Chapter 95

Adrian's patience was wearing thin. "I'm in the middle of something important," he snapped into the phone. "If you're unhappy, just bring her home yourself."

Margaret's biting sarcasm crackled through the line. "Bring her home? She won't even acknowledge my existence! Your precious wife values the housekeeper's opinion more than mine."

Adrian could practically see the steam coming from his mother's ears. With an exhausted exhale, he surrendered. "Fine. I'll handle it."

Twenty-three minutes later, Adrian stormed into the glittering venue, his tailored suit slightly rumpled from rushing. Dark circles shadowed his eyes after consecutive all-nighters finalizing the merger. The last thing he needed was to play referee in this petty drama.

His piercing gaze swept the room before landing on Vivian. There she stood by the champagne tower, laughing with a group of tuxedo-clad men, her emerald dress clinging to curves that made his blood boil. The plunging neckline was borderline scandalous - a far cry from the modest elegance he'd come to expect from her.

This had Serena's fingerprints all over it. Determined to extract Vivian immediately, Adrian took an aggressive step forward only to be intercepted by security.

"Invitation, sir?" The guard held out a hand, blocking his path.

Adrian jerked his chin toward Vivian. "That's my wife. She has our invitation."

The guard eyed Adrian skeptically. His rolled-up sleeves and lack of visible designer labels contrasted sharply with the black-tie crowd. Yet something in Adrian's commanding presence gave the man pause.

"I'll verify with the lady," the guard conceded before approaching Vivian.

"Madam, a gentleman claims to be your escort. Shall I admit him?"

Vivian followed the guard's gesture and froze. There stood Adrian, his usual impeccable appearance slightly disheveled. Her stomach twisted. Only one person could have summoned him here so quickly - Serena.

The timing was too perfect. She'd just rejected Serena's fake olive branch, and now Adrian came charging in like some white knight. This was clearly another setup.

Forcing a neutral expression, Vivian strode toward the entrance. At an event like this, invitations were practically disposable - she'd heard Bianca mentioning extras earlier. No doubt Adrian had given his to Serena.

Was this Serena's new tactic? Weaponizing Adrian against her? Vivian nearly rolled her eyes at the predictability.

"You're looking for your darling Serena?" Vivian's voice dripped ice as she stopped before Adrian. "She's probably waiting with open arms somewhere."

Adrian's jaw clenched at her frigid tone, so different from the warmth she'd shown those strangers. The contrast stung more than he'd admit.

"What ridiculous accusation is that?" he growled, irritation flashing in his stormy eyes. "Why must you always drag Serena into everything? I used to think you misunderstood her, but now I see the truth - you're deliberately targeting her!"