Chapter 388

"Stop playing games with me," Vivian retorted with a sharp glare.

Her tone turned stern. "And tend to your injury properly. You're a grown man, Adrian. Start acting like one."

Though the words weren't directed at her, Ethan responded earnestly, "I'll make certain he follows doctor's orders."

Vivian gave Ethan a brief glance and a curt nod before shutting the car door firmly.

As Vivian's vehicle disappeared from the hospital driveway, Ethan turned and slid into Adrian's luxury sedan.

She checked her phone notifications, pausing when she saw the reminder about Julian's upcoming birthday. Memories flooded her - Julian rescuing her from that disastrous cruise, standing by her during the media scandal. A direct gift might seem calculated, but a birthday present? That was perfectly natural. Something modest yet meaningful - the kind Julian wouldn't feel obligated to refuse.

"Ethan," she said suddenly, "let's make a stop at Emerald Pizzeria first." Adrian glanced at her as he adjusted his position. "Need something? I can have it delivered."

Vivian waved dismissively. "Just feel like some retail therapy."

Adrian didn't argue, accepting her explanation with a nod. When they reached Opal Galleria, Adrian moved to exit with her, but Vivian stopped him. "I'll be quick - just grabbing one thing."

Adrian's brow furrowed. "I thought women loved marathon shopping sessions?" Vivian offered no elaborate excuse. "Girl stuff. Don't worry about it."

His expression darkened noticeably at being excluded. To placate him, Vivian used the tone one might employ with a petulant child. "I'll cook your favorite tonight. Behave."

Instantly, Adrian's mood lifted, his lips curving into a boyish grin. "I want that sea urchin chawanmushi you make."

Vivian recalled their empty fridge and improvised smoothly. "Not with your injury. How about steamed egg with minced pork instead?"

"Fine," Adrian agreed, completely unaware of her deception.

Amused by his compliance, Vivian impulsively reached out and ruffled his perfectly styled hair. The dark strands fell into charming disarray under her fingers. She half-expected protest, but Adrian simply sat there, allowing the treatment like an overgrown golden retriever.

From the driver's seat, Ethan watched the scene unfold via the rearview mirror and nearly choked. It had been over a decade since anyone dared touch Adrian's hair - not even Margaret had tried since his rebellious teenage years. This was akin to tweaking a lion's whiskers. What stunned him more was Adrian's reaction - no icy glare, just quiet acceptance, his usual arrogant demeanor softened into something almost tender as Vivian mussed his hair.

Ethan quickly averted his gaze, keeping his thoughts to himself. So this is what happens when a man realizes what he nearly lost. Had Adrian shown this side earlier, the divorce papers would never have been filed. But Ethan wasn't foolish enough to voice such observations. While Vivian might get away with anything, Ethan valued his job too much to test those boundaries.

Emerging into the mall's luxury wing, Vivian's attention was immediately captured by the gleaming display of a Sterling & Co boutique. A fountain pen - elegant yet practical. She pictured Julian in her mind's eye: crisp white shirt sleeves rolled to the elbows, strong fingers holding a pen as he worked by sunlit windows. Of everyone she knew, Julian embodied true refinement. Ethan had polish too, but his was the hard-earned kind from navigating Adrian's volatile world. Julian's elegance was innate, untouched by such pragmatism.

Decision made, Vivian strode confidently toward the counter. The sales associate initially smiled, but upon noting Vivian's casual attire, her expression turned dismissive. She turned to whisper with a colleague, making no effort to greet Vivian. The message was clear - without designer labels, Vivian wasn't worth their time.