Chapter 124

Derek’s eyes held such intensity that Vivienne felt herself drowning in their depths. Though she had never considered herself susceptible to physical attraction, his presence demanded a profound reassessment of her principles. She questioned why his allure proved so irresistible.

Drawing a steadying breath, she withdrew her hand and declared, “No!” The determination in her voice cast a shadow of disappointment across Derek’s dark eyes. He gently pinched her cheek before rising to leave. His displeasure, though subtly conveyed—a slight furrow of his brows, a tightening of his jaw—was unmistakable.

Vivienne sprang to her feet, catching his wrist and melting into his embrace. Her fingers playfully traced his tense jawline as a mischievous smile touched her lips. “You’re so quick to sulk. Those men outside would treat me far more considerately. Aren’t you worried they might seize their chance?”

Before she could continue, his hand clasped hers firmly. “Vivienne!” The chill in his voice carried a warning. She certainly knew how to pierce his defenses.

“I’m merely stating facts,” Vivienne murmured, her free hand drifting to his chest. “Being the Sinclair heiress naturally attracts men who would move mountains to please me.”

“The Sinclair heiress title may be enticing, but they should question whether fortune favors them so greatly!” A smile played on Derek’s lips, though his eyes remained serious. “My woman isn’t for anyone else to touch!” His voice was sharp, biting.

Yet, rather than feeling intimidated, Vivienne felt enchanted by his possessive declaration. Her heart effervesced with joy. “True love transcends both space and time,” she said, gazing at him with tender affection. Rising on her toes, she kissed his lips. “Derek, I hope our love grows into something eternal.”

His pupils dilated as he stared, transfixed. Tightening his grip on her hand, he declared, “Vivienne, wait for me to make you my wife!”

Her body froze. A magical warmth bloomed in her heart, spreading through her being. “Yes!” She realized this was true cherishment. The irony wasn't lost on her—she had spent three years chasing a meaningless apology, yet one month with Derek brought unprecedented fulfillment.

“Is your boss inside?” Benjamin’s voice, accompanied by the rhythmic tapping of his cane, drifted from the office doorway. Vivienne stiffened, as though confronting a fearsome adversary. “Oh no, my grandfather’s here!”

She darted about in panic, prompting an amused chuckle from Derek. “Why such nervousness?”

“I can’t let him find you here!” she blurted.

Derek’s expression darkened, his eyes flashing dangerously. “You’d better explain yourself.” The unspoken question hung heavily between them—was he so undesirable, his status so beneath hers, that he needed to be hidden?