Chapter 118
Vivienne’s eyes widened in shock. Instinctively struggling, her voice trembled. "What are you doing?"
Derek's intense gaze locked onto hers, then drifted downward, settling on her lips with unspoken intent.
"Seeking solace," he murmured, his voice low and unyielding. Without hesitation, he kissed her fiercely.
The kiss was unlike his usual composed demeanor; fervent and demanding, a relentless tide that left her breathless. Beneath the intensity, a palpable frustration simmered, raw and unrestrained.
Vivienne fought for breath, her chest heaving as the oxygen fled her lungs. Only when she was near collapse did he release her, though his presence still overwhelmed her.
Her trembling fingers gripped his shirt, her lips parted in ragged breaths. Her cheeks glowed crimson, the flush enhancing her beauty. Tear-filled eyes shimmered, her vulnerability tinged with undeniable allure.
Derek's dark eyes burned with even greater intensity. "Looks like that meeting will have to wait."
Before she could respond, he leaned in again, his lips crashing against hers with renewed hunger. This kiss was bolder, more relentless, as if he intended to claim her entirely. His arms encircled her waist, pulling her close, as if to fuse their bodies.
In the confined car, the air throbbed with electrifying tension, each moment deepening their intimacy. Suddenly, a shrill phone ring shattered the charged silence, yanking them back to reality. The haze in Vivienne's eyes cleared, her composure returning.
She pressed her hands against his chest. Her voice was firm, yet unsteady. "I really have to go."
Derek rested his forehead against hers, his fingers brushing her flushed earlobe with a tenderness that sent a shiver down her spine. "See you tonight," he murmured.
The simple gesture further unsettled her, and she scrambled out of the car.
He watched her go, his eyes lingering on her retreating figure as a faint smile touched his lips. His fingertips traced his mouth, savoring the lingering warmth. An idea sparked. He reached for his phone, his tone decisive. "Add one more person to the Sinclair Group negotiations."
When Vivienne returned to the office, Scarlett's sharp eyes immediately noticed her swollen lips. Her suspicion was instantaneous—this could only be the work of the man who had stormed into the office previously.
After a brief hesitation, Scarlett approached, handing Vivienne a stack of neatly prepared documents. "These are the Brighton Group materials and the draft contract."
Vivienne nodded, but noticed Scarlett hovering, reluctant to leave. She glanced up, her tone neutral. "Is there anything else?"
Scarlett's lips pressed together, unspoken conflict flickering in her expression. "I'd like to take a day off tomorrow."
"Is there a problem?" Vivienne asked, her fingers lightly brushing the file as she closed it.
Scarlett shook her head, her smile faint and tinged with melancholy. "Tomorrow's my mother's birthday. I'd like to spend the day with her."
Understanding softened Vivienne's features. "I'll have someone take you there tomorrow."
"There's no need," Scarlett replied, shaking her head apologetically. "Rosalie's already coming. I don't want to trouble you further."
Vivienne blinked, startled, before her voice softened. "Be careful. Let me know if you need anything."
"Alright," Scarlett responded quietly.
Outside, Scarlett dialed quickly. "Rosalie, Vivienne approved the day off. How about we leave tonight?"
Rosalie's voice was a lazy drawl. "Whatever you say."
That nonchalant sentence sent Scarlett's heart racing.
Half an hour later, the Brighton Group representatives arrived.
Hearing footsteps, Vivienne's gaze swept over the entering figures—until it settled on the last man. Her composed smile faltered. Wasn't it understood that Derek wouldn't be attending these negotiations?
Derek caught her look, his brows lifting in subtle amusement. A faint, knowing smile played on his lips.