Chapter 510

Vivian studied him carefully. For this local event, he'd forgone all accessories - not even his signature wristwatch. Just as she was about to tease him about his minimalist style, she spotted the subtle glint of yellow diamond cufflinks peeking from his sleeves. A quick calculation put their value at $4.4 million. She swallowed her joke, threw off the covers, and sat upright.

Adrian approached, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear with gentle fingers. "Would you like to join me?" His voice was velvet soft.

Vivian hesitated before shaking her head. "I should stay and work on the script. The new characters aren't quite right yet - perfect opportunity for some quiet reflection."

Adrian didn't push. After a brief, tender moment, he departed. Vivian lingered in bed before finally rising to freshen up. At her desk, she stared blankly at the computer screen, thoughts scattering like leaves in wind. A glance at the clock showed it was still early.

Her hand drifted unconsciously to her abdomen, triggering the memory of her pending pregnancy checkup. Decision made, she resolved to visit the hospital today. Originally considering Eleanor's medical facility, she realized that would undoubtedly alert Adrian. Instead, she booked an appointment at an exclusive private hospital. Best to handle everything today before informing the elder.

The weekday hospital lobby was eerily quiet when Vivian arrived alone. Only two young women sat across the hall, waiting their turn.

One woman eyed Vivian's sunglasses and face mask suspiciously. Leaning close, she whispered conspiratorially, "You're a mistress too, aren't you? That's why you're hiding your face - scared the wife will recognize you?"

Vivian froze, brain scrambling for an appropriate response. What kind of opening line was that? Had she stepped into some bizarre parallel universe? Who even says things like that?

The woman continued unprompted, her voice dropping to a dramatic whisper. "Last week I saw a wife drag her husband's mistress here for an abortion. Designer clothes, acting all high and mighty until the wife started screaming 'harlot' while yanking her hair. Total loss of dignity."

Finishing her story, the woman gave Vivian a pointed look. "You should terminate before the wife finds out. Trust me, you don't want to end up like that poor girl."

Vivian's initial reaction was to dismiss her as delusional, but the casual mention of abortion struck like a physical blow. Being mistaken for a mistress was one thing, but discussing her child that way? Unforgivable.

"Insane," Vivian muttered through clenched teeth, storming toward the doctor's office without another word. The woman's indignant protest followed her - "How rude! Calling people crazy like that!"

The doctor asked routine questions before handing her a form. "Please proceed to the lab for bloodwork to check your progesterone and HCG levels." Exiting the office, Vivian headed toward the lab, unaware of Julian watching from the stairwell, water bottle in hand.

Only after she disappeared from view did Julian's gaze lift to the department sign above: Gynecology. He approached a nearby nurse who'd been stealing glances at him. "Excuse me," he asked smoothly, indicating the door Vivian had entered, "what examination was that woman having?"

During his hospital stay, staff had noted the parade of luxury vehicles coming and going for him. They'd received specific instructions to accommodate him exceptionally. Even without knowing his exact identity, his wealth and status were obvious. A young, handsome, affluent bachelor - the nurse never imagined he'd have any connection to a pregnant patient.