor beside her.

This was typical of him - always her steadfast protector. That unwavering sense of security had once been her greatest comfort, something she'd clung to desperately, even when it cost her self-respect.

Now, as she contemplated putting distance between them, that familiar safety felt dangerous, threatening to weaken her resolve. Distracted by these thoughts, she turned to Audrey. "Let me help you."

Audrey, preoccupied with scanning their surroundings, scoffed. "With those delicate arms? Please." She grabbed Dominic's sleeve instead. "Are you blind? I need assistance here!"

Dominic immediately adjusted his stance to support her. "You could've just asked."

"Must I spell out every little thing?" Audrey snapped irritably.

Vivian's attempt to escape Adrian's protective grasp failed. With a quiet sigh, she faced him again, seeking distraction. "Is it just me, or is there something... unusual between Audrey and Dominic?"

Adrian kicked a stray branch from their path, lips quirking. "Finally noticing?" His teasing tone implied she'd been remarkably slow on the uptake.

She shot him a glare. "Audrey's a good person—"

"The kind of 'good' who introduces you to male escorts?" Adrian countered. Vivian stiffened. "Don't go there. Just make sure he doesn't hurt her."

Adrian chuckled. "They're adults. Their romantic choices aren't my concern."

Vivian had no rebuttal.

"Wait—who's that?" Adrian suddenly stopped, gaze locking onto a figure ahead.

Vivian looked up just in time to see a gray-hooded figure moving with unnatural grace, retreating swiftly before disappearing behind a row of tombstones. The sudden movement startled her, making her miss a step and nearly fall.

Adrian's strong hand caught her elbow, pulling her upright. His frown deepened. "Must you always be so reckless?"

Vivian's glare could have melted steel. "If you hadn't startled me, I wouldn't have tripped! People visit graves all the time, you know."

Audrey and Dominic caught up, Audrey pointing ahead with widened eyes. "Viv, isn't that your mother's grave? Who left those flowers? Does anyone else visit her?"

Following Audrey's finger, Vivian saw the bouquet of champagne roses resting against the headstone, their petals glowing softly in the muted light. A strange sensation prickled at her mind.

She whirled around instinctively, but the hooded figure was gone. In the distance, a sleek black sedan glided past the cemetery gates. Her chest tightened with uneasy recognition. Could it be...? For a fleeting moment, she thought of Julian.