Chapter 281

The man was Mr. Pembroke's most trusted aide, renowned for his razor-sharp intellect and uncanny ability to read situations.

Mr. Pembroke exhaled heavily, his shoulders slumping. "I've made a grave miscalculation today. Mr. Montclair might have me dismissed by morning. Back in Crestwood, I was just another errand boy, but this position was supposed to be my big break. The salary alone was triple what I earned before. Today's blunder could cost me everything."

His assistant attempted to console him. "You've already evacuated the premises, and the families you relocated hold significant sway in Willowbrook. I doubt Mr. Montclair will remain angry for long."

A disbelieving laugh escaped Mr. Pembroke's lips. "In all my years, I've never seen Mr—"

"Montclair show such devotion to any woman. I made some discreet inquiries. They say he walked away from a billion-sterling deal without hesitation, all because of her."

The assistant's eyes gleamed with sudden inspiration. "Mr. Pembroke, perhaps this isn't a disaster, but rather... an opportunity?"

"What sort of opportunity?" Mr. Pembroke's voice held cautious hope.

Leaning in conspiratorially, the assistant lowered his voice. "If Mr. Montclair is this infatuated, why not arrange for the woman to be sent directly to his chambers? Turn your mistake into an act of service. He might reward you handsomely for such... consideration."

Inside Seabreeze Villa, Adrian reclined in the steaming mineral pool, his muscular arms resting along the stone edge. Dominic sat beside him, fingers flying across his gaming console with the intensity of a general commanding troops. Every button press echoed through the tranquil space like miniature explosions.

Audrey discreetly raised her phone, capturing a candid shot of Vivian leaning against the pool's mosaic tiles. The faint shutter sound made Adrian's eyelids flicker momentarily.

Vivian's skin glowed pink from the heat. Beads of water traced mesmerizing paths—starting at her temples, cascading down her jawline, following the elegant curve of her neck, before disappearing beneath the shimmering surface. Each droplet's journey seemed deliberately sensual, designed to torment.

Memories assaulted Adrian—visions of Vivian beneath him, those same water droplets replaced by sweat, her lips parted in ecstasy. The recollection sent heat pooling low in his abdomen. He clenched his jaw, forcing his eyes shut and his thoughts toward business matters.

Unaware of Adrian's heated gaze, Audrey tucked her phone away with flushed cheeks. "That's it, I'm done!" she announced, scrambling from the water. "I can't take another minute of this sauna. Honestly, I can barely breathe!"

Dominic, having just defeated his digital nemesis, set aside the console with a triumphant smirk. "Pathetic stamina. We've been soaking what—twenty minutes? And you're already surrendering?"

Audrey turned to Vivian for support. "Do you hear how he talks? Absolutely no tact whatsoever!"

Dominic stretched lazily, his grin widening. "Just calling it like I see it."

"Four of us here, and you're the only one turning into a cooked lobster. Admit it—you're embarrassingly out of shape." With theatrical flair, he flexed his arms, water cascading from his defined biceps. "Unlike yours truly. These bad boys? Pure Crystalpeak Range endurance. Could hike those trails backward and still have energy to spare."

Audrey's eye roll could have powered a small turbine. "Congratulations. You've officially become a walking gym advertisement."

Vivian rose gracefully, stretching her limbs. "Actually, I'm starting to feel it too. This heat is more intense than I expected." Her damp hair clung to her shoulders as she moved toward the steps.