Chapter 285

Adrian didn't wait for Vivian's response before sweeping her into his arms, pushing Audrey aside with his shoulder. The sudden movement made Audrey stumble, her high heels wobbling dangerously on the marble steps.

"Audrey!" Vivian gasped, reaching out instinctively toward her best friend.

Dominic was there in an instant, steadying Audrey with firm hands. "Careful now," he murmured, his grip gentle but secure.

Vivian withdrew her hand and glared at Adrian. "A little warning would've been nice! She could've been seriously hurt!"

"You can hardly keep yourself upright," Adrian countered sharply, adjusting Vivian effortlessly in his arms as he descended the stairs. "How exactly were you planning to catch her?"

The abrupt motion startled Vivian, and she instinctively wrapped her arms tighter around Adrian's neck, afraid he might drop her. She didn't see the faint, satisfied smirk that flickered across his lips at her reaction.

Within moments, Adrian had outpaced Dominic and Audrey, leaving them several flights behind.

Audrey dramatically collapsed onto the steps, fanning herself. "That's it. I'm officially done walking. You'll have to carry me now, Dom."

Dominic gave her an exasperated look. "If you weighed as much as Vivian, I might consider it—"

"Excuse you!" Audrey smacked his arm indignantly. "This isn't fat—it's curves! Glorious, womanly curves!"

A uniformed attendant approached with a practiced smile. "Miss, our luxury spa is currently offering complimentary aromatherapy sessions for first-time guests. Would you like to experience it?"

Audrey's eyes lit up like a child's on Christmas morning. "Hell yes! Take me there immediately!"

The attendant's gaze darted around briefly. "Will anyone be accompanying you, Miss?"

Audrey rolled her eyes dramatically. "Oh for—yes, there's another one. She's back at the villa having some 'quality time' with Mr. Tall-Dark-and-Annoying. Why all the questions?"

Dominic raised an eyebrow. "You drank three espresso martinis before dinner. No wonder you're hiccuping."

The attendant's expression shifted subtly, her smile widening. "Espresso martinis? You've been drinking coffee-based cocktails, Miss?"

Audrey narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "What, is caffeine banned at your precious spa or something?"

"Not at all," the attendant assured quickly, though her eyes gleamed strangely. "It's just that caffeine can sometimes cause hiccups. I'll prepare some ginger tea to help settle your stomach."

"I'll come with you," Dominic interjected, his protective instincts kicking in.

The attendant maintained her professional smile. "I'm afraid this is a ladies-only facility, sir. But don't worry—we'll ensure Miss Winslow returns safely to Seabreeze Villa after her treatment."

Audrey was already linking arms with the attendant. "Lead the way, spa goddess!"

Dominic frowned. "It's getting late. Why not wait until morning? You know how you get in unfamiliar places after dark. Don't expect me to come rescue you later."

The attendant's voice was honey-smooth. "We have full security measures, sir. Your friend will be perfectly safe with us."

Audrey waved dismissively over her shoulder as the attendant led her away. "Relax, Dom! I'm a big girl!"

Dominic watched them go, unease coiling in his gut. Something about the attendant's overly eager demeanor set off alarm bells in his mind.