Chapter 335

A sharp ache pierced Vivian's chest as the truth settled in. To Adrian, this wasn't a token of affection or romance. It was simply another possession—a glittering testament to his influence and fortune.

The sound of footsteps interrupted her thoughts. Gwendolyn emerged from the kitchen, drying her hands on a linen towel. Her eyes landed on the grand piano, widening with undisguised avarice.

"A crystal piano?" she gasped, her voice trembling with barely contained excitement. "What's the price tag on something like that?"

Ethan hesitated, visibly reluctant to indulge Gwendolyn's prying. Then, spotting an opportunity to showcase Adrian's devotion, he turned to Vivian.

"The opening bid was forty million," he said respectfully. "But it finally sold for one hundred twenty million. Several prominent families were competing, but when they realized Mr. Blackwood was bidding..."

His words trailed off meaningfully. No one dared challenge Adrian's financial dominance. Auction items became his the moment he desired them. Others would place polite bids before withdrawing—a calculated show of deference to the Blackwood empire.

Gwendolyn's mouth fell open. "One hundred twenty million?" she shrieked, scrambling for her phone.

She snapped several photos, muttering, "My son won't believe his eyes."

"How could anyone spend that much on..." Her voice dropped to an envious whisper.

Adrian's expression darkened, irritation flashing across his features.

Ethan swiftly intervened. "That will be all," he told Gwendolyn firmly.

Adrian turned to Vivian, his voice softening. "Would you like to play?"

Vivian hesitated, then gave a small nod.

She approached the magnificent instrument, fingertips grazing the flawless keys. The resulting notes rang out with crystalline purity, each tone resonating with perfect clarity. It was breathtaking.

For a fleeting moment, she allowed herself to admire the craftsmanship, pushing aside the complicated emotions tied to this extravagant gift. After all, she wouldn't keep it after their arrangement ended. She might as well appreciate this masterpiece while she could.

Drawing a steadying breath, Vivian positioned her hands. She'd intended to play "Eternal Melody," but the moment demanded something different.

Instead, her fingers found a haunting wartime composition—a melancholic piece brimming with sorrow and sacrifice. The mournful notes painted vivid imagery of a fallen city at dusk, its crumbling structures standing as silent witnesses to devastation.

The music hung heavy in the air, stirring profound emotion in all who heard it.

A stunned silence followed the final, lingering note.

"That was extraordinary, Mrs. Blackwood! Simply masterful!" Ethan applauded enthusiastically.

Adrian nodded, his gaze never leaving Vivian. "Beautiful," he murmured.

"It carries such tragic majesty—" Ethan began analyzing the piece's somber tones but abruptly stopped, casting a nervous glance at Adrian.

Clearing his throat, he muttered, "I should return to the office."

With that, he made a hasty exit from Seabreeze Villa.