Chapter 259

Vivian halted mid-step, turning to Adrian with a questioning tilt of her head. "Aren't you supposed to be leaving?"

"Where exactly would I go?" Adrian countered, yanking the protective sheet off the couch with a swift motion.

The quiet snick of the door closing signaled Ethan's discreet exit.

The apartment felt cozy—a stark contrast to the sprawling master suite at Seabreeze Villa. Adrian's imposing frame seemed to shrink the already compact living space.

Vivian moved with practiced efficiency through the rooms, peeling away years of dust covers. Each revealed piece of furniture brought flashes of her childhood—memories carefully preserved beneath the protective fabric.

"Sit," she commanded, flinging a dust cover aside. She grabbed a water bottle from Ethan's provisions and thrust it toward him. "Hydrate."

Her gaze flicked to Adrian. "Stay out of my way. You're taking my room tonight—I'll sleep in Grandma's."

He remained silent, settling onto the couch with the unopened bottle clutched in his hand.

Sunlight streamed through the south-facing windows—the apartment's perfect orientation keeping it warm in winter and pleasantly cool in summer, never requiring artificial climate control.

As Vivian continued her cleaning frenzy, Adrian flipped open his laptop. His fingers danced absently over the keys, his attention repeatedly drawn to her movements.

Her hair was piled carelessly atop her head, exposing the elegant line of her neck. Even performing mundane chores, she moved with the precision of a dancer—every motion purposeful, every posture perfect.

He found himself wondering if this same effortless grace had once filled Seabreeze Villa when she managed the household.

Finally, Vivian uncovered the pièce de résistance—an upright piano. Its ebony surface gleamed under the sunlight, its simple design belying its extraordinary craftsmanship.

Adrian's sharp eyes immediately caught the embossed gold "S" near the logo—a custom Steinway from the Sutton family collection, its value dwarfing even the grand piano at Blackwood Manor.

The most distinctive feature was undoubtedly the gold-embossed "S" beside the manufacturer's mark—the exclusive insignia of the Sutton family in Crystalpeak.

"That was Grandpa's," Vivian murmured, pulling him from his thoughts.

Her fingers trailed lovingly across the polished wood, a nostalgic smile playing at her lips. "I heard it's priceless. A gift from one of his admirers."

She paused, expression softening with memory. "When I was seven, I spilled juice on it. Grandma punished me—the only time she ever did. She was so furious, I thought she'd never speak to me again."

Adrian's brow furrowed slightly. The Sutton family was renowned for patronizing artistic talent.

Yet if her grandfather had such connections, how could they have stood by while Richard mistreated Catherine? He pushed the troubling thought aside, focusing instead on Vivian's flushed cheeks.

The physical exertion had brought color to her face, giving her a radiant glow in the warm light. Something stirred in his chest, and he took an absent sip from the bottle.

Before reason could stop him, Adrian rose and crossed the room in three long strides. His arm snaked around her waist, pulling her firmly against him.

The sudden movement startled Vivian. Her hand flew out, landing on the piano keys with a discordant crash. She stiffened immediately, turning her face away as her breathing quickened. "Don't," she whispered, voice unsteady.