Chapter 464

The sunlight streamed through the bay windows as Adrian Blackwood lounged beside Vivian Hartley, his fingers brushing a stray lock of hair from her face with practiced ease. "Everything requires moderation," he murmured, his lips curling into that infuriatingly charming smirk. "If we don't pace ourselves, it'll overwhelm her delicate constitution."

Vivian swatted his hand away with a pointed glare, her eyes darting toward the elderly couple seated across the dining table.

Leonard Blackwood cleared his throat. "Willowbrook has the finest cardiac specialists. Transferring her there could provide better treatment options."

"Out of the question." Adrian's response came sharp as shattered crystal. "She stays where I can monitor her condition personally."

Misunderstanding

Adrian caught the flicker of displeasure crossing Vivian's features and quickly changed tactics. "Let's not dwell on unpleasant topics," he suggested smoothly, though tension coiled beneath his polished demeanor.

With a snap of his fingers, he summoned a servant. "Bring me fresh cutlery. I haven't dined yet."

The truth was, food held no appeal. This was merely a diversion.

Vivian studied him for a long moment before squaring her shoulders. Better to address the elephant in the room now, with witnesses present. "Those trending hashtags about me weren't accidental," she began, her voice deceptively calm. "Vincent Lockwood orchestrated the smear campaign. Financial records show Serena Whitmore transferred funds to him."

The servant arrived with gleaming silverware, but Adrian's hand froze mid-reach. His expression darkened momentarily before smoothing into practiced neutrality. He'd suspected as much, but confronting Serena in her current state would only exacerbate matters - or so he told himself.

Accepting the utensils, Adrian adopted a reasonable tone. "She met Gwendolyn Pierce socially. This could simply be unfortunate timing. Vincent has always been a con artist - remember how he staged that collision to extort money?"

His casual dismissal sent ice through Vivian's veins. She despised how effortlessly he excused Serena's malice. But since these events predated their reconciliation, she bit back her frustration - for now.

"Perhaps," she conceded coldly, making her disbelief abundantly clear. Deliberately ignoring the steak he'd placed in her bowl, she selected a crisp vegetable instead. "No investigation necessary. My sources already confirmed everything. I'm willing to let bygones be bygones, but while she's convalescing at the estate, ensure she doesn't cause more... disruptions."

Across the table, Beatrice Blackwood shot her grandson a withering look. Unfazed, Adrian patted his grandmother's hand. "No need for concern, Gran. We'll handle our affairs privately."

His words carried dual meaning - both reassurance and subtle boundary-setting.

Turning back to Vivian, Adrian's voice softened. "I'll have Ethan look into this."

Vivian didn't believe him for a second. Any inquiry would mysteriously yield no results. Just like always.