Chapter 275

The phone slipped from Vivian's ear with a soft click. "Alright then, we'll meet at the resort tomorrow."

Adrian stood frozen, watching helplessly as their romantic getaway morphed into a group excursion before his eyes.

Crystalpeak Hot Springs Resort - Next Day

Perched on the mountainside like a hidden jewel, Crystalpeak Resort offered the perfect escape. One side catered to lively public pools filled with vacationers, while the other boasted five exclusive villas, each with private thermal springs where guests could soak undisturbed in steaming mineral waters.

Vivian and her friends had secured one of these luxurious villas. When she arrived with Adrian, Dominic and Audrey were already pacing impatiently at the villa entrance.

Audrey practically pounced the moment Vivian stepped from the car, her lips forming an exaggerated pout. "I didn't pack a swimsuit when we left Crestwood! The resort shop has nothing but hideous floral monstrosities - I'd rather stay in my room playing video games than be seen in those!"

Ethan was already unloading their luggage. Vivian grabbed several shopping bags and handed them to Audrey with a knowing smirk. "Ethan thought ahead. These are all new swimwear and toiletries - take your pick."

Audrey's eyes sparkled as she peeked inside, immediately spotting designer labels. "These are this season's runway pieces!" She clutched the bags like precious treasure. "You absolute angel! I'm changing right now!"

Before anyone could respond, Audrey had vanished inside in a whirlwind of excitement.

"Women and their fashion," Dominic sighed, shaking his head as he turned to Adrian. "Hey mate, got any spare swim trunks I could borrow?"

Adrian's glacial stare could have frozen lava. Without speaking, he snatched a bag from Ethan and shoved it at Dominic before striding inside, his silence more cutting than any words.

Dominic blinked in confusion. "What's crawled up his trousers?" he muttered to Vivian.

Vivian merely shrugged, her tone airy. "Oh, don't mind him - he's just being dramatic today."

She followed Adrian inside, leaving Dominic scratching his head. He turned to Ethan for explanation, but the assistant merely adjusted his wire-rimmed glasses. "Mr. Sinclair, hot springs are traditionally... a couples' activity."

Dominic frowned. "But isn't it more fun with friends? Drinking, playing cards, telling stories?"

Ethan suppressed a sigh. The man was about as perceptive as a brick wall. Without responding, he gathered the remaining bags and disappeared inside.

Left standing alone, Dominic huffed. "Why's everyone in such a hurry?" he grumbled before following.

Inside, the group quickly changed. Adrian and Dominic emerged first in plush robes over their swimwear. Moments later, Vivian and Audrey appeared, their hair pinned up and similarly dressed in resort robes.