Chapter 291

The night before had been a close call. Thank goodness Vivian hadn’t gone to the spa. Who knew what kind of disaster might have erupted?

One Hour Later

The group gathered their things and left Crystalpeak Hot Springs. Audrey, usually so carefree, was acting strangely. Just as everyone was about to get into their cars, she suddenly walked over to Adrian’s vehicle. "I’m riding with you guys," she declared.

Dominic shot her a brief glance but said nothing, heading to his own car and driving off without another word. "Adrian, I’m going back to the hotel to pack. I’ll return to Crestwood separately."

Audrey seemed oblivious, only turning to watch Dominic’s car disappear down the road. Vivian sensed the tension but chose not to pry into their personal drama.

The three of them stood awkwardly beside the car. The extra passenger wasn’t the problem—figuring out the seating arrangement was.

Adrian’s icy gaze landed on Audrey. "Sit in the front."

Audrey bristled. "Why don’t you sit up front? I want to talk to Vivian."

Vivian opened her mouth to intervene, but before she could speak, Adrian ignored them both and slid into the backseat without another word.

With a defeated sigh, Audrey yanked open the passenger door and climbed in.

As the car pulled away, Adrian scrolled through his phone, skimming headlines about the Fed cutting interest rates and loosening real estate restrictions in several cities.

His mind briefly wandered to Vivian. Maybe it was time to buy a few properties under her name.

In the front seat, Audrey fidgeted restlessly, turning her head every few seconds like she was dying to spill her thoughts about Dominic. But each time she caught sight of Adrian’s brooding expression in the rearview mirror, she swallowed her words and sank back into her seat.

Finally, she gave up and pulled out her phone. Without headphones, the thumping bass of DJ music filled the car.

Vivian leaned forward, curious. "What’s that noise? What are you watching?"

Audrey tilted her screen toward her. "Male dancers."

The video displayed a shirtless streamer gyrating under flashing lights, his exaggerated abs and chest flexing dramatically for the camera. The shadows made his physique look even more sculpted than it probably was.

Vivian’s gaze flickered to Adrian’s reflection in the mirror, then back to the screen. She couldn’t help but compare—and found herself slightly disappointed.

Just as she was about to look away, Adrian’s cold stare met hers.

He scoffed, his voice dripping with disdain. "Your taste is questionable."

The condescension stung. Vivian straightened, lifting her chin defiantly. "You old-school types wouldn’t understand the appeal of younger men. They’re sweet, energetic, and actually know how to have fun—something you might not be familiar with."

Audrey jumped in eagerly. "Exactly! And let’s not forget their stamina. Unlike some older guys, who probably can’t even—"

"Enough," Adrian cut in, his lips curling into a dangerous smirk as his eyes locked onto Vivian. There was a challenge in his gaze, sharp and unyielding. "Are you sure you’re talking about the right person?"