Chapter 449

Ethan didn't waste time responding. He slid back into the driver's seat, the car door shutting with finality as he secured his seatbelt. Without sparing another glance at Vincent, he accelerated into the steady stream of evening traffic.

Inside the vehicle, Adrian's fingers brushed against Vivian's forehead, checking for fever. Satisfied with her normal temperature, he exhaled quietly. His gaze then caught on the phone lying abandoned on the floor mat.

At some point, Dominic's call had disconnected, but Adrian showed no curiosity about the mysterious "Vivian" mentioned earlier. He simply scooped up the device and slipped it into his jacket pocket without hesitation.

When the call ended abruptly, Dominic assumed Adrian was preoccupied. He'd only intended to tease his friend - a small payback for Adrian's sarcastic remarks about his gift last week. Seeing Adrian otherwise engaged, Dominic decided to drop the matter for now.

Turning to Audrey, who was curled up on the couch engrossed in her mobile game, Dominic rested his head against her thigh. "Sweetheart, why's Vivian been hiding her talents all this time? She's clearly exceptional."

Audrey immediately pushed him away. "Not everyone feels the need to show off like Adrian does."

Dominic sprang to his friend's defense. "Adrian doesn't boast - his brilliance just can't be contained. Honestly, have you ever seen anything capable of obscuring the sun?"

Audrey paused mid-game, then smirked at his ridiculous analogy. "Clouds, you idiot. Ever heard of them? They block the sun all the time."

Dominic opened his mouth, then closed it again, thoroughly defeated.

When they arrived home, Vivian remained fast asleep, her breathing steady. Adrian lingered in the car for a moment, watching the peaceful rise and fall of her chest. When she showed no signs of waking, he quietly exited and moved to her side, preparing to carry her inside.

The sudden shrill ring of a phone shattered the quiet. Vivian jerked awake, blinking rapidly. "We're home? Why didn't you wake me?"

Her hand fumbled for the buzzing phone as Damien's name flashed across the screen.

Adrian's expression darkened instantly. "Does Damien not understand time zones? You're collaborating on a project, not working as his personal assistant."

"It might be about the plagiarism accusations," Vivian said quickly, sitting upright and accepting the call. She threw off the blanket and moved to step out when an icy gust made her recoil.

Adrian shot her a look, retrieved the discarded blanket, and wrapped it around her shoulders again. Without a word, he scooped her into his arms.

"Ah!" Vivian gasped in surprise.

Through the phone, Damien's concerned voice came through. "Vivian? Are you alright? What's happening?"

Frowning, Vivian lightly smacked Adrian's shoulder. "Put me down, I can walk myself," she whispered.