Chapter 509

Vivian stepped in to diffuse the tension. "I'm still learning the ropes here, Margaret, so I'll absolutely need your wisdom when I encounter unfamiliar territory."

Margaret gave an indifferent shrug, feigning disinterest. "Seems I'm always the one picking up the slack."

A radiant smile spread across Vivian's face. "That's only because you're the backbone of this family."

Margaret's stern expression melted slightly. Vivian couldn't help but muse silently. Despite all her subtle attempts to connect, Margaret remained distant. Yet this simple acknowledgment seemed to strike a chord. It was like gifting someone an entire banquet when they only asked for an appetizer, then feeling slighted when they weren't grateful.

In that moment, Vivian understood she needed to completely revamp her approach to family dynamics.

After dinner concluded, Adrian and the executives adjourned to the study for business discussions. Margaret and the grandparents retired to their quarters, leaving Vivian alone in the expansive great room.

Now completely at ease, she curled up on the sofa, legs tucked beneath her, enjoying dessert while scrolling through social media. She'd been watching an educational clip when Audrey sent her a scandalous video featuring Sebastian Hartwell in a plunging white V-neck suit.

"Viv! You lucky girl! This A-lister is absolute fire - puts Dominic to shame!"

Just as Vivian prepared to reply, a crystal bowl of golden cherries appeared before her. Assuming it was the housekeeper, she reached automatically, but the hand holding it didn't release. Puzzled, she heard a velvety voice above her.

"Vivian, living the high life, I see. Perhaps you should skip the cherries."

Startled, she quickly concealed her phone and looked up into Adrian's smirking face. He leaned down, his warm breath tickling her ear.

"Am I not satisfying you enough between the sheets?"

His voice alone sent delicious tremors down Vivian's spine. She pouted, closed the chat, and offered him the phone.

"That's not fair! Audrey sent it - I wasn't seeking it out. Check my history if you don't believe me."

Adrian glanced at the screen, placed the bowl in her lap, and seized the opportunity to nibble her earlobe.

"Wait for me at home tonight."

Later that evening after their return, Vivian took a quick bath and feigned sleep when Adrian had a video conference, granting her temporary reprieve.

The next morning, the Emberglow County government was filming promotional material requiring interviews. Adrian stood by the bed backlit by sunlight, wearing a black suit with a daring V-neck cut. The golden halo around his silhouette gave him an almost mythical quality, like a storybook prince. Normally he favored conservative suits with undershirts.

Still drowsy, Vivian suddenly understood his wardrobe choice - it was retaliation for Sebastian's video. She held up two fingers. "You're seriously holding a grudge over this?"

Adrian didn't bother denying it as he approached, his voice laced with playful menace. "You waste time on cheap thrills instead of appreciating the masterpiece in your own home. Clearly you haven't experienced true excellence yet."