Chapter 374

The moment the words "Mrs. Blackwood" left Vivian's lips, the receptionist froze like a statue. Her mind reeled at the impossible notion that this plainly dressed woman could be married to the formidable Adrian Blackwood.

"I...I...can't..." The receptionist's voice trembled violently, her throat closing around the words as panic set in.

Nearby, Damien Vaughn observed the scene with detached amusement. "Seems Mr. Blackwood's leadership isn't as impeccable as everyone claims," he remarked dryly.

Damien had always resented living in Adrian's shadow. Both came from wealthy families, yet Adrian was constantly held up as the golden standard. Since childhood, their elders had used Adrian's achievements to shame other children, especially Damien.

When he met Vivian, Damien recognized her worth immediately - a quality Adrian seemed blind to. The way Adrian doted on that manipulative Serena Whitmore while neglecting his own wife fueled Damien's contempt. To him, Adrian was nothing more than a walking bank account, undeserving of Vivian's affection.

Ethan Caldwell's voice cut through the tension. "Report to HR for your final paycheck. Consider today your last day."

Audrey Winslow protested immediately. "Ethan, why protect her? She swore she'd crawl ten laps across this lobby. Are we just forgetting that now?"

The receptionist found her voice. "This is Blackwood Group's headquarters! If I actually crawled here, it would damage our corporate reputation!"

Vivian arched an eyebrow. "Since when did you become the guardian of company image?"

Defiance flashed in the receptionist's eyes. "Just because Ethan respects you doesn't make you Mrs. Blackwood. Everyone knows Mr. Blackwood only loves Ms. Whitmore. If you were truly his wife, wouldn't the entire company recognize you? How else could this misunderstanding happen?"

"She's right." A deep voice resonated through the lobby. "Since you're here today, let me properly introduce you to avoid future...confusion."

All heads turned as Adrian emerged from the private elevator. His charcoal gray suit hugged his broad shoulders perfectly as he strode toward them with effortless grace. In three steps, he was at Vivian's side, casually taking her bag and slipping an arm around her waist. "What brings you here?" he murmured.

"Thought I'd bring you lunch," Vivian replied evenly, though disappointment prickled at her heart. The restaurant staff had mentioned Serena already delivered a meal - one Adrian had likely eaten.

To her surprise, Adrian said, "Perfect timing. I skipped lunch today. Haven't eaten yet either? Let's go upstairs together."

"I haven't," Vivian admitted, her original plan to share a quiet office lunch suddenly back on the table.

Damien bid Vivian farewell with a polite nod to Audrey, pointedly ignoring Adrian's presence. Unfazed, Adrian guided Vivian toward the elevator, Audrey following silently behind. As the doors closed, Vivian caught a glimpse of the receptionist sinking to her knees in the lobby.

"Why was Damien Vaughn here to see you?" Vivian asked as the elevator ascended.

The question hung between them, unanswered as the numbers climbed higher. Adrian's grip on her waist tightened almost imperceptibly, his expression unreadable. Vivian studied his profile, noticing the tension in his jaw that hadn't been there yesterday.

Something was different today. Something had changed.