Chapter 175

Vivienne’s gaze lingered on Derek’s meticulously buttoned collar. The subtle curve of his Adam’s apple, now partially visible, heightened the allure of his features, making him seem even more captivating. Her brows furrowed as she pressed her lips into a thin line, studying the face that seemed to enchant everyone. She sighed inwardly. It was always this face.

Derek noticed the slight furrow in her brow, his expression curious. “Still upset?”

A slow smile curved Vivienne’s lips; her gaze playful as she met his. “Mr. Hopkins, your charm is truly unmatched. No wonder you captivate everyone.”

“Well, hearing that from you is quite the ego boost,” Derek said with a smirk. He tightened his hold around her waist, pulling her closer, then teasingly pinched her side. “I didn’t realize I was that charming.”

Vivienne’s expression flattened, but her thoughts were anything but calm. What a show-off.

Derek caught the fleeting look and chuckled, enjoying their playful tension. “I wonder… are you perhaps interested in me?”

His voice, smooth and seductive, sent a wave of warmth down her spine. Vivienne’s breath hitched; her heart fluttering.

She didn’t answer, simply holding his gaze, the silence thick with unspoken words.

Derek noticed the blush creeping up her neck, his smile widening. He leaned closer, his chin resting on her shoulder, his warm breath sending a shiver through her as he whispered, “I’m not interested in anyone else. I just want to charm you , Miss Hayes. Will you come with me tonight?”

His breath on her ear was like a flame, hot and electrifying, momentarily numbing her senses. The intensity made her heart race uncontrollably, her fingers curling reflexively.

She glanced at him, her smile now playful. “Mr. Hopkins, are you recommending yourself to me?”

“Would you accept?”

Vivienne’s eyes twinkled. “I’ll think about it.”

Standing by the door, Landon overheard, feeling like an unwanted observer. What truly surprised him was Derek’s attitude toward Vivienne. Derek had never been patient; he had little tolerance for things that didn’t interest him, let alone humbling himself to charm a woman.

Landon turned and walked away, a knowing smile playing on his lips. Entering the club’s hall, he spotted Owen preparing to make a call. Landon approached, his voice low but friendly. “Owen.”

Owen looked up, smiling. “Landon, it’s been a while.”

“Too long,” Landon said, pulling out a cigarette. “How about a drink?”

Owen hesitated, eyeing the cigarette, then looked back at Landon. Landon raised an eyebrow, teasingly. “Not available?”

“I’m free,” Owen replied.

As they left, Landon texted Derek: “I’ve taken Owen. Today’s bet is settled.”

Derek’s smile widened upon reading the message. He took Vivienne’s hand. “Gourmet Spot?”

“Sure,” she replied smoothly.

At Gourmet Spot, Natalie had nearly depleted her savings to silence the reporters. She had escaped trouble, but her father, Bryson Chambers, was not so lucky. A sudden crackdown on tax evasion had ensnared the Chambers family, making them a prime example. The Chambers family was well-known in Lyhaton. Despite their considerable efforts and resources, they had built valuable connections, even gaining proximity to people in key departments. In the past, Bryson could have prepared for trouble, but this time, both Natalie and her father were caught off guard.

Natalie looked across the table at the man seated before her, Kason Collins, her eyes pleading. “Mr. Collins, we’re alone. Can you give me a direct answer? Is there any way to fix my father’s situation?”