Chapter 263

The morning light filtered through the curtains as Vivian stirred awake. Adrian's weight shifted beside her, his body pressing her deeper into the mattress.

A discreet knock echoed from the living area.

Vivian placed trembling hands against his bare chest. "Shouldn't you be leaving for your meeting?" Her throat felt raw from last night's passion.

Heat flooded her cheeks as fragmented memories surfaced - tangled sheets, whispered promises, his mouth tracing patterns across her skin.

Adrian's low chuckle vibrated against her collarbone. "The markets won't collapse if I'm late," he murmured, nuzzling her neck.

Her pulse quickened beneath his lips.

She squirmed, attempting to create space between their bodies. "We can... pick this up later," she breathed, her voice unsteady.

Adrian tilted his head, studying her flushed face. "Is that a promise?" His fingers traced idle circles along her hipbone.

Another knock interrupted them. Ethan's voice carried through the door. "Mr. Blackwood? Mrs. Hartley? I've brought breakfast."

Vivian's eyes widened in alarm. Seizing Adrian's momentary distraction, she scrambled from the bed and snatched up a tracksuit draped over the armchair.

She dressed with frantic efficiency, avoiding Adrian's amused gaze as she bolted toward the bathroom.

Adrian watched her retreat with a smirk, stretching leisurely before beginning to dress with deliberate slowness.

Ethan entered cautiously, balancing several gourmet takeout bags. The moment he crossed the threshold, an inexplicable chill ran down his spine. He looked up to find Adrian's piercing stare fixed upon him - that inscrutable, razor-sharp gaze that always made subordinates question their life choices. Had he miscalculated the timing? Ethan mentally reviewed his morning routine, searching for errors.

After arranging the food containers neatly, Ethan checked his watch. Exactly 8:00 AM - precisely when Mr. Blackwood had specified.

Adrian emerged from the bedroom, his shirt sleeves rolled to reveal corded forearms. He radiated effortless authority as he remarked, "I believe I instructed you to wait at the service entrance?"

Ethan straightened his tie. "Considering you skipped dinner, I thought an early breakfast might be prudent." His tone remained deferential despite the subtle correction.

Their attention shifted to Vivian, who burst from the bathroom still brushing her teeth. She performed her morning ablutions with military precision - rinsing, washing, and drying her face in under sixty seconds.

Without ceremony, she tore into the nearest food container, extracting a flaky pastry. She took an enormous bite, cheeks puffing like a chipmunk's.

Adrian leaned against the wall, arms crossed, watching her with undisguised amusement. The way she devoured her food with single-minded focus was oddly endearing.

"Mmm." Adrian acknowledged Ethan's explanation absently, reaching out to brush Vivian's cheek. She dodged instinctively but not fast enough - his fingers caught the edge of her jaw, coming away damp with cleanser residue.

"Missed a spot," he remarked, showing her the evidence.

Vivian scowled, swatting at his hand while still chewing.

Adrian's lips curved as he watched her struggle to simultaneously eat and maintain her dignity. The morning sunlight caught in her disheveled hair, turning the strands to molten gold. For all her protestations, she'd never looked more beautiful to him - sleep-rumpled, makeup-free, and utterly real.

Ethan discreetly averted his gaze, suddenly finding the wallpaper pattern fascinating. Some moments weren't meant for witnesses.