Chapter 823

Vivian Lockwood knew exactly what she felt.

She adored Adrian Blackwood, though he was a year younger. Yet he possessed a maturity beyond his years—thoughtful, dependable, the kind of man who made her heart race.

So she listened to that heartbeat. No games, no pretense. Just raw, unfiltered emotion.

And she didn’t regret a single second of it.

This fire between them? She knew it would burn for a lifetime.

Best decision she’d ever made.

One glance exchanged between Vivian and Adrian, and Evelyn Sinclair knew—Tristan Whitmore never stood a chance.

No amount of effort could compete with the electricity crackling between those two. The way their eyes locked, the unspoken devotion radiating between them.

Evelyn lowered her lashes, a soft smile playing on her lips as she lifted her hands in applause.

"Stunning. May your happiness last forever."

Some might call it reckless, rushing into love like this.

But Evelyn believed in them. When the initial spark settled, when gossip and petty challenges arose—she had no doubt their bond would only deepen.

The couple’s intertwined fingers were a stark contrast to Evelyn’s empty hands. The ache of loneliness pressed in.

She needed air.

With a practiced smile, she excused herself, slipping out with Preston Sinclair.

Just as she reached the car, a voice called out.

Vivian.

Skirt clutched in one hand, she jogged over, cheeks flushed. "There’s something I’d like to discuss. Privately."

Evelyn’s stomach tightened. Did Tristan’s nonsense actually get to her? Do I need to explain there’s nothing between Adrian and me? But wouldn’t that just make it worse?

Preston intervened smoothly. "Why not talk in the car? More discreet."

Perfect solution.

The driver tactfully stepped away, leaving the two women in the quiet luxury of the backseat.

Evelyn hesitated. "Just so we’re clear—Adrian and I—"

Vivian laughed. "Oh, I know. He told me ages ago."

Evelyn blinked. Could’ve led with that.

"He admitted he used to have feelings for you," Vivian added casually.

Evelyn’s smile froze. Is he insane?

Noticing her discomfort, Vivian patted her hand. "Relax. It was one-sided. You’re gorgeous, brilliant, kind—who wouldn’t fall for you? If I were a man, I’d be smitten too."

Evelyn exhaled. "Then what did you want to discuss?"

"Business." Vivian’s eyes lit up. "I’m expanding the firm. Right now, it’s just me, and the workload’s overwhelming. With a proper team, we could triple our output."

Evelyn relaxed. Thank God.

"Approved. You have full autonomy."

Vivian shook her head. "You’re the investor. Your insight is invaluable. I won’t move forward without your blessing."

Evelyn grinned. "Consider it given. Emphatically."

To her, this was pocket change.

To Vivian? A lifelong dream unfolding.

They brainstormed, debated, and by the time Vivian left, they’d aligned perfectly.

As the driver returned, Evelyn started to give directions—

The door swung open. Preston slid in, smirking. "Mind if I hitch a ride?"

"Not at all." She turned to the driver. "Take Mr. Sinclair to The Regal Grand first."

Preston shook his head. "Actually, make it The Grand Manor."

Evelyn’s brows lifted. The Grand Manor—where every square foot cost more than most people made in a year.

Rivaled only by Highland Estates, where Nathan Blackwood resided.