Chapter 432

Vivian glanced up from her plate to find Julian watching her with an amused expression. He casually rolled up his sleeves, revealing well-toned forearms, before expertly wrapping a lettuce leaf around a slice of grilled beef and placing it on her plate.

"That's unnecessary," Vivian said, pushing the offering aside with her fork. "I'm perfectly capable of feeding myself, Julian."

Across town, Adrian's fingers hovered over his phone screen. When no reply came, he pressed call with more force than necessary.

The sudden vibration startled Vivian. She swallowed her bite of kimchi pancake hastily. "Adrian? I thought you were in Silverpine?"

His voice crackled through the line, icy and clipped. "Last I checked, Silverpine wasn't on another planet. Am I not allowed to call my fiancée?"

Vivian's grip tightened on her phone. This mood swing was becoming tiresome. Just this morning he'd been affectionate, now he was back to his usual controlling self.

"You could call from the moon for all I care," she retorted, keeping her voice level.

The silence stretched between them like taffy.

Adrian exhaled sharply through his nose. "Where exactly are you?" The question came out strained, as though pulled from him against his will.

"Near campus," Vivian answered, twirling her chopsticks absently.

"That's odd," Adrian's voice dripped with suspicion. "Your text said you were going to Hazelnut Time."

Vivian's eyes flicked to Julian, then away. She stood abruptly, motioning for a moment's privacy as she stepped toward the restaurant's bamboo-lined hallway.

When she reached a quiet alcove, her voice dropped to a whisper. "Are you having me followed?"

"Should I be?" Adrian shot back. "Who are you with that's got you so defensive?"

Vivian pinched the bridge of her nose. "Fine. It's Julian's birthday. We were headed to Hazelnut Time when we witnessed Natasha being abducted. We reported it to the police, gave statements, and now we're having dinner. Satisfied?" She couldn't resist adding, "Or should I send you photographic evidence, Mr. Blackwood? Maybe have Ethan verify my alibi with traffic cameras?"

The line went quiet as Adrian processed this. His tone softened marginally when he spoke again. "From now on, text me your location when you're with Julian. I'll arrange for Ethan to escort you."

Vivian's fingers clenched around her phone. "Adrian, I understand your family dynamics are... complicated. But Julian is my friend - and my rescuer. I know my boundaries. I'd appreciate it if you'd respect my right to choose my own company."

Adrian's laugh was bitter. "Boundaries? Is that what you call clinging to him in public? He's technically your nephew-by-marriage, Vivian. You might not care about appearances, but must you be so reckless?"

Vivian froze. Someone had seen her stumble earlier and reported it to Adrian. The realization hit like a bucket of ice water - whether by coincidence or design, he was monitoring her movements. His lack of trust cut deeper than his cruel words.