Chapter 319

Vivian turned away, her back facing them.

Adrian felt Margaret lean in close, her whisper barely audible. "What's gotten into your mother today?"

"Beats me," Adrian drawled, stretching his arms behind his head. His eyelids lifted lazily. "Since when did you develop a taste for discomfort? She's being pleasant for once."

Vivian aimed a playful kick at his shin with her slippered foot. "You're the one who enjoys suffering!"

The soft impact only made her toes throb painfully.

Just then, the front door opened. A sophisticated woman in designer attire entered, her arms laden with gift bags. Vivian watched as Margaret greeted their visitor with unexpected warmth.

"Mrs. Harrington, you shouldn't have gone through all this trouble."

"Nonsense," Mrs. Harrington replied, setting her parcels on the side table. "I needed the walk after dinner anyway."

She hesitated, fingers twisting the strap of her purse.

Though Margaret played the role of society wife, her marriage into the powerful Blackwood family had sharpened her instincts. She noticed the woman's discomfort immediately. Normally she'd pretend not to see, but tonight was different.

"Whatever it is, just say it," Margaret prompted gently. "We're practically family."

Mrs. Harrington's gaze darted toward Adrian and Vivian before lowering her voice. "It's about your family's... private gambling cruise. The authorities shut it down abruptly overseas..."

Vivian's breath caught.

A gambling cruise? Could that be the same one where she'd encountered Julian? Were the Blackwoods involved in illegal operations?

Her eyes sought Adrian's for answers. To her knowledge, the Blackwood Group strictly avoided any ventures tied to gambling or narcotics.

Adrian dabbed his mouth with a linen napkin, completely unruffled. "Not my division," he said simply. "I play by the rules."

Vivian decided not to press further. With the Blackwood family's sprawling empire, it wasn't surprising if some branches dabbled in gray areas.

Mrs. Harrington offered them an awkward smile. "Oh, Mr. Blackwood, I didn't realize you'd be joining us this evening."

Margaret smoothly intervened. "They were just leaving." She beckoned Vivian over. "Come here, dear."

Vivian approached with measured steps. "Good evening, Mrs. Harrington."

"You've grown even lovelier, Vivian," the woman replied with polite detachment.

Margaret pressed one of the gift bags into Vivian's hands. "These are for you."

Peeking inside, Vivian found an assortment of premium supplements. "What are they for?"

Mrs. Harrington's smile turned knowing. "The very best quality. Take them daily without fail."

"Of course," Vivian murmured, accepting the mysterious gift with both hands.