Chapter 506

The maid observing from the doorway smiled approvingly. "You barely touched your lunch, so I assumed you weren't hungry. That's why I made mostly vegetable dishes tonight."

Vivian offered a faint smile. "It's exactly what I needed, thank you."

What the staff didn't know was Vivian's carefully guarded secret. She hadn't breathed a word about her possible pregnancy - not even to Adrian. Revealing it prematurely seemed dangerous. What if the test had been wrong? She couldn't bear disappointing Margaret and Beatrice, who'd been longing for a grandchild.

Her mind drifted back to the car ride earlier. She'd nearly confessed to Adrian but stopped herself at the last second.

This wasn't news to share lightly. She'd wait until absolutely certain. That night, after completing her skincare routine, Vivian slipped beneath the silk sheets, the day's events replaying in her mind. She didn't hear Adrian return until well past midnight.

He entered their bedroom freshly showered, his damp hair glistening in the dim light. Sitting beside her, he flipped through architectural catalogs with one hand. Soon their conversation dissolved into quiet laughter and lingering caresses. His fingers traced the curve of her waist as his lips found the sensitive spot below her ear. The familiar warmth of his touch sent shivers down her spine.

Then reality struck like lightning - intimacy during early pregnancy could be risky. Her pulse quickened as she gently pushed him away. "Not tonight, darling."

Adrian's brow furrowed. "What's wrong?"

Vivian scrambled for an excuse. "Just a bit of stomach discomfort. And I'm exhausted."

Concern softened his features. He pressed a tender kiss to her forehead. "Get some rest then, my love."

Several days later, Emberglow County's newly developed tourist district was taking form. The renovations had preserved the charming village's rustic character while modernizing amenities. Though Ambermyst hadn't premiered yet, the combined star power of Sebastian Hartwell and Vivian's reputation had already put Emberglow on the map. Visitors drawn by social media buzz discovered a picturesque town surpassing all expectations - a true hidden gem.

That weekend, the sprawling Blackwood estate hosted a family gathering. Adrian and Vivian arrived for dinner, accompanied by several executives for business discussions. The evening promised both professional conversations and familial warmth.

Vivian had grown accustomed to the executives' polite detachment during previous meetings - always respectful yet distant, as if uncertain how to treat her. Tonight, their demeanor had transformed completely. The moment they entered, the executives greeted her with enthusiastic smiles.

"Mrs. Blackwood, this project's success owes everything to your vision," one executive gushed, his excitement boyish.

"Absolutely remarkable!" another chimed in. "Turning an obscure village into the season's hottest destination? That's no small achievement."

"You've been far too modest about your contributions," a third added. "Your screenplay generated more publicity than our entire marketing budget combined."