Chapter 305

Adrian's voice held a deceptive calm, like still waters hiding dangerous undercurrents. "I've been investigating Dawson Enterprises. They recently signed a new supplier contract. Richard opted for cheaper materials to boost profits, but now the product quality has plummeted. They're facing massive compensation claims."

Before Vivian could react, her phone buzzed with an unfamiliar number.

The message glowed on her screen: "The company stands on the brink of collapse. This was your mother's legacy. Save it, and I'll give you thirty percent shares."

She handed the phone to Adrian with a bitter smile. "Speak of the devil."

"More like the devil's offering you a poisoned apple," Adrian countered, his voice casual but his piercing gaze betraying his concern.

His chest constricted watching her, but he buried the emotion deep, like precious jewels in a vault.

Adrian Blackwood had never been one for emotional exhibitions.

All he desired was to protect Vivian from life's tempests.

Yet Vivian's voice remained steady as morning frost. "He's not trying to save me. If the company recovers, they'll discard me immediately."

"And if it fails, they'll leave me drowning in debt while they escape with whatever remains."

Adrian studied her face - the delicate arch of her brows, the proud line of her nose, the perfect symmetry of her features.

At twenty-four, she should be sheltered by family, not used as their sacrificial lamb.

Vivian tilted her head up, her lips hovering dangerously close to his, the space between them charged with electricity.

The air thickened with unspoken tension neither dared acknowledge.

Vivian's gaze dropped to Adrian's lips, memories flooding back unbidden - his possessive kisses, the way his hands claimed her body.

Heat rushed to her cheeks. She quickly lowered her head, letting her hair curtain her face.

She shifted subtly, creating distance between them.

This quiet intimacy unsettled her more than their physical encounters.

Sex could be compartmentalized, treated as mechanical even.

But these stolen moments? They dismantled her defenses, awakening emotions too dangerous to name.

Adrian's dark eyes flickered at her retreat.

The ghost of a smile touched his lips before vanishing. "What's your next move?" he asked evenly.