Chapter 480

But this was different—because it was Julian.

His genuine words made Vivian's carefully constructed walls tremble.

Giselle's mouth fell open, her eyes widening in shock.

What? Did he seriously just offer to become Vivian's kept man if she desired?

The sophisticated, aristocratic gentleman Giselle had idolized had just made such a... submissive, almost degrading proposal.

Vivian regained her composure first. "By family relations, Julian should technically address your boyfriend as his elder."

Giselle froze. "What ridiculous nonsense are you spouting?"

Julian turned to Vivian, confusion written across his handsome features.

Vivian's lips curved slightly. "Her boyfriend is Adrian's uncle."

Julian's expression darkened instantly, his polite mask slipping to reveal pure revulsion.

Without hesitation, he took an instinctive step backward, as though distancing himself from something vile.

"I—" Giselle stammered, her face flushing crimson as she fumbled for words.

But Julian didn't wait for explanations.

He strode past her, his polished Oxfords clicking decisively against the marble floor as he disappeared without a backward glance.

Giselle stood rooted to the spot, her phone still hovering uselessly in midair.

Around her, the classmates who'd witnessed the exchange erupted into hushed whispers.

The humiliation she'd intended for Vivian had backfired spectacularly.

Just then, the elevator doors slid open again, revealing Audrey gliding out with Dominic in tow.

Audrey's chestnut hair cascaded in perfect Hollywood waves, her crimson halter dress showcasing an elegant, toned back that drew admiring glances.

Dominic looked every inch the dashing escort in his tailored black tuxedo with burgundy accents, a single red rose adorning his lapel that matched Audrey's ensemble perfectly.

Audrey's sharp eyes immediately landed on Vivian and Giselle by the elevators.

With a subtle arch of her brow, she disentangled herself from Dominic and sauntered over to link arms with Vivian. "Darling, why are you waiting out here instead of joining the party?"

Dominic glanced at his suddenly empty arm, hesitated for a beat, then broke into a roguish grin.

Shoving his hands in his pockets, he ambled over. "Vivian."

Vivian acknowledged him with a slight nod, her demeanor coolly composed.

Without sparing Giselle so much as a glance, the trio turned toward the private dining room, leaving her standing alone in the hallway.

The cluster of classmates near the entrance scrambled awkwardly to clear a path.

One particularly eager classmate—a heavyset man with an ingratiating smile—stepped forward with outstretched hands. "Mr. Sinclair! What an honor. My firm's been hoping to collaborate with Sinclair Industries on the waterfront development. If you could put in a good word... Back in college, Audrey and I played volleyball together—I always made sure she got the winning shots!"