Chapter 385

"Ouch," Adrian winced dramatically, releasing Vivian with an exaggerated grimace.

She seized the opportunity to retreat, putting space between them. Suspicion clouded her features. "Stop pretending."

Adrian gave a weak laugh, deliberately looking pathetic. "What? Forgetting I'm still recovering?"

Vivian froze. Her expression turned serious as she hastily unbuttoned his suit jacket. "Are you okay? Why would you mess around when you're hurt?"

As the fabric fell away, crimson stains bloomed across his crisp white shirt. The wound on his arm had reopened, blood saturating half the sleeve in a terrifying spread.

All playful thoughts vanished as panic gripped Vivian. "Nurse! We need help here!" Her shout echoed down the sterile hallway.

She stood stunned. Over lunch, she'd convinced herself Adrian was exaggerating his injury. Now guilt twisted her stomach.

Mechanically, she followed the nurse into the treatment room. Then a voice like shattering ice cut through the air. "What have you done?"

Margaret Blackwood stormed in, fury radiating from every step. Before Vivian could react, Margaret shoved her aside to reach Adrian. Vivian's arm slammed against the doorframe, pain shooting up her limb. She bit her lip, rubbing the throbbing spot silently.

Head bowed, Vivian whispered, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean for this to happen."

Her apology wasn't for Margaret. The truth was Adrian had gotten hurt protecting her, and she'd dismissed his pain as theatrics. Though not life-threatening, the deep gash had exposed bone, complicating recovery.

Consumed by remorse, Vivian barely registered Margaret's glare. The older woman moved to Adrian's side, gasping when she saw the wound. Fresh blood flowed freely now that the bandage was removed, painting a gruesome picture across his muscular arm.

Margaret knew about the injury but not its severity. Adrian spoke calmly, "Mother, why drag Vivian into this? Why blame her for everything?"

He'd been honest about getting hurt, though the circumstances remained secret. His international business ventures often turned dangerous, resulting in injuries. Confident Margaret wouldn't pry too deeply, he maintained his composed demeanor.

Margaret shot Vivian a scathing look before focusing on Adrian's arm. "You sustain a serious injury, and she's roughhousing with you in the hallway? Reckless!"

Adrian caught sight of Vivian standing small, head lowered like a chastised child. "I started the roughhousing," he defended.

Margaret remained unmoved. "Intentions don't matter. As your wife, she should know better than to endanger you."