Chapter 486

Victor Thornton had spent an excessive amount of time styling his hair that morning. The gel made his dark locks shine unnaturally under the chandelier lights, slicked back in a style that screamed midlife crisis. His attempt at youthfulness—a designer hoodie with playful graphic prints paired with distressed jeans—only accentuated the deep wrinkles around his eyes, creating a jarring contrast that bordered on comical.

Vivian's eyes traveled from Victor to Adrian Blackwood, who stood protectively beside her, then to Dominic Sinclair lounging near Audrey. On one side stood Victor, who could easily pass for her father's age, and on the other, men who looked like they'd walked straight off a Milan runway—all sharp jawlines and effortless charm. The disparity had never been more apparent.

Before tonight, Victor hadn't seemed so out of place. His old-money upbringing gave him an air of sophistication that set him apart from ordinary men. When Giselle had introduced him to her childhood friends, they'd whispered, "Your boyfriend looks like he belongs on Wall Street." Even boutique salesgirls would blush when helping him, something Giselle had always preened about.

Now, Giselle wished the marble floor would swallow her whole. She pressed herself against the wall, praying the shadows would conceal her. If only Victor would walk right past without noticing her presence.

One of the guests who recognized the Blackwood family connection was the first to break the tension. "Mr. Thornton!" he exclaimed a little too enthusiastically. "What a surprise! Giselle is right over there!"

Before Victor could turn toward Giselle, his gaze locked onto Adrian at the head table. His smile dissolved into a scowl. "Adrian," he said coldly, "what are you doing here?"

Adrian carefully selected a few canapés, arranging them delicately on Vivian's plate. "Try these, darling," he murmured. "The new pastry chef's work." Only after wiping his hands meticulously did he respond, "Attending my wife's reunion, Uncle. And you? Surely you didn't go to Crestwood Academy?"

Audrey leaned toward Dominic, whispering, "Adrian's being particularly vicious tonight."

Dominic smirked. "Your best friend's influence, no doubt."

The tension was palpable. Guests who'd been angling to cozy up to Victor suddenly found their plates fascinating, pretending not to notice the family drama unfolding.

Humiliated before the younger crowd, Victor slammed his leather portfolio onto the table with a loud thud. "Adrian Blackwood! I am your elder! Is this how the Blackwoods teach their heirs to behave? Where is your respect?"

Adrian traced the rim of his wine glass with one elegant finger. "Respect," he said softly, "isn't given. It's earned." His eyes lifted slowly, meeting Victor's glare. "Shall we ask Aunt Margaret to mediate? I'm sure she'd love to hear about your... extracurricular activities."

Victor's face turned ashen. His entire position at Blackwood Group depended on his wife's family connections. One word about his affair with Giselle, and his carefully constructed life would crumble.