Chapter 38

Adrian's wrist throbbed where teeth marks were already forming an angry red crescent. "Did you just sink your fangs into me?" he called after Vivian's retreating figure, watching as she limped away with surprising speed. "What kind of savage behavior is this?"

He flexed his hand, considering pursuit, then thought better of it. The woman was clearly unhinged today.

His phone vibrated violently in his pocket. Adrian snatched it up with his uninjured hand. "What?" he barked into the receiver.

Ethan's voice came through cautiously. "Mr. Blackwood, it's about Mrs. Blackwood—"

Adrian ended the call mid-sentence with a sharp jab of his thumb. He scanned the corridor—no trace of Vivian remaining. Adjusting his cuff to conceal the bite, he turned toward Serena's hospital room.

Back at the office, Ethan stared at his disconnected phone, then at the medical report in his other hand detailing Vivian's injuries from earlier. With a resigned sigh, he decided this news could wait until his boss's temper cooled.

In the private hospital suite, Serena lay against crisp white pillows, her complexion nearly matching them after the blood tests. Adrian settled beside her bed, presenting the results with a concerned frown. "All clear. But you must stop pushing yourself like this."

Serena's lips formed a practiced pout, ready to tease him about the delayed report. But something in Adrian's distant expression gave her pause. Since her return, she'd sensed subtle shifts in his attention. Worse, she feared he might resent discovering how she and Miranda had manipulated Vivian out of the role.

"Adrian?" she ventured softly, nibbling her lower lip.

His gaze snapped to her instantly. "Yes? Are you in pain?"

Masking her nerves with a show of concern, Serena whispered, "I just learned Ms. Hartley was the director's other choice. Do you think she believes I intentionally competed against her? I should have clarified things when Miranda first approached you..."

Her voice trailed off dramatically. Then, as if struck by sudden realization, tears welled in her eyes. "I'm so sorry. I never wanted to cause trouble between you. I'll withdraw from the project. There will be other roles—just please don't fight because of me."

Adrian's stern expression softened. He gently tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, his thumb brushing her cheek. "Don't be ridiculous. Vivian and I have our own issues—none of which are your concern. Rest and recover. That role is yours."

A fragile smile broke through Serena's tears. "You're too good to me. But perhaps you should speak with Ms. Hartley? I'd hate for this misunderstanding to grow."

"She's being dramatic," Adrian dismissed, though the memory of Vivian's recent hostility made his temple throb.

The door swung open as Miranda entered waving test results. "Mr. Blackwood! Perfect scores across the board. Everything's stabilized—what a relief!"