Chapter 304

Vivian let out a sharp, bitter laugh. Was Serena deliberately twisting the knife deeper now that Vivian couldn't participate in the show? The moment Vivian's spot became unavailable, Serena had swooped in without hesitation.

Gwendolyn smiled slyly as she handed her phone to Vivian. "My nephew watches Spotlight Night religiously every Friday. I believe I overheard you discussing it with Miss Winslow yesterday. Weren't you supposed to be joining them?"

"Indeed," Vivian replied distractedly, her gaze drifting toward the grand staircase as her thoughts spiraled.

Had Adrian truly returned for her? Or was his sudden reappearance solely to secure Serena's position on the popular variety show?

So consumed by her suspicions, Vivian completely missed the self-satisfied smirk playing on Gwendolyn's lips.

Abandoning her cooking plans abruptly, Vivian's mood shifted like mercury.

She thrust the skimmer toward Gwendolyn, her voice icy. "Mr. Blackwood requires a clarified beef consommé."

Gwendolyn had arrived early to clean up last night's hot pot remnants. When Vivian announced she'd prepare lunch personally, the housekeeper had anticipated a rare break. Now unexpectedly drafted into service, irritation prickled her skin.

Her displeasure surfaced immediately. "Madam, you specifically promised to cook today. Isn't it rather inconsistent to suddenly delegate this task?"

A flash of annoyance sparked in Vivian's eyes. "What's improper about assigning tasks? Does the broth's origin truly matter?"

A sardonic voice sliced through their exchange. "Since when did you develop this habit of saying one thing while doing another?" Adrian descended the staircase with deliberate grace.

The gray silk loungewear draped effortlessly over his broad shoulders, the understated luxury only amplifying his commanding presence.

Vivian ignored his jab, cutting straight to the point. "Exactly how much did you invest in Spotlight Night?"

Adrian strolled toward the sofa, pausing just long enough to toss back a careless response. "That insipid variety show? I wouldn't waste a single dor on such trivial entertainment."

Vivian's eyes narrowed to slits. "Are you absolutely certain about that?"

He exhaled a laugh tinged with exasperation. "What would satisfy you? Should I call Ethan to deliver our corporate expense reports for your inspection?"

Nearby, Gwendolyn - who'd been halfheartedly washing vegetables while eavesdropping - felt a sudden pang of unease.

Her intention had merely been to stir the pot slightly, but Vivian had seized her bait and hurled it like a javelin at Adrian.

Discreetly retrieving her phone, she typed a hurried message to Serena: "She's becoming harder to manipulate."

"Fine, I'll return to the kitchen," Vivian muttered, her earlier frustration dissolving into weary resignation.

Noticing her discomfort, Adrian reached out unexpectedly, guiding her gently to his side. "Forget about cooking. Let's discuss Dawson Enterprises instead."

Startled, Vivian allowed herself to be led to the sofa, confusion flickering in her expressive eyes.