Chapter 383

Vivian's eyes tracked the retreating figures until they disappeared around the corner. A sleek black sedan caught her attention, its tinted rear window barely concealing a scandalous bobblehead figurine on the backseat. The vehicle wasn't one she recognized, nor did she care to investigate the Dawson family's questionable associates.

She turned back to the security guard who still stood like a human shield before her. His weathered face held an understanding she hadn't expected. "Mrs. Blackwood," he murmured, voice rough with sympathy, "these are modern times. No one expects blind filial piety anymore. Sometimes blood ties can be more dangerous than strangers. You made the right choice breaking away."

Vivian offered him a tight-lipped smile, appreciating the sentiment but unwilling to dwell on it. Vulnerability wasn't in her nature. "Thank you," she said simply.

As the guard stepped aside, movement at the far end of the corridor caught her eye. Adrian approached with Margaret in tow, his sharp gaze scanning Vivian from head to toe as if checking for injuries. "Mother mentioned the Dawsons showed up?" His voice was velvet over steel.

Vivian nodded, the ghost of gratitude flickering in her eyes. "They did."

The security team stopped them at the entrance. They never made it inside.

Margaret, sensing the tension, flashed a bright smile. "I'll go ahead and finalize the consultation with the specialist. You two join me when you're finished." She patted Adrian's arm before striding toward the elevators.

Adrian's brow furrowed. "We've already submitted all our medical records. What's the point of more tests?"

Margaret turned with an exasperated sigh. "This doctor comes highly recommended! Every couple he's treated has had perfectly healthy children. I pulled strings to get this appointment."

Adrian's skepticism showed in the arch of one dark eyebrow. "You're sure this isn't some quack preying on wealthy families?"

"Honestly, Adrian!" Margaret huffed. "He's a colleague of your grandmother's personal physician. Show some respect."

That silenced him. The Blackwood family had relied on Beatrice's doctor for years - his credentials were impeccable.

Once Margaret disappeared around the corner, Adrian turned to Vivian, his large hands settling on her shoulders as he searched her face. "Did she give you trouble?"

"No," Vivian murmured, slipping her fingers into his suit pocket. It wasn't aloofness - the encounter with Richard and Daphne had drained her, and she sought the solid reassurance of Adrian's presence.

He noticed immediately. With a playful tap to her nose, he drew her into his arms. "What's wrong? The Dawsons getting to you?"

Vivian pressed her cheek against his chest, breathing in the subtle cedar scent of his cologne mingled with the warmth of his body. For a moment, she simply let herself be held.

After a long exhale, she voiced her concerns. "Even if I secure the shares, without fixing the product line issues, I'll inherit a sinking ship. The company won't survive the transition."

Adrian chuckled, rubbing soothing circles on her back as he looked down at her with affectionate amusement. "Where's my fierce little warrior from last week? Did someone steal your armor?"