Chapter 513

"Ah, my wife has strict rules about curfews." Adrian chuckled lightly, his warm eyes twinkling with genuine amusement. The way he said it made it clear he wasn't complaining - just stating a fact he actually enjoyed.

The gathered guests burst into laughter. "Who would've thought? The mighty Mr. Blackwood, just as whipped as the rest of us!"

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Adrian made his way to his sleek black Bentley.

Just as his hand touched the door handle, a hesitant voice called out. "Mr. Blackwood, could I have a moment?"

He turned to see Penelope Holloway standing there. Her father headed the local tourism board, but Penelope herself had always blended into the background - until now. Her plain features and small-town demeanor made this bold approach surprising.

Adrian's expression instantly cooled. "What is it?" The sudden shift in his demeanor sent a chill down Penelope's spine, reminding her painfully of their first encounter. Her fingers twisted in her skirt as she struggled to find words.

"I don't have all night," Adrian said icily.

That seemed to jolt her into action. "Is it Serena you're going home to?" she blurted out.

Adrian's face remained impassive, but his dark eyes turned dangerous. "That's none of your concern."

Penelope visibly trembled but pressed on. "Serena isn't who you think she is. Her father's a gambler who caused that terrible accident—"

"Stay out of things that don't concern you," Adrian cut her off sharply.

Without another word, he slid into the car. Ethan, after closing the door firmly, turned to Penelope with a polite but warning smile. "Whatever you think you know about Ms. Whitmore, I suggest you keep it to yourself. She's not someone you want as an enemy."

All the courage drained from Penelope's face. She stood frozen as the Bentley pulled away, watching until its taillights disappeared around the bend.

Finally, she whispered to the empty street, "Adrian, what will you do when you learn the woman you love is your enemy's daughter?"

Adrian arrived at Seabreeze Villa to find Vivian kneeling in the garden, carefully tending to the gardenias. His grandparents had brought the plants during their last visit, and Vivian had developed a particular fondness for them. Since discovering her pregnancy, she'd stopped wearing perfume, preferring the natural scent of fresh flowers instead.

Dressed in simple white loungewear, she glowed in the golden light of the setting sun. The usually cool, composed Vivian looked softer somehow - radiant and warm.

She looked up at the sound of his approach, her eyes meeting his. "You're home early."

Adrian lifted the takeout bag in his hand, a small smile playing on his lips. "Noticed you haven't been eating much lately. Got your favorite - lemon chicken."