Chapter 326

Vivian's expression remained inscrutable. "If you have something to say, just say it."

Gwendolyn hesitated, weighing her words carefully. "Madam, Mr. Blackwood has been exceptionally generous with you. You should show more gratitude. There was a Ms. Whitmore who used to visit frequently. Mr. Blackwood treated her with such devotion, and she never failed to express her appreciation. She considered herself blessed to know him. You could learn from her example. He's an extraordinary man. If you don't value him, others certainly will."

Her words dripped with thinly veiled sarcasm, masquerading as concern while clearly designed to undermine Vivian. The implication was clear - unlike Serena, Vivian failed to recognize Adrian's worth.

Vivian arched one perfectly shaped eyebrow, offering Gwendolyn a knowing half-smile. "Since Ms. Whitmore is such a paragon of virtue, perhaps you should suggest to Mr. Blackwood that he find himself a new wife? Someone exactly like your description of Ms. Whitmore?"

Gwendolyn's mouth fell open, her rehearsed speech dying in her throat.

This wasn't the reaction she'd anticipated. She'd deliberately mentioned Serena to provoke insecurity in Vivian, hoping to trigger jealous behavior that would alienate Adrian. Instead, Vivian had turned the tables with alarming ease.

She'd practically suggested Adrian replace her with Serena.

While this was exactly what Gwendolyn wanted, she could never voice such thoughts directly. Where did this supposed nobody get such audacity?

Was Vivian truly this confident? This unconcerned about leaving the Blackwood family? Had she found someone to replace Adrian? But who in Crestwood could possibly compare to Adrian's wealth, power, and striking looks?

The more Gwendolyn puzzled over it, the more confused she became.

"Keep your opinions to yourself in the future," Adrian interjected smoothly before Vivian could respond, his voice devoid of inflection.

Chastened, Gwendolyn lightly slapped her own wrist. "I overstepped. My apologies. I only want Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood to have a harmonious marriage—"

Before she could complete her thought, Adrian fixed her with an icy stare. "There is only one Mrs. Blackwood. Don't involve outsiders in my personal affairs."

His tone carried unmistakable finality this time, like a royal decree.

"Yes, Mr. Blackwood," Gwendolyn mumbled, bowing her head and twisting her cleaning cloth nervously, too intimidated to argue further.

"You may leave," he dismissed her with a wave.

Relieved, Gwendolyn exhaled quietly and scurried back toward the kitchen.

Vivian studied Adrian with undisguised astonishment. This marked the second time he'd defended her against Serena. She couldn't decipher his motives. Was this genuine remorse, or another tactic to cloud her judgment and prevent their divorce?

He wanted her to play the devoted wife, yet couldn't seem to sever ties with Serena completely.

As Vivian pondered this, her phone vibrated. Damien Vaughn's name illuminated the screen.

Adrian glimpsed the caller ID and smirked. "You two seem... unusually close," he remarked, his tone teasing yet edged with something darker. The upward inflection made it sound more like an accusation than a question.