Chapter 517

The man hesitated, his features turning to stone. "Serena, it's not just about the ID. That woman... her connections run deep."

"I know you've risked enough for me already," Serena interrupted sharply, striding across the lavish penthouse to the mahogany sideboard. She retrieved a worn leather portfolio and thrust it into his hands. "You protected my father when no one else dared, and you brought Vincent to me. For that, I'll always be grateful."

Her manicured finger tapped the portfolio impatiently. "Take it. Enough to open that little bookstore you always wanted. Disappear. The past won't chase you."

The man stared at the bulging envelope, the edges frayed from use. Nearly fifty thousand in crisp bills peeked through the opening. He recoiled as if burned. "Serena, I didn't come for money. I chose to protect your father, and you already gave me more than I deserved. You know I'm not like that."

"Take it," she commanded, her voice like chilled steel. Turning toward the floor-to-ceiling windows, she hugged herself tightly. "The past is dead. I called you here for a different reason."

The man stood abruptly, clutching the portfolio like a lifeline. "Don't say help," he rasped. "Just tell me what you need."

Serena turned slowly, unshed tears making her blue eyes glitter. "She's carrying his child." Her voice broke, but she lifted her chin defiantly. "If that baby lives, Adrian will have his perfect family."

"And where does that leave me?" The whisper sliced through the penthouse's silence. She collapsed onto the ivory sofa, pressing trembling fingers to her temples. "I can't... I won't go back to being nothing. Not after tasting this life. It would be kinder to put a bullet in my head."

The man's jaw clenched. Conflict warred in his gaze before resolve hardened his features. "Understood. That child will never draw breath. Whatever you need, Serena. Consider it done."

Across the city, Adrian Blackwood lounged in his dining chair, phone pressed to his ear. Opposite him, Vivian Hartley picked at her salmon salad with disinterest.

"The producers want to schedule the variety show announcement," Adrian said, his piercing gaze studying Vivian's reaction. "Your thoughts?"

Vivian didn't glance up. "Doesn't matter. Whatever works."

With Katrina's identity exposed and the scandal settled, any formal announcement felt redundant.

Adrian's brow furrowed. "'Whatever'? This is our official debut as a couple. Show some enthusiasm."

Vivian set down her fork with deliberate calm. She met his gaze for a loaded moment before suggesting, "After the wedding, perhaps?"

Adrian considered her for a heartbeat before nodding decisively. He spoke into the phone, "Two weeks from today."

Vivian's fork clattered against her plate. "That's... soon."

Adrian ended the call and leaned forward, his voice dropping to that intimate timbre that always made her pulse stutter. "Why wait?" His fingers brushed hers. "I'm done playing games."