Chapter 439

The morning light filtered through the sheer curtains as Vivian stretched lazily in Adrian's king-sized bed. Her fingers brushed against the empty space beside her before she finally sat up, the silk sheets pooling around her waist.

After a quick glance around the room, her eyes landed on Adrian's crisp white dress shirt hanging neatly over the armchair. She slipped into it effortlessly, the soft fabric skimming her thighs in a way that made her feel both comfortable and alluring.

Adrian's arms encircled her waist from behind before she could take another step. His warm breath tickled her neck as he leaned in for a kiss.

Vivian turned her face at the last second.

His lips grazed her cheek instead.

"Morning breath," she said with a wrinkle of her nose, effectively ruining the romantic moment.

Adrian's grip loosened as he chuckled. His fingers found the sensitive spot at her waist, giving it a playful pinch. "Tell me again why my wife needs to model lingerie for half of Crestwood to see?"

"It's a charity runway show," Vivian corrected, swatting his hand away. "Not your personal peep show."

Adrian's lips found the shell of her ear, his voice dropping to that possessive growl she knew too well. "Every inch of you belongs to me."

Vivian twisted out of his grasp with practiced ease, making her way toward the ensuite bathroom. At the threshold, she paused just long enough to throw him a smirk over her shoulder. "Then you'd better start proving why I shouldn't share the view."

The bathroom door clicked shut before Adrian could respond.

Shaking his head at her antics, Adrian returned to the living area where his laptop still sat open on the coffee table. He reached for his phone to text Ethan about lunch delivery - no chance of cooking today with his workload.

His phone buzzed again before he could set it down.

Dominic's name flashed across the screen.

Adrian expected another invitation to Mirage Lounge or some new restaurant Dominic had discovered. Instead, the message read: "Blackwood, you seen my latest IG story?"

Before Adrian could dismiss it, another notification came through - a screenshot of what appeared to be an elaborate bouquet. Followed by Dominic's signature taunt: "Tell me your wife has ever given you anything half as thoughtful in your entire marriage."

Curiosity getting the better of him, Adrian opened the image.

The arrangement was unlike anything he'd seen before - ninety-nine black roses interspersed with what appeared to be... cigarette packs? Upon closer inspection, he recognized Dominic's current obsession: the limited edition 1918 Mint Rose cigarettes that cost a small fortune.

Each pack had been meticulously arranged to resemble flowers, creating a striking contrast with the dark roses. The whole display must have cost thousands. It was extravagant, ridiculous, and exactly the kind of over-the-top gesture Dominic would make.

Adrian's lips twitched as he studied the photo. Challenge accepted.