Chapter 430

The quaint little café had always been their gathering place, etched deeply in the memories of both Vivian and Julian. Stepping inside now, Vivian was hit by a tidal wave of nostalgia, realizing how drastically time had altered everything.

She thought about the luxurious rooftop bar she'd picked earlier and chuckled to herself. Without realizing it, she'd started adopting the habits of high society.

Among her small circle of friends, Julian stood out uniquely. He'd been her most genuine friend in college, now her guardian angel, and in many ways, her chosen family.

There was an unshakable feeling that in exchange for her authenticity, she'd gained a refined social grace she never asked for.

"This place has gotten so popular," Julian remarked with an amused smile as he unbuckled his seatbelt. "Had to reserve our spot twenty-four hours in advance."

As Vivian stepped out of the car, her heel caught on uneven pavement. Julian's arm shot out instinctively, and suddenly she found herself leaning against his solid frame.

True to his gentlemanly nature, he steadied her briefly before immediately releasing her. "Careful there," he murmured softly.

He walked over to a nearby tree, tying a bright orange caution ribbon around a low-hanging branch to mark the hazard.

Vivian's gaze fell on the displaced metal cover that had created the dangerous gap in the walkway.

"Shouldn't we just put the cover back?" she suggested offhandedly.

Julian wiped his hands with a sanitizing wipe before responding, "That thing weighs a ton."

"It's not some playground equipment kids can move around. Those handles indicate it's an access point - probably for utility workers. If someone's down there working, replacing it could trap them."

Vivian smiled warmly at him. "You always think of everything, Julian."

Adrian was thorough to a fault, perhaps even more meticulous than Vivian, but he never bothered explaining things with Julian's patient consideration. The contrast in their personalities never ceased to amaze her.

Vivian had always been drawn to kindhearted people. She adored those selfless second leads in romantic dramas, yet somehow she'd fallen for someone aloof and proud.

Not fifty yards away, inside a discreetly parked van, Serena swiped through a series of candid photos on her phone, a cold smirk playing on her lips.

First it was Damien, then Sebastian, and now this new man. Vivian seemed to collect male companions like trophies.

Adrian might tolerate one or two men orbiting his woman, but how long before his pride snapped? A man of his stature wouldn't endure being upstaged indefinitely.

After a moment's consideration, Serena composed a WhatsApp message to Adrian: "Are you with Ms. Hartley right now? Just saw someone who looked exactly like her."

She carefully selected the most compromising photos from her collection and attached them.

Anticipating the explosive confrontation between Adrian and Vivian sent a thrill down Serena's spine.