Chapter 56

Vivian exchanged a fleeting, indecipherable glance with Adrian before silently approaching the sleek black limousine. With practiced elegance, she slid into the plush leather backseat.

"Mrs. Blackwood, your flowers." Ethan's crisp voice cut through the quiet just as Vivian settled in. Before she could voice her polite refusal, Ethan was already placing the lavish bouquet of blood-red roses beside her. The door clicked shut with finality as he told the driver, "Proceed to our destination."

Resigned, Vivian turned her face toward the tinted window, watching the cityscape blur past. The roses' heady fragrance pulled her from her thoughts, their velvety petals brushing against her arm.

These were the first flowers Adrian had ever given her. Yet instead of warmth, she felt only a hollow ache. Like finally receiving a long-desired gift only to find the magic had faded with waiting.

The next afternoon at precisely 3:15 PM, Vivian was smoothing the wrinkles from her designer dress when her phone vibrated - Adrian calling. Her fingers hovered momentarily before she suggested meeting at a discreet café in the adjacent gated community.

Ten minutes later, a text flashed on her screen: "Come down now."

Vivian exited through the private garden gate, her heels clicking against the cobblestones. The gleaming Maybach parked curbside drew admiring glances from passersby, its polished surface reflecting the afternoon sun.

As she reached for the passenger door, Ethan smoothly opened the rear instead. Inside, Adrian sat engrossed in his phone, his sharp profile illuminated by the screen's glow. Suppressing a sigh, Vivian slipped in beside him.

In the entertainment industry, hesitation was a luxury she couldn't afford. Lingering outside a luxury vehicle was an open invitation for paparazzi speculation.

"Take us to Opal Galleria first. She needs proper attire," Adrian remarked without looking up, his gaze briefly flickering over her outfit.

Vivian's chin lifted. "This is new. I'll wear what I choose."

"As you wish," Adrian conceded easily before instructing Ethan, "Proceed directly to Blackwood Manor then."

The car purred to life as Adrian resumed his phone conversation, effectively dismissing her presence. Grateful for the reprieve, Vivian pulled out her own device to finalize negotiations with Ivory Phoenix Productions.

The drive passed swiftly, the Maybach gliding through Crestwood's elite neighborhoods. When they arrived, Vivian lingered by the open car door, watching Adrian still absorbed in his call. "We're here," she murmured.

"You go ahead. I'll join you after this conference call," he muttered, fingers flying across his screen.

Vivian turned toward the imposing Blackwood Manor gates, her stomach tightening. Each visit here filled her with unease despite her affection for Beatrice. The Blackwoods had spent years vetting suitable matches for Adrian, only for Vivian - an outsider from modest means - to become his wife.

To them, she would always be the opportunistic upstart, enduring their veiled barbs whenever Beatrice wasn't looking. As she approached the grand entrance, the doors stood ominously ajar, snippets of conversation drifting out.

"Aunt Margaret, have you seen Vivian's latest publicity stunt? If Adrian was determined to marry beneath him, he might as well have chosen Serena. At least she's making waves internationally, not embarrassing herself in those tacky dramas..."