Chapter 378

Adrian hesitated, the forkful of scrambled eggs hovering near his lips. "He's his own man. A grown adult who makes his own decisions."

Vivian could tell he was brushing off her concern. She pursed her lips. "What decisions? He hasn't accomplished anything worthwhile in years."

"Viv, you shouldn't trouble yourself about him," Audrey interjected, her tone unusually restrained as she tugged lightly at Vivian's sleeve.

Vivian exhaled sharply through her nose. "It's not about him. I just don't want you getting tangled in his schemes without knowing the full picture and ending up empty-handed."

Audrey, realizing Vivian had pieced everything together, didn't bother with denials. Instead, she absently pushed her lobster around the plate with her fork. "I've made my choice."

"Whatever consequences come, I'll face them."

"Nothing worth having comes easy. Where's that fiery determination you had in high school when you defied your entire family?" Vivian scooped a generous portion of crab gratin into Audrey's bowl. "Eat this. I want to see that spark in your eyes again, not this... resigned version of you."

An uncomfortable silence settled over the table. Adrian, true to form, remained quiet, maintaining his composed presence. Except for the occasional playful exchange with Vivian, he spoke little. With Audrey present, the silence stretched even longer, leaving Vivian grasping for words. The air felt unnaturally still.

Since the tension with Serena had been resolved the previous day, Vivian had no qualms about enjoying her meal. "The food here really is exceptional," she commented casually.

"I'll have some delivered to your film set," Adrian said quietly, setting down his fork and dabbing his mouth with a napkin.

Vivian's portions were petite, and Adrian finished his meal with swift elegance, making Vivian and Audrey's more relaxed dining habits seem almost unrefined in comparison.

Vivian waved her hand dismissively. "Don't bother. The crew has their catering, and Ivory Phoenix Productions takes excellent care of us. No need for special treatment."

Adrian didn't insist. "Enjoy your meal. Don't worry about cleaning up—I have work to attend to." With that, he rose and left.

Audrey put down her fork and leaned closer to Vivian, curiosity coloring her tone. "So what's really going on between you two? Still planning that divorce?"

Vivian paused mid-bite, considering her response. She decided to play the emotional card. Softly, she said, "Adrian got injured protecting me."

"He was hurt?" Audrey's eyebrows shot up as she glanced toward Adrian, who sat working quietly at a nearby desk. Vivian followed her gaze. Even in silence, Adrian commanded attention. He looked nothing like a man who'd nearly died the day before. Memories of their intense encounter the previous night flooded Vivian's mind—it had been unforgettable. Hardly the behavior of someone at death's door.

Internally, Vivian sighed. Clearly Adrian was exaggerating his injuries, but perhaps she was using the situation to justify her own wavering resolve. Her determination to end their marriage had weakened amid the ongoing complications.

After finishing her meal, Vivian set down her bowl. "Let's not dwell on it. How are things with you and Dominic?"