Chapter 276

Dominic Sinclair crushed his half-smoked cigarette against the ashtray and rose with an exaggerated sigh. "Took you ladies long enough!" Audrey Winslow shot him a glare sharp enough to slice through steel. "If you can't say something pleasant, maybe keep that pretty mouth shut."

Ethan Caldwell had stayed back at Seabreeze Villa to handle some urgent work, leaving the remaining four to explore the private hot springs of Crystalpeak Resort. These weren't just ordinary hot springs - they were the epitome of luxury. The courtyard alone housed eight different pools, each offering unique experiences: champagne baths, therapeutic mineral soaks, rose petal pools, and more.

Audrey grabbed Vivian Hartley's wrist with childlike excitement. "We're starting with the champagne pool!" Adrian Blackwood and Dominic followed at a leisurely pace, already loosening their silk robes.

As the men shrugged off their robes, their sculpted physiques were revealed - broad shoulders tapering to narrow waists, abdominal muscles so defined they could've been chiseled from marble.

Audrey's gaze lingered on Adrian's swim trunks, and she elbowed Vivian with a mischievous grin. "Damn girl, you really won the genetic lottery!"

Dominic caught the implication and immediately adjusted his own swimwear defensively. "Excuse me? I'm not exactly lacking in that department either! These trunks just don't fit right!"

Adrian's eyes flicked toward Vivian, only to find her gaze curiously assessing Dominic. His reaction was instantaneous - without warning, he delivered a sharp kick that sent Dominic tumbling into the pool.

The splash was spectacular. Dominic surfaced moments later, sputtering and wiping water from his face just as Audrey and Vivian were slipping out of their robes.

Audrey had chosen a violet bikini that perfectly matched her headband. Normally exuding sultry confidence, the swimsuit gave her an unexpectedly sweet, almost innocent charm - a tantalizing contradiction.

Dominic's jaw went slack. But when he turned, his gaze followed Adrian's and landed on Vivian.

Vivian wore a white one-piece with daring cutouts at the waist and back, covered by a sheer wrap that hinted at more than it revealed. Her long legs bore only faint traces of past scars, giving her an ethereal quality of both fragility and strength.

The pool sat near the courtyard's edge. Two men passing by couldn't resist peering through the slats in the fence.

Vivian and Audrey were busy taking selfies by the pool's edge.

One man stroked his chin appreciatively. "That one in violet? She's got something special."

His companion disagreed. "You're blind. The other one's a goddess. Those curves could start wars."

Adrian's expression darkened dangerously, his gaze locking onto the intruders.

Dominic stormed from the pool, water dripping from his chiseled frame as he marched toward the fence. "Get lost! This is private property!"

The men turned their attention to Dominic, one raising an eyebrow. "Who's this pretty boy? You got no idea who you're talking to."

The second man whistled loudly, calling out, "Hey ladies, ditch these losers. We'll show you a real good time."