Chapter 321

The moonlight cast an enigmatic glow in Adrian's fathomless eyes.

Vivian stood frozen, her mind racing with unspoken questions. Was Adrian truly oblivious, or was this all an elaborate act?

Her earlier comment about exhaustion hadn't been casual. She'd deliberately made that pointed remark while he was on call with Serena. Where was his usual defense? Where was the immediate reprimand she'd come to expect? Vivian had openly challenged Serena's presence, yet Adrian remained uncharacteristically silent.

In the past, the slightest hint from Serena would have Adrian chastising Vivian without hesitation...

She parted her lips, then pressed them shut. Asking now would only reveal how much his behavior affected her. She couldn't give him that satisfaction.

With practiced indifference, Vivian yanked open the car door and slid inside without a word.

Through the window, she saw Adrian still standing motionless outside. Ignoring him, she pulled out her phone and texted Audrey: "Why the sudden change in behavior?"

Audrey's reply came instantly: "Classic reverse psychology."

"Keep playing hard to get. He'll come running."

Vivian scoffed at the unhelpful advice and pocketed her phone.

When she offered no reaction, Adrian finally entered the car. He opened his laptop, reviewing the investment portfolio Ethan had prepared earlier.

After a while, he slipped on black-rimmed glasses. Though his vision was perfect, they helped reduce screen glare. The frames transformed him - a dangerous predator masquerading as a scholar.

Vivian stole a glance. Contrary to popular belief about glasses diminishing attractiveness, they only enhanced Adrian's sophisticated allure. The laptop's glow reflected in his lenses, adding an air of mystery.

"I know I'm attractive," he said without looking up from the screen. "No need for covert glances."

Heat flooded Vivian's cheeks at being caught.

"Your ego is astounding," she snapped. "I was thinking you look like a pretentious academic."

Adrian merely smirked, refusing to rise to the bait.

Deflated by his indifference, Vivian leaned against the window and closed her eyes. The day's events - from the company visit to Blackwood Manor - had drained her completely.

Sleep claimed her almost instantly.

Finishing his work, Adrian removed his glasses and rubbed the bridge of his nose. His gaze fell on Vivian's peaceful sleeping form. He shut the laptop and draped a blanket over her.

As she shifted, her cheek brushed against his hand. He couldn't resist tracing the curve of her face with his thumb. Her lips looked impossibly soft, like ripe fruit begging to be tasted.

Overcome, Adrian leaned down and pressed a featherlight kiss to the corner of her mouth.