Chapter 64

The quiet elegance she once possessed had hidden her radiance, but now she held his attention completely, softening the edges of his hardened heart in ways he never anticipated.

Adrian's tone gentled as he confessed, "I didn't leave you behind because of another woman. The Blackwood Group needed me - this wasn't just about money, but decisions requiring my personal authorization." Such vulnerability was rare from him.

Vivian knew he meant his negotiations with Blazing Horizon. Yet a bitter thought crept in - wasn't this just another polished excuse regarding Serena? How different was this from choosing Serena over her?

His explanations felt meaningless now. Since deciding on divorce, his business affairs and justifications had become irrelevant. Turning away, she focused on drying her hair, letting silence stretch between them like an unbridgeable chasm.

Ignoring Adrian's attempts at reconciliation, Vivian instructed Ethan to take her to the community center near her new apartment. The driver hesitated, glancing at Adrian for direction.

Adrian hadn't expected his honesty to backfire so spectacularly. His jaw tightened as frustration simmered beneath his controlled exterior.

Recognizing the impasse, Ethan relied on years of experience serving the Blackwoods to make an executive decision.

Fifteen minutes later, Vivian looked out the rain-streaked window with growing unease. The familiar route triggered recognition - they were heading toward Seabreeze Villa.

"Ethan!" Her voice sharpened. "You're going the wrong way. Turn around immediately!"

Through the rearview mirror, Ethan saw Adrian's impassive reflection and maintained course toward the villa.

"Did you not hear me?" Vivian's fist struck the leather seat. "I said take me home!"

The car continued moving forward, tires hissing against wet pavement.

Feeling disregarded by both men, Vivian regretted ever entering the vehicle. Her fingers found the door handle - unlocked. Without hesitation, she pulled it open.

Icy wind and stinging rain assaulted her as she leaned out. Before she could act, powerful arms dragged her back into the warmth of the car.

Ethan slammed the brakes, swerving violently. A road sign shattered against a stone pillar where they'd nearly crashed. Without Adrian's quick reflexes, Vivian might have shared that sign's fate.

Fear pulsed through her veins, but she schooled her features into icy composure, refusing to show weakness.

As the car stilled, tension thickened the air. Trapped securely in Adrian's embrace, Vivian craned her neck to meet his gaze. His eyes burned with fury before cooling into something distant and unreadable.

The storm outside mirrored the tempest between them, neither willing to surrender first.