Chapter 520

The receptionist with rosy cheeks gasped, "Mrs. Blackwood, you're even more breathtaking in person than in your photographs! Would you honor me with your signature?"

Vivian blinked in surprise, instinctively stepping back toward Ethan. "What's going on here?" she whispered.

Before Ethan could explain, the second receptionist produced a glossy portfolio from beneath the desk. "Mr. Blackwood had your promotional materials distributed company-wide," she beamed. "Every department has them - we're all huge fans!"

Vivian maintained her practiced smile, though her stomach twisted with embarrassment. She could feel her toes curling inside her designer heels as she signed autographs and posed for selfies with the starstruck employees.

"You're absolutely radiant, Mrs. Blackwood!" the first receptionist sighed dreamily.

Her colleague giggled behind her hand. "Truthfully, we never thought anyone could match our CEO's standards. But seeing you - such elegance and charm wasted on that human iceberg? It's practically criminal!"

Meanwhile, twenty floors above, Adrian suddenly sneezed into his paperwork. He frowned at the air conditioning vents, wondering why he felt an inexplicable chill.

After finally escaping the reception area, Vivian entered the private elevator clutching a steaming latte. When the doors opened on the executive floor, her breath caught.

Directly opposite the elevator doors hung a life-sized portrait of herself - professionally lit, perfectly styled, and prominently displayed where every visitor would see it. The image captured her mid-laugh, eyes sparkling with genuine joy. The sheer audacity of this public declaration left her momentarily speechless.

Adrian had always been intensely private about their relationship. For years, most people didn't even know they were married. She'd told herself his discretion didn't bother her, but now, faced with this bold statement, warmth flooded her chest.

Had they been this open from the beginning, perhaps Serena wouldn't have dared return, and those who'd mocked her would have thought twice.

The sound of animated chatter snapped her from her thoughts.

Curious, Vivian moved toward Adrian's office and froze at the unexpected sight. A group of stylish young women - clearly not Blackwood Group employees - clustered around his usually immaculate workspace. Their colorful outfits clashed with the office's sleek modern aesthetic. The glass desk disappeared beneath an avalanche of gift boxes, silk ribbons, and elaborate packaging.

Adrian stood amidst the chaos, his brow furrowed in concentration as he examined various items. At the sound of the elevator, his head jerked up. The moment their eyes met, his stern expression melted into something tender. In three long strides, he was at her side.

"To what do I owe this pleasure?" he murmured, his voice warm.

Vivian lifted the coffee cup with a small smile. "Thought you might need this."

Adrian accepted the drink, his fingers lingering against hers before twining their hands together to lead her inside. The assembled women immediately straightened, their excited chatter dying down as they offered respectful greetings.