Chapter 411

Serena's complexion turned ashen. After a brief pause, she managed to whisper to Adrian, "Adrian, I'm not feeling well. Could you take me to the hospital?"

Though she'd pretended illness before, this time her discomfort was genuine - her chest constricted as if an invisible hand squeezed her heart.

Adrian glanced at Vivian, about to speak. Vivian rose gracefully and addressed Ethan, "What are you waiting for? Help Adrian take her to the emergency room."

Caught off guard while formulating an excuse, Adrian said, "I'll get Serena to the hospital and come back for you."

Vivian responded smoothly, "No need. Audrey drove here. We'll return together."

Audrey chimed in cheerfully, "Exactly! We haven't even had dinner yet. After we eat, I'll bring Vivian home. Don't worry - if anything comes up, I'll call Dominic."

Adrian produced a black card from his pocket, pressing it into Vivian's palm before brushing a kiss against her temple. "Buy whatever you like after dinner. This mall belongs to Blackwood Group, and I've personally ensured management won't let anything like the pen incident happen again."

Vivian immediately understood his reference to the previous confrontation. Her voice softened involuntarily. "Keep me updated when everything's settled."

"Of course," Adrian nodded. "I'll report everything to you."

At the word "report," Serena's pallor worsened. Adrian effortlessly lifted her and carried her out.

As they exited, Serena glimpsed Vivian calmly sipping tea at the table. Though she'd successfully drawn Adrian away using familiar tactics, the victory felt hollow this time.

With their departure, only Audrey and Vivian remained in the private dining room.

Audrey flashed an approving thumbs-up. "Not a single vulgar word today, yet it felt incredibly satisfying. Like watching the heroine in a drama elegantly exposing the antagonist's schemes."

She replayed the scene mentally, then added with mild regret, "Though you're still too merciful. You shouldn't have let Adrian take that scheming woman to the hospital. She always claims heart problems - probably just another act."

"I never wished Serena harm. Besides, if his heart isn't mine, keeping him physically close changes nothing. He chose to send her to Azurevale. For now, I'll let her be," Vivian replied, toying with the black card in her fingers, its platinum lettering glinting.

Audrey's gaze dropped to the card. "Where a man invests his wealth, there lies his heart. Don't hesitate to spend his money now. When you said you'd leave empty-handed earlier, I nearly fainted from shock."

She punctuated this with an exaggerated eye-roll, pinching the bridge of her nose.

Vivian pocketed the card and stood. "Let's go find somewhere decent to eat."

After an enjoyable dinner, Vivian reluctantly indulged Audrey's insistence on shopping. Passing an opulently decorated lingerie boutique, Audrey shot her a mischievous look. "Care to browse?"

By the time Vivian returned to Seabreeze Villa, midnight had come. She texted Adrian, then sank onto the sofa intending to rest briefly. Before she knew it, sleep claimed her.

Adrian arrived home to find Vivian curled on the sofa, phone clutched tightly like a security blanket. The sight reminded him of a kitten seeking comfort. This familiar scene - Vivian waiting up for him only to doze off - had once been routine. Now that she'd returned to his life, these moments held new sweetness. Her unconscious vigil spoke volumes about her care for him.