Chapter 333

The fluorescent lights of the hospital corridor cast sterile shadows as Adrian Blackwood set down the medical chart. His gaze drifted to Serena Whitmore, whose fingers flew across her phone screen with intense concentration.

"What's captured your attention so thoroughly?" Adrian's deep voice held amusement as he leaned against the counter.

Serena's manicured nails swiped left, closing the messaging app with practiced ease. She pulled up an exclusive auction platform, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "Crestwood Galleries is hosting a private auction tonight. Look at this breathtaking necklace."

She tilted the screen toward him, her usual sharp features softening into a coy smile. The diamond choker shimmered under the display lights, its ribbon-like design studded with stones that mimicked celestial constellations.

Adrian barely glanced at the jewelry. "If it pleases you, have my assistant place a bid." His tone was dismissive as his attention wandered to the far corner of the room.

There stood a crystal grand piano, its transparent surface catching the light like frozen starlight. The instrument seemed transported from some enchanted realm.

Serena followed his gaze and gasped. "That's the piano from Eternal Melody! The one where the heroine played the theme song during the rain scene."

Eternal Melody. A promise of forever.

As Serena chattered about the film's romantic climax, Adrian's mind conjured a different image - a slender figure with graceful fingers dancing across those same keys, creating magic with every touch.

Meanwhile, across town, Vivian Hartley emerged from Dawson Enterprises' headquarters, a leather portfolio clutched tightly in her hands. The signed contracts within represented her hard-won victory - 45% of the company's shares now rested under her control. More than double what her mother had ever held.

The night air carried the scent of impending rain as she hailed a cab. One bright star pierced through the urban light pollution, and Vivian allowed herself to believe it might be her mother's approving gaze from beyond.

When the taxi pulled up to Seabreeze Villa, the scene resembled a military operation. Workers in protective gloves maneuvered an enormous crate through the wrought-iron gates under Ethan Caldwell's watchful supervision.

"Mrs. Blackwood," Ethan greeted with a slight bow. "Mr. Blackwood's latest gift has arrived."

Vivian's lips pressed into a thin line. Adrian's gifts typically fell into predictable categories - glittering baubles meant to dazzle but never to truly see her. What impersonal luxury awaited her this time?

The crate loomed like a silent question between them. Whatever lay inside would change everything.