Chapter 303

Vivian relayed Lydia's suggestion to Damien, who nodded in agreement with her logic.

They concluded it would be wisest to alter their public personas on the show temporarily.

The next morning, Vivian descended the stairs to find Adrian seated on the couch, still wearing his perfectly fitted suit with the silk tie impeccably tied.

He must have just arrived home.

At the sound of her footsteps, he lifted his gaze slowly to meet hers.

Vivian's first thought was that he'd returned because of her.

She recalled how he'd silenced Natasha yesterday, making her realize she owed him gratitude.

Collecting herself, Vivian offered a small smile, poured him a glass of water, and said, "Thank you for handling Natasha."

He accepted the water, glanced out the window with a faint smirk, and remarked dryly, "Well, the world hasn't ended yet, has it? And you're actually thanking me?"

There was a subtle weariness about him, as if he'd rushed back without rest.

Vivian felt a flicker of emotion and quickly checked the clock. "It's almost noon."

"What would you like for lunch? I'll cook." For a fleeting moment, Adrian was transported back to when Vivian would always have a warm meal waiting.

He'd once taken their domestic routine for granted, like the permanent placement of furniture.

But everything had shifted dramatically in mere months.

A wave of melancholy hit him, and he suddenly said, "Oxtail soup."

Vivian checked the refrigerator and shook her head. "No oxtail. Beef stew instead?"

Adrian's brow furrowed, his voice tinged with irritation. "You used to keep all the ingredients stocked."

"That was then," she countered sharply. "Once upon a time, diamonds were two hundred dor a carat. Times change."

Grateful or not, she refused to remain at his beck and call.

Seeing her point, Adrian conceded. "Fine. Beef stew then. With tomatoes?"

Vivian shut the fridge firmly. "No tomatoes. Plain clear broth okay?"

Adrian fell silent, at a loss for words.

Without another glance, Vivian turned toward the kitchen.

After a moment's hesitation, Adrian headed upstairs.

Shortly after, Gwendolyn slipped into the kitchen. "Madam, need any help?"

"No thank you, I've got this." Vivian turned and noticed Gwendolyn scrolling through her phone.

The screen displayed Serena's announcement about appearing on Spotlight Night.