Chapter 476

The afternoon sun cast golden streaks across the pavement as Vivian adjusted her violet dress.

"Just visiting a friend nearby." Julian's gaze lingered on her stiletto heels. "Those aren't safe for driving. Where are you headed? Let me give you a ride."

Vivian started to shake her head. "That's not necessary, I'll just call—"

A maid interrupted, "Mrs. Blackwood, Mrs. Beatrice Blackwood sent over fresh fruits from the orchard. I need to fetch them from the main house."

"Is that so?" Vivian acknowledged with a polite nod.

When she turned back, Julian was smiling in that infuriatingly charming way.

"Will you accept my offer this time?" His voice held a teasing lilt.

Abandoning her resistance, Vivian stepped forward. "Alright, let's go."

Julian gestured toward the street. "My car's just outside." As they walked side by side, Vivian mentioned, "It's a high school reunion today."

Facing her with raised eyebrows, Julian remarked, "High school? I might know some people there." His college years as student council president had made him acquainted with half the campus.

Vivian laughed softly. "Doubtful. It's from my hometown."

At the curb, Julian produced keys with a flourish, stopping before a gleaming red Ferrari. "Your chariot awaits, princess."

The ostentatious vehicle made Vivian pause, but she quickly masked her surprise and slid into the leather seat. "This doesn't seem like your style."

"Just a loaner while mine's in the shop," Julian explained as he closed her door, then added in a lower tone, "That shade of violet suits you perfectly." His observation mirrored her earlier thought, sending an unexpected jolt through her.

It was uncanny how Julian always seemed to know her mind, as if their thoughts traveled along invisible threads connecting them across space and time.

A flush crept up Vivian's neck. She looked away, murmuring, "Oh? Thank you."

Julian settled into the driver's seat, one foot still on the pavement. Turning to her with sudden seriousness, he said, "Vivian, you're not bound by Blackwood family protocols with me. We knew each other long before Adrian entered the picture. Let's keep things between us... uncomplicated."

His intense gaze made Vivian's pulse stutter, as though he'd glimpsed some secret emotion she hadn't acknowledged herself.

Over the years, she'd nurtured a quiet reverence for Julian—a connection that defied conventional labels. To Vivian, their bond existed in the realm of kindred spirits, transcending the need for constant interaction. He felt like a piece of her soul that had wandered off into the universe.

This sensation wasn't exclusive to people; sometimes she felt it with a particularly striking sunset or haunting melody.

Though typically oblivious to romantic cues, something about Julian's demeanor today felt... different.