Chapter 363

Adrian's gaze lingered on Vivian with a playful spark in his eyes. "Are you implying we could... entertain ourselves?" He deliberately let the question hang, a roguish smirk tugging at his lips.

Vivian instantly understood his suggestive tone about intimate possibilities in the hospital room. Meanwhile, Ethan, preoccupied with packing, completely missed the innuendo and bluntly asked, "So what's the plan, Mrs. Blackwood?"

Adrian's smirk deepened as he teasingly echoed, "Yes, Mrs. Blackwood. What is your plan?"

Vivian shot him an exasperated glare. Only then did Ethan notice their charged expressions, realizing his blunder. He immediately retreated into silence, wanting to avoid further awkwardness.

When they reached Seabreeze Villa nearing midnight, an unsettling quiet enveloped the estate. Approaching the entrance, Vivian heard raised voices. She rolled down the window and turned to Adrian. "Were we expecting visitors?"

Adrian shook his head firmly. "I didn't invite anyone."

As their car entered the courtyard, they spotted Gwendolyn at the doorway with a disheveled man in tow.

Seeing them emerge from the vehicle, Gwendolyn plastered on a smile. "Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood, welcome home." Despite her efforts, Vivian detected guilt flashing in the housekeeper's eyes.

"Who's this?" Adrian's voice turned icy as his gaze shifted to the hooded figure behind Gwendolyn.

The man appeared in his thirties with a slouched posture that screamed trouble. His designer hoodie and ripped jeans bore the Balenciaga logo, but everything about him screamed counterfeit. Before Gwendolyn could respond, he stepped forward, extending a hand toward Adrian. "Mr. Blackwood, right? I'm Gwendolyn's son."

Adrian barely glanced at the offered hand before dismissing it. Gwendolyn hastily pulled her son's arm down and removed the toothpick from his mouth. "Mind your manners! You're speaking to Mr. Blackwood!"

The man scoffed, giving his mother a disdainful look. "What's this, Mom? A few weeks as a maid and you've forgotten how to stand straight? Should I grovel too?"

Adrian ignored their exchange, addressing Gwendolyn with stern finality. "This is your only warning. No uninvited guests."

Gwendolyn broke into nervous sweat, bowing her head. "My apologies, Mr. Blackwood. It won't happen again. I just forgot his allowance this month."

At this, the son smirked and thrust out his palm. "Then pay up now and I'll leave your precious Mr. Blackwood alone." As Gwendolyn fumbled with a stack of bills, he snatched the entire wad from her hands. "This'll do."