Chapter 350

The mention of the piano brought back memories of Serena's past schemes, reopening old wounds in Vivian's heart. Vivian stepped forward, deliberately avoiding Adrian's outstretched hand. With measured composure, she asked, "Isn't this the talent showcase segment?"

Cassandra ignored her question and pressed further. "I heard about a crystal piano auctioned recently for a hundred million sterlings. How does yours compare?"

Adrian's brow furrowed slightly at Vivian's avoidance. He glanced at his rejected hand before letting it drop to his side. With thinly veiled irritation, he replied, "A hundred million? I recently purchased one for my wife at that price. Perhaps it's the same instrument."

Though addressing Cassandra, his gaze never left Vivian's profile.

It took Cassandra a full ten seconds to process his words. Her face fell. "What? I was referring to the piano featured in Eternal Melody."

"Oh," Adrian responded, twisting his wedding band with unconscious pride. "That's the one."

"The symbolism seemed particularly fitting," he continued, his voice softening. "I couldn't imagine giving it to anyone but my wife."

Vivian's expressive eyes widened as she turned toward him. "You knew about the symbolism?"

Straightening his suit jacket, Adrian answered with quiet satisfaction, "Naturally. Without its meaning, I would have simply commissioned a superior crystal piano."

Cassandra's envy burned visibly, her cheeks flushing crimson. "Mr. Blackwood, you never considered gifting it to someone else?"

Unaware of Serena's past manipulations, Adrian's patience wore thin. He closed the distance and firmly grasped Vivian's hand. "In this lifetime, I have only one wife. Of course I intend for us to be together forever."

Their interlaced fingers spoke volumes, conveying a connection deeper than words.

Within Vivian, an invisible crack widened in her carefully constructed defenses, suddenly impossible to ignore.

Julian observed Adrian's tender expression with growing concern. To any outsider, they appeared the picture of marital bliss. But Julian remembered too well - how Adrian had stolen Vivian's role... how he'd publicly humiliated her... how he'd left Vivian fallen while carrying Serena away...

His gaze returned to Vivian. The usual ice in her demeanor had thawed, replaced by a vulnerable warmth that pained him to witness. A brilliant actress, yet tragically ensnared in romantic turmoil. He debated intervention, but propriety held him back - they weren't close enough for such personal interference.

As murmurs spread through the crowd, the host stepped forward. "What a rare treat to witness Mr. Blackwood and Vivian's affection today! Would you honor us with a dance? Cassandra, perhaps you could provide violin accompaniment?"

Vivian responded evenly, "Certainly. I've dabbled in waltz, though I'm hardly proficient. Please forgive any missteps."

The host turned to Cassandra. "Would that be acceptable?"

Though playing violin differed from dancing, Cassandra reluctantly agreed for the show's sake. "Of course."