Chapter 132

“Would you like to talk about it?” Derek’s voice was gentle but firm. Before Vivienne could answer, he added, “If you need to speak, I’m here to listen. If not, I won’t push.”

His words, though soft, carried undeniable weight, resonating deep within her. Vivienne’s heart fluttered; a surge of emotions rose within her, and she pressed her lips together, trying to contain them.

After a moment, she began, her voice barely a whisper. “As far back as I can remember, my mother rarely smiled, except when I played the violin. This piece…” She paused, fingers tracing the edge of her seat. “This was her favorite. Every time I played it, her gaze softened, and a smile would appear, as natural as breathing. Sometimes, she’d even join me at the piano. For years, I played it just to see that smile. Eventually, I couldn’t tell if I truly loved the violin or if I was simply chasing her happiness. After she passed away, I avoided it for a long time. Then, at the Sinclair estate, my grandfather insisted I take up various arts, saying a Sinclair must be skilled in everything to properly represent the family. So, I picked up the violin again.”

Derek gently took her hand, his touch warm and reassuring. “We should play a duet sometime.”

Vivienne’s eyes widened. “You play the piano?” Her voice faltered slightly. Then, understanding dawned. Derek offered a knowing smile. “I know many things. I’ll let you discover them, one at a time.”

As they spoke, the car reached the gates of Celtis Estate. Vivienne’s surprise was evident. “This is…”

Derek honked the horn. The grand gates slowly creaked open. “Until the danger passes, you’ll stay here, for your safety.” His words were simple, yet his authority brooked no argument. His concern was clear, and Vivienne knew she had no reason to refuse.

Seeing her acquiescence, Derek smirked, raising an eyebrow. “Vivienne, deep down, you’re secretly excited about sharing a roof with me, aren’t you?”

Vivienne flashed a playful grin. “Mr. Hopkins, you’re rather good at flattering yourself. Perhaps you should check your ego.”

She swung open the car door and stepped out, a hint of satisfaction in her stride. Derek unbuckled his seatbelt, following her, and took her hand with a cheeky smile. “Why bother with pride when my wife is standing before me?”

Vivienne’s cheeks flushed. “Who is your wife?” she asked, quickening her pace.

“You, of course,” Derek replied, his tone unwavering. “If not now, then eventually.”

As they approached, Vanessa spotted Vivienne, pausing momentarily before offering a respectful nod. “Hello, Miss Hayes.”

“Hello,” Vivienne replied, meeting Vanessa’s gaze briefly. She felt the warmth of Derek’s hand in hers. Gently disengaging, she hurried ahead, eager to enter the house.

Once in the guest room, she hung up her coat, stretched, and began preparing a bath. Opening the wardrobe, she found it neatly stocked with clothes, each item still tagged, reflecting the latest styles—all perfectly suited to her taste. A wave of warmth, unexpected and comforting, filled her chest. Clutching a new outfit, she went to the bathroom.

In the study, Derek lounged on a leather sofa, his features sharp in the dim light, an air of cold authority surrounding him. “Find out who dares to act so recklessly,” he ordered, menace lacing his voice, sending a shiver through Milo on the other end of the phone. Though unseen, Milo maintained a respectful posture. “Yes, sir.”