Chapter 255

Vivian studied Adrian with narrowed eyes. "You expect me to believe you traveled all this way because of some offhand remark I made years ago? Out of the goodness of your heart?"

Adrian hesitated briefly before adding, "There was... another influence."

The admission snuffed out the fragile warmth beginning to blossom in Vivian's chest. She found perverse comfort in this revelation - it was better if Adrian remained emotionally unavailable, making her divorce resolution easier to maintain.

Audrey slammed her fork down with a derisive snort. "Let me guess - that manipulative witch Serena? Adrian, why bring her up now? Just to ruin the mood?"

"It's not about her," Adrian replied evenly.

"Right," Audrey scoffed. "Typical man. Always lying through his perfect teeth."

Dominic, mid-bite of his chicken, hastily set it down and clamped a hand over Audrey's mouth. "Don't make assumptions," he chided.

Audrey responded by sinking her teeth into Dominic's palm.

"Christ! Since when do you bite like a rabid dog?" Dominic yelped, examining the distinct teeth marks now decorating his hand.

Ignoring the commotion, Adrian took a slow sip of water, his gaze drifting to Vivian. She pretended not to notice, quickly finishing her meal. "I should go prepare the apartment... though it's quite small. Just two bedrooms."

Ethan immediately interjected, "Mrs. Blackwood, I'll reserve rooms at the Harbor Grand."

Dominic tugged at Audrey's sleeve. "We should stay at the hotel too."

Audrey arched an eyebrow. "Who said I wanted to share a room with you? Planning something indecent?"

"Indecent?" Dominic sputtered. "I booked separate rooms! After traveling all day, do you really want Vivian to have to make up another bed?"

"Fine," Audrey conceded. "Hotel it is."

Adrian remained silent, and Vivian assumed he'd choose the hotel as well. Turning to Ethan, she asked, "May I have the car keys? I need to get my things."

Ethan glanced at Adrian before answering, "Mrs. Blackwood, go ahead. I'll bring your luggage shortly."

"Thank you," Vivian said, then addressed the group. "I'll handle apartment arrangements tomorrow. Everyone else can do as you please. Don't worry about me - I've got instant noodles. I'll be fine alone."

Audrey pouted until Dominic leaned in, whispering, "She came to visit her mother's grave. Let her have this time."

Accepting his explanation, Audrey simply nodded. "Alright."

With that, Vivian rose and departed. As she left, Dominic turned to Adrian. "Where are you staying tonight?"

"None of your concern," Adrian replied sharply, shooting Dominic a warning look before following Vivian out.

The neighborhood surrounding Eleanor's apartment complex smelled of decades-old brick and climbing ivy. Narrow paths wound between buildings where the scent of home cooking mingled with snippets of conversation drifting through open windows. In its worn simplicity, this place held more genuine warmth than any glittering metropolis ever could.