Chapter 504

The morning sickness had been impossible to hide. Serena had already commented on it with that knowing look in her eyes.

The boutique clerk's face lit up. "Do we know if it's a little prince or princess? I'd love to suggest some perfect items."

"Prince or princess?"

If a boy, he'd be thrust into the Blackwood dynasty's ruthless succession battles. Vivian knew all too well the gilded cage of generational wealth - every privilege came shackled with obligations. She wanted no part of that legacy for her child. The Blackwood empire demanded too high a price.

But a daughter... With the family's resources, she could carve her own path. Maybe pink booties wouldn't be such a bad choice after all.

"Madam?" The clerk's voice pulled Vivian from her thoughts.

She offered a distracted smile. "It's too early to tell the gender."

"Not to worry!" The clerk chirped, pulling out neutral-toned onesies. "These modern designs work beautifully for either. Look at this organic cotton - so soft against delicate skin."

Vivian's fingers lingered on a blush-pink romper with tiny embroidered stars. The image flashed unbidden - Adrian's stern features softening as he cradled a giggling baby in that ridiculous outfit. The contrast would be downright adorable.

As she exited with her pastel-wrapped parcels, Audrey's call came through.

"Viv! You'll never guess - Giselle's been outed to Victor's wife!"

Vivian nearly dropped her phone. "How?"

"Who knows?" Audrey crunched loudly on something. "This crowd licks boots and stabs backs before breakfast. Since Adrian made his... feelings about Uncle Victor quite clear at the gala..."

A pause for dramatic swallowing. "Frankly, I'll be shocked if that 'royal bastard' makes it to term."

Vivian's grip tightened on her shopping bags. "Giselle will blame us."

Audrey snorted. "And? It's not like I can conjure her a replacement heir. Even if I wanted to - which I don't. My uterus is a no-baby zone."

The call cut off abruptly - no doubt Dominic's arrival. But Audrey's careless words lingered like poison.

For the first time, Vivian felt true fear coiling in her gut. Her hand moved protectively over the barely-there swell. This tiny life was her one irreplaceable vulnerability now.

As she hailed a cab, Adrian's name flashed on her screen. The timing couldn't be more perfect - or more terrifying.