Chapter 75

Vivian swallowed her hesitation along with the champagne, forcing herself to remain seated. Whether it was stubborn pride or not wanting to ruin Audrey's evening, she reached for the deck of cards with renewed determination.

The male escorts, sensing the change in atmosphere, moved closer as the game resumed. Audrey, more enthusiastic than skilled, quickly accumulated losses that left her surrounded by empty cocktail glasses. She swayed dangerously when standing. "I need air. Bathroom break," she mumbled.

Vivian stood to follow, but the crowd blocked her path. One wrong move would mean unwanted physical contact, so she reluctantly sat back down.

Meanwhile, in the dimly lit hallway, a group of sharply dressed businessmen approached the VIP section. Adrian moved at the center, his stormy expression betraying his fraying patience. Dominic walked beside him, casting concerned glances. "Adrian," he ventured carefully, "if you're this distracted, maybe we should call it a night. Go home and talk things through. Compromise isn't weakness when it's for someone you love. Unless... you're truly set on this divorce?"

Adrian's jaw clenched at the word. It had become a constant irritation, growing more painful with each passing hour. Vivian had been testing boundaries lately, flaunting her newfound independence in ways that left him seething yet powerless.

His icy glare silenced Dominic. "Unless you have something constructive to say, keep your opinions to yourself."

As they neared the private rooms, Audrey stumbled out of hers, phone in hand, oblivious to the approaching storm. The men in Adrian's group paused, their attention caught by the sight of male escorts lounging inside her room.

"Damn, these ladies know how to party harder than we do," one remarked. "An entire room of pretty boys? That's impressive."

Another chuckled, "She's stunning too. Makes you wonder if she's got any married friends inside being just as adventurous." The mention of married women inevitably turned their thoughts to Vivian.

Adrian had been conspicuously absent from home, leaving his wife to endure years of solitude. One particularly bold colleague, fueled by liquid courage, quipped, "Adrian, you've left your wife alone so long. Aren't you worried she might... find alternative companionship?"

The playful mood evaporated instantly. A heavy silence descended as all eyes darted nervously toward Adrian. He remained motionless, absently twisting his wedding ring.

The words "find alternative companionship" echoed painfully in his mind. Images of Vivian flashed before him - her quiet defiance earlier that day, the way she'd masked her pain when injured. She'd endured far worse without complaint, yet today she'd crumbled in another man's arms over a minor burn.

The irony cut deeper than any blade.

After an unbearable silence, Adrian finally spoke, his voice dangerously calm. "She wouldn't dare."

After hours of drinking that blurred the line between celebration and debauchery, Audrey suddenly flung the playing cards across the table as if personally offended by them.

"Disaster!" she gasped, panic edging her voice. "My brother knows I'm back! He's coming to drag me out! I have to run! Vivian, stay here - I'll arrange your ride home."