Chapter 50

Serena lowered her gaze, a bittersweet smile playing on her lips. "Even if I ignore their whispers, I can't escape my own insecurities. You've always intimidated me, Adrian. You're the dazzling sun while I'm just a forget-me-not in the shade. Acting... it gives me purpose. Makes me feel worthy enough to stand beside you, even if only as your friend."

Her voice faded into the quiet hospital room, laced with an exhaustion that went beyond physical.

"I get it," Adrian finally said, his deep voice cutting through the silence. He could never refuse her, not like he did with others. Carefully, he rearranged the cashmere blanket around Serena's shoulders. "But remember what Dr. Harrison said. I don't want you relapsing. And I respect your choices. Let Miranda handle the PR mess. If it's too much, I'll intervene."

Miranda exhaled sharply from her corner. "Serena's too pure for their viper's nest. Those tabloid rumors would've died naturally if..." She hesitated, then settled on, "That agent, Lydia Bennett, saw an opportunity. She leaked audition tapes, turned public opinion against us. The internet mobs are claiming Serena only got the role because of you." She studied Adrian's reaction carefully. "Funny how bold Lydia's become lately."

Adrian's jaw tightened visibly. With Lydia backing Vivian, the message was clear.

He'd initially believed Vivian was another victim caught in the gossip storm. His intervention had been meant to protect her too. But she'd used his goodwill as a weapon against Serena. The mask of gentleness had slipped completely.

Whatever lingering sympathy Adrian held for Vivian evaporated in that moment. Temporary anger he could forgive. Calculated cruelty? Never.

Soon after, Adrian arranged for a consultation with Isonridge's top cardiologist to develop a comprehensive treatment plan for Serena. He stayed until she finished her meal before finally leaving.

Outside, Ethan was pacing by the car. Seeing Adrian approach, he quickly opened the rear door. "Mr. Blackwood, are we still visiting Mrs. Blackwood?" Adrian ducked into the vehicle, the overpowering scent of roses assaulting his senses. His gaze flickered to the extravagant bouquet before he answered coldly, "Yes."

Ethan suppressed a shiver at his tone. This wasn't a reconciliation visit. This was war.

Meanwhile, at a 24-hour mart...

Vivian had spent the day deep-cleaning her apartment. Only when the sky turned cotton-candy pink did she realize she'd forgotten to eat. After grabbing dinner at a nearby bistro, she stopped for groceries on her way home.

Two years with Adrian had taught her one thing - the man had the palate of a Michelin critic. To avoid arguments, she'd religiously kept her beloved "trash food" out of their shared home.

At the checkout counter, temptation won. She ripped open a bag of sour cream chips right there, eyes closing in bliss at the first crunchy bite. Sometimes happiness came in greasy, MSG-laced packages.