Chapter 415

The dynamics had shifted completely. Seeing Adrian fuss over her, preparing meals and ensuring her comfort, Vivian felt an unprecedented sense of partnership. That suffocating inferiority complex had vanished.

For the first time, she understood what real love felt like. In that quiet kitchen moment, an epiphany struck her: love wasn't about keeping score or self-erasure. She'd been approaching their relationship all wrong, positioning herself as some indebted servant rather than an equal participant.

The Blackwoods didn't need submissive maids - Adrian certainly didn't want some martyr. He needed his match. A soft smile played on her lips as she turned toward their ensuite to freshen up.

Vivian had just applied her lip tint when her phone vibrated violently on the marble vanity.

The message from Ivory Phoenix Productions turned her blood cold. Accusations of plagiarism. Demand for repayment. Threat of legal action over contract breach.

Her fingers trembled slightly as she typed, "This must be a mistake. Which specific content is allegedly plagiarized?"

The reply took agonizing minutes: "Don't play innocent. Lydia brought you into this project. We'd hate to embarrass everyone involved."

Vivian's response was immediate: "Either provide concrete evidence or prepare for court." Her jaw tightened with barely contained fury.

Just as she reached for her clutch, another notification flashed - a screenshot from an ancient blog post. Her breath caught. The lyrics in question were adapted from poetry she'd written years ago under her pseudonym, Vivian Hartley.

A dry laugh escaped her. Of all things to be accused of stealing - her own damn work.

She fired off a clarification about her dual identity, only to be met with a glaring red error symbol. Blocked. Just like that.

Vivian stared at her reflection in the vanity mirror, equal parts baffled and amused. Well, that escalated quickly. But the initial panic subsided as she realized this was entirely her own mess to handle.

Descending the spiral staircase, the aromatic symphony of Adrian's cooking greeted her first. The dining table was a masterpiece of contrasts - Szechuan peppercorns dancing alongside delicate truffle aromas, a perfect representation of their blended tastes.

"Careful, Mr. Blackwood," she teased, sliding into her chair with a playful glint, "at this rate you'll single-handedly redefine modern husband goals."

Adrian placed a perfectly seared scallop on her plate, his smile crinkling the corners of his storm-gray eyes. "All inspired by my remarkable wife," he murmured, the warmth in his voice melting her remaining tension.