Chapter 269

Vivian had chosen not to voice these thoughts in Julian's presence earlier, both to protect Adrian's dignity and to avoid any potential misunderstandings with Julian.

Julian had always treated her with kindness. She valued their friendship deeply and hoped it would last forever. Allowing herself to entertain deeper emotions was something she simply couldn't handle. With a swift turn, she walked back inside.

Ethan observed the storm clouds gathering on Adrian's face before cautiously suggesting, "Mr. Blackwood, Mrs. Blackwood responds better to gentle persuasion. A softer approach might help convey your concerns more effectively."

Adrian shot Ethan an icy sideways glance. "I won't stand by while those opportunists take advantage of her."

Watching the Bentley disappear down the driveway, Ethan murmured, "Perhaps you should tell her the truth about the Montclair family."

"We'll see," Adrian replied, hesitation coloring his tone. "If I speak now, it'll only look like I'm trying to sabotage her friendship out of petty jealousy. Besides, Julian helped her recently. I can't risk turning her against someone who came to her rescue. If the media gets wind of this, it'll spark another scandal."

After a brief pause, Adrian commanded, "Keep close tabs on Julian. Make sure he understands his boundaries. Vivian isn't someone he can play with."

Ethan was momentarily stunned. Why did Mr. Blackwood have to be so infuriatingly distant? It was obvious he'd carefully considered every move for Vivian's benefit, yet his words carried such sharp edges.

A guilty thought crossed Ethan's mind—maybe a divorce wouldn't be the worst outcome. If Adrian had to win his wife back, it might finally cure his relentless pride. The idea made Ethan wince with guilt. He quickly buried the thought; this was for Adrian's own good. Sometimes the bitterest medicine was the most effective cure.

"The bottle was sealed earlier! I offered her a Fillico first, but she insisted on Evian, so I got one. The bottle I drank from is still in the car—completely untouched!"

He spoke so rapidly it seemed he might produce surveillance footage any second to prove his innocence. But Adrian didn't even blink, responding with a single indifferent, "Hmm."

Seeing Adrian's calm demeanor, Ethan exhaled in relief. His boss wasn't one to fall for baseless accusations, especially not from an unstable woman desperate to save face.

Meanwhile, Meredith grabbed Clarissa's arm and pulled her aside, hissing sharply, "What kind of nonsense are you spouting? Everyone saw Vivian return with her husband yesterday! They're clearly happy together." Hoping to redirect attention, Meredith turned back to Vivian, adopting a pleading tone. "Vivian, you heard the young man—it was just a moment of panic! The truck startled her. Besides, isn't the car insured? Surely insurance can cover some of it? A few million...that's more than we could earn in a lifetime! If we're forced to pay, it'll destroy us!"

Ethan hesitated, glancing toward Adrian. "Well—" But before he could finish, Adrian's cold voice cut through the tension like a blade. "This isn't about the money."

Adrian's piercing gaze locked onto Vivian. "She did it because she wants your husband. She was trying to engineer some dramatic encounter, hoping it would lead somewhere. If we let this slide, what's to stop every other woman from trying the same stunt? Do you think I have time to visit the police station daily to deal with this kind of nonsense?"

Clarissa's face paled. For someone accustomed to admiration and attention, having her scheme exposed by the very man she desired was a humiliation beyond bearing. Her lips trembled as she lowered her head, wishing the ground would swallow her whole.