Chapter 59

The scars from the fire had long since healed, yet Adrian hadn't once asked about Vivian's recovery. His silence spoke volumes about the icy distance between them. To Adrian, dispatching his assistant to arrange medical care was clearly less taxing than feigning concern in person.

Dinner unfolded with effortless ease, the Blackwood family's laughter washing away the day's earlier tension. Vivian remained quiet, speaking only when addressed directly. As she reached for the black pepper steak, Beatrice stopped her abruptly. "That's too spicy for you, dear. It could irritate your scars."

Bianca's eyes sparkled with mischief as she swapped Vivian's plate with her own milder dish. "You should be careful, Vivian. We wouldn't want anything compromising your on-screen appearance."

Beatrice's brows knitted in confusion. "On-screen appearance?"

The elderly couple, blissfully detached from modern digital trends, looked genuinely puzzled. Vivian opened her mouth to explain, but Bianca cut in swiftly. "Vivian's been dabbling in acting lately. Though she didn't land the role, it's already causing quite a stir online—"

"Enough," Adrian interjected, his voice sharp as winter frost.

Beatrice shot him a warning glance before turning back to Bianca. "What sort of stir?"

Bianca swallowed hard under Adrian's glare. "It's not my fault, Adrian! Listen, Beatrice—Vivian auditioned against Adrian's ex-girlfriend for the same role. When Vivian didn't get it, she became social media's favorite punching bag. Thank heavens their marriage isn't public knowledge, or Blackwood Group's stocks might have suffered."

Beatrice's expression darkened like gathering storm clouds.

She turned to Adrian, frustration coloring her tone. "Adrian, that woman is your past. Vivian is your present—your wife. Can't you see where your loyalty should lie?"

Leonard, silent until now, added his measured voice. "Even if your marriage isn't public, our family and friends know. Don't make this mistake again."

Bianca shrank back, unprepared for the united front defending Vivian.

Adrian exhaled slowly, picking up the serving utensils to place a delicate piece of fish on Beatrice's plate. "Understood," he murmured.

"Words are easy, Adrian," Beatrice retorted, tapping his hand sharply. The red mark bloomed instantly. "Stop fussing over me and tend to your wife. Her favorite beef dish sits untouched across the table."

Following her pointed instruction, Adrian served Vivian a slice of beef. Watching his uncharacteristic compliance, Vivian couldn't suppress an amused smile.

Noticing her expression, Adrian added a plump shrimp to her plate, his gaze softening. "Find my scolding entertaining?" he teased.

Vivian took a delicate bite, her lips curving. "The shrimp is particularly delicious tonight."