Chapter 485

Laughter filled the private dining room as Vivian's former classmates joined in the playful banter. "Come on, Vivian! You remember us from Crestwood High, don't you? We weren't all that terrible! We helped you with cleaning duty, covered for you sometimes - give us some credit here!" A particularly bold woman winked. "We're not trying to steal your husband. Just let us toast to his success - maybe some of that Blackwood magic will rub off on us!"

Vivian's lips curved as she glanced at Adrian, her chest swelling with quiet pride. She gave a subtle nod, her voice barely above a whisper yet carrying undeniable authority. "One drink."

That single permission sent the entire table scrambling to their feet. Crystal glasses clinked as everyone except Giselle raised their drinks with eager smiles. They downed their champagne in one go while Adrian merely touched the rim to his lips, the liquid barely diminishing. The unspoken message wasn't lost on anyone present. Very few people in Crestwood - or anywhere in the world, for that matter - could claim to have persuaded Adrian Blackwood to finish an entire glass.

As the toasting continued, waiters began circulating with dish after extravagant dish - none of which had been on the original menu. Towering seafood platters with rare delicacies, truffle-infused appetizers, and bottles of vintage Dom Pérignon appeared as if by magic. Everyone knew the sudden upgrade came courtesy of Adrian's presence - a privilege Vivian had effortlessly commanded. And it had absolutely nothing to do with Giselle.

Giselle, who had arrived as the undisputed queen of this reunion, now sat stiffly in her chair, her manicured nails digging into the tablecloth. The lavish spread before her - delicacies she could never afford on her sugar daddy's allowance - only twisted the knife deeper. Each glance at Vivian and her perfect life sent waves of bitter resentment crashing through her. She stared at her untouched plate, appetite completely gone.

The cheerful chatter around her might as well have been happening in another universe. Audrey, noticing Giselle's miserable expression, couldn't help but smirk. Even Adrian - whom she normally found intimidating - seemed almost pleasant tonight.

Leaning toward Vivian, she murmured with mock seriousness, "You know, fate works in mysterious ways. Seeing how Adrian's changed for you, I'm almost glad I failed to convince you to divorce him that year."

Vivian's eyes softened as she squeezed Audrey's hand. "Dominic treats you wonderfully too," she replied quietly. Their shared glance spoke volumes - beneath the teasing lay genuine happiness for each other's good fortune.

Adrian, having spent the evening subtly doting on Vivian, had clearly earned her affection. She decided to reciprocate by playing the attentive wife, reaching for a crab to peel for him. But before she could get her fingers messy, Audrey slid a small bowl toward her - already filled with perfectly shelled crab meat and shrimp, courtesy of Dominic's meticulous efforts.

"Save your manicure," Audrey said casually, as if this were completely normal. Vivian accepted without hesitation, portioning some for herself and Adrian. Watching the exchange, Dominic barely suppressed a knowing smile. These three operated on their own wavelength - best not to interfere.

Giselle, meanwhile, was silently combusting with rage. Every interaction between Vivian and Audrey felt like salt in her wounds. How had these two nobodies ended up with men who were not only wealthy but devastatingly handsome? While she was stuck with that balding, paunchy businessman who only knew how to throw money at problems?

"Vivian Hartley. Audrey Winslow." She seethed internally. "What makes them so damn special? Why do they get fairy tale endings while I'm stuck with some middle-aged wallet? Neither of them is anything special. So why them and not me?"

As the lively conversation continued, a shadow appeared in the doorway of the private room.