Chapter 174

The woman froze, her carefully applied makeup faltering slightly as embarrassment and awkwardness washed over her face. Her eyes swept Vivienne from head to toe, a fleeting look of disdain crossing her features. She had just been rejected by Derek; what chance could this woman possibly have?

However, Vivienne remained unfazed by the woman’s mocking gaze. She walked past with cool composure. The woman, instead of leaving, lingered by the door, eager to witness the unfolding scene. To her astonishment, Derek not only didn't dismiss Vivienne, but pulled her into his arms.

The woman's face morphed, her expression a perfect storm of disbelief. Vivienne, noticing the gaze, slowly lifted her eyelids, meeting the woman's eyes. A faint, sly smile played on her lips, daring the woman to look away. The woman’s pupils constricted, and in a whirlwind of humiliation and rage, she quickly averted her gaze and stormed out.

Once the door clicked shut, Vivienne’s brief satisfaction dissipated. Indifferent, she casually brushed Derek’s hand from her waist and sat beside him. She picked up her wine, swirling it absently before taking a delicate sip.

Derek watched her silently for a moment, then pulled her onto his lap. In one swift motion, he removed her wine glass, setting it on the table with quiet authority. Caught off guard, Vivienne felt herself lifted into his lap.

Her brows furrowed, and she instinctively tried to move away, but his arm tightened around her waist, pulling her back. Vivienne met his gaze; unspoken tension filled the air. Her expression remained composed, her eyebrows arched in silent inquiry. Her eyes asked, “What are you doing?”

His hand rested on her waist, his touch lingering. He exhaled slowly, the restlessness in his eyes barely contained. “What did I do to upset you?” His voice softened, a hint of frustration underlying the calm. “Tell me. Why sulk and torture yourself?”

“Did you upset me?” Vivienne retorted, her tone sharper than intended.

Derek’s gaze remained steady, a playful smile tugging at his lips. “Didn’t I?”

With a flat expression, Vivienne replied, “No.”

“Then let’s stay like this,” Derek said, his voice low and steady. “When you’re ready to talk, we can eat.”

Vivienne frowned, trying to move away, her body tensing. “Let me go.”

“No.”

She fixed him with a steady gaze, slowly scanning his form. His shirt collar was carelessly unbuttoned, revealing his Adam’s apple and collarbones. His usual relaxed charm, the effortless confidence he usually exuded, seemed almost deliberate today—as if he were trying too hard to be noticed.

Her eyes narrowed, frustration rising. “Can you dress yourself properly?”

Derek raised an eyebrow, confused, glancing down at his attire.

Vivienne reached up, tugging sharply at his collar, irritation clear in her voice. “What kind of impression are you trying to make? You look ridiculous.”

“Ridiculous?” Derek looked down, a slow grin spreading across his face, his eyes lighting up with amusement.

Vivienne put on a stern face. “Any objections?”

“No objections,” Derek murmured, his tone teasing but obedient. “I’ll listen to you, my girlfriend.”

He leaned in, kissing her chin, before buttoning his shirt with exaggerated care. “Are you happy now?” he asked, his voice playful as he met her gaze.