Chapter 351

The evening air buzzed with anticipation as Vivian found herself reluctantly joining the performance. Though Cassandra had orchestrated this moment, the live band elevated the atmosphere exponentially. Adrian extended his hand with practiced grace, and Vivian placed hers in his palm.

His large hand engulfed her delicate fingers completely. Cassandra's sharp eyes immediately noticed Vivian's bare ring finger. Seizing the chance to stir trouble, she purred, "Vivian darling, where's your wedding band? Mr. Blackwood is wearing his so proudly."

In the chaos of fleeing Seabreeze Villa during the fire, Vivian had left her jewelry behind. The thought of replacing it hadn't even crossed her mind until this moment. Flustered by Cassandra's pointed question, Vivian opened her mouth but no words came out.

To everyone's surprise, Adrian answered smoothly, "If my wife chooses not to wear it, clearly the design doesn't suit her taste." His expression remained perfectly composed, giving nothing away.

Mistaking his calm demeanor for hidden resentment, Cassandra pressed further. "They say in every marriage, one partner always loves more deeply. Seems Mr. Blackwood is the devoted one here."

Julian quickly jumped to Vivian's defense. "That's not necessarily true. As actors, we often remove jewelry for roles. Vivian probably just forgot in her dedication to her craft."

Adrian's gaze slid to Julian, taking in the younger man's casual ensemble - designer jeans paired with a half-unbuttoned white shirt showcasing his gym-toned physique. A walking cliché.

The corner of Adrian's mouth twitched. Those so-called muscles were about as impressive as a malnourished greyhound's. What truly grated was Julian's repeated defense of Vivian - twice now. He found this upstart more irritating than that Hartwell boy. Especially remembering how Vivian had once taken his drink to give to Julian.

Adrian smoothly inserted himself between Vivian and Julian, addressing Cassandra with a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "I don't mind loving more. If my wife dislikes her ring, I'll buy her a new one. If her roles require different styles, I'll acquire a collection to match each character."

The crowd gasped at such extravagant promises. This level of indulgence bordered on fantasy. Vivian blinked in stunned silence. How could wedding rings hold meaning if they became disposable costume pieces?

Overwhelmed by Adrian's declarations, she murmured, "Shall we dance now?"

Adrian's arm encircled Vivian's waist as he guided her to center stage. The lights dimmed until only a spotlight illuminated them. As the music swelled, they began moving with effortless grace.

Initially, the audience watched with polite interest. But as their steps grew more intricate and synchronized, jaws dropped throughout the ballroom.

Wait - hadn't she claimed to be an amateur? This performance rivaled championship ballroom dancers! Combined with their striking beauty, they created pure visual poetry.

All attention remained riveted on the dazzling couple gliding across the floor, their movements a seamless conversation of elegance. Cassandra's violin strains faded into irrelevance as spectators became entranced. The light caught Vivian's hair, transforming her dark tresses into liquid silk that shimmered with every turn, radiating quiet magnetism.

Determined to reclaim attention, Cassandra abruptly switched to a frenetic piece, dramatically increasing the tempo. The band had no choice but to follow her lead. Attempting a waltz at this speed was courting disaster - one misstep would send them tumbling.

The host discreetly wiped his brow, anxiety mounting. If Adrian stumbled now, the entire network would bear the humiliation.