Chapter 320

"Mom, Mrs. Harrington—"

"Vivian, we're leaving now," Adrian murmured as he approached her, effortlessly taking the designer tote from her shoulder while intertwining their fingers. Her delicate hand felt like silk against his palm, prompting him to give an unconscious squeeze.

Vivian offered a polite nod toward the sitting room before exiting. The fading voices carried Mrs. Harrington's bewildered whisper: "Since when did they become so intimate?" She couldn't care less about the gossip as Adrian guided her toward the driveway.

She abruptly withdrew her hand. "I'll take my own car."

Adrian glanced at their disconnected hands, lips quirking. "Don't be ridiculous. We're going together."

His phone chose that moment to ring. He checked the screen but let it vibrate unanswered, the caller ID flashing 'Serena Whitmore'. Vivian's gaze flickered to the display before she pointedly looked away, shoulders stiffening. After three rings, he finally answered.

"Adrian, have you eaten yet?" Serena's melodic voice floated through the speaker.

"I have. What do you need?" His tone softened noticeably.

Serena's playful pout was audible. "Can't I just call to—"

"We're at Blackwood Manor," he cut in, voice turning glacial.

Vivian seized the opportunity to stride toward her convertible, but Adrian caught her wrist mid-step. She shot him a withering look—did he expect her to stand there like some dutiful wife while he cooed at his ex? Just as she opened her mouth to protest, inspiration struck.

Fluttering her lashes, she purred, "Sweetheart, I'm exhausted. Could we continue this delightful conversation when we get home?"

Faking seduction came surprisingly easy.

Adrian's eyes darkened with something unreadable before he abruptly ended the call. "Nothing urgent, Serena. Rest well. We'll talk tomorrow."

The moment his phone disappeared into his pocket, their gazes locked.

Vivian crossed her arms. "Well? Going to chastise me now? Or perhaps you're upset I interrupted your tender moment with your precious, fragile ex?"

Every muscle in her body tensed like a coiled spring, ready to unleash a storm of accusations at the slightest provocation.

After a weighted pause, Adrian exhaled and reached for her. "You said you were tired. Why are you standing there like a cornered animal?"

She sidestepped his touch. "Don't deflect! What's your game here? Collecting grievances to use against me later?"

A smirk tugged at his lips. "Why would I scold you? For pretending to be tired? Do you really think I'd lose my temper over that?"

His expression grew contemplative. "Vivian, do you honestly see me as the villain in this story?"