Chapter 278

A quick assessment showed the two men had predatory gazes that made the women's skin crawl. Both Vivian and Audrey were already wrapped modestly in their robes.

"Vivian?" A familiar voice called softly from behind.

She turned to see Julian Montclair approaching in crisp white athletic wear, his breathing steady from his morning run.

Her brows lifted in surprise. "Julian? What are you doing here?"

He nodded politely at Audrey before explaining, "I'm the primary investor. Whenever business brings me to Willowbrook, I stay at this resort." He gestured toward the misty mountains. "The fresh air makes for perfect running conditions."

Vivian absorbed this revelation silently. That Julian owned Crystalpeak Hot Springs was unexpected.

She hesitated, torn between confronting the creeps and avoiding potential backlash for Julian. In today's digital age, even justified actions could be twisted into viral scandals.

Audrey didn't hesitate. "Julian, these disgusting men harassed us, and Mr. Pembroke here tried calling the police on us instead of them."

Realizing Julian knew Vivian, Mr. Pembroke began sweating profusely. His eyes darted nervously as he stammered, "It was these two who started the altercation and assaulted our vendors—"

The battered men limped forward. One pointed to his swollen face from Dominic's punch. "Look what he did to me!"

Audrey smirked. "Honestly? That might be an improvement."

Julian's expression turned icy as he addressed Mr. Pembroke. "Have these two taken to the station."

The manager initially nodded before realizing Julian meant the suppliers, not Adrian's group. He swallowed hard. "They're Willowbrook's largest suppliers. Replacing them last minute would—"

"Then I'll find someone who can," Julian interrupted coldly, as if discussing the weather.

"Right away, sir!" Mr. Pembroke fumbled for his radio, beads of sweat forming. "Security to Courtyard Three immediately!"

The men paled. Rumors about Crystalpeak's mysterious owner being connected to the Blackwood family in Crestwood suddenly made sense. They dropped to their knees. "Mr. Montclair, we didn't know these ladies were with you. Please forgive us!"

Vivian's glare could freeze lava. "So women without powerful connections are fair game?" Audrey added sharply, "Run background checks. I'd bet my designer bag they've done this before."

Julian's piercing gaze locked onto Mr. Pembroke. "You heard them?"

"Yes, absolutely!" The manager bobbed his head frantically. "We'll investigate thoroughly."