Chapter 179

Natalie wept softly in Warren's embrace. "Warren, I'm so sorry. I've put you in a difficult position again…"

"You don't need to apologize," Warren replied calmly. He felt Natalie trembling, and compassion replaced his urge to follow Vivienne. He gently stroked her back, murmuring reassurances. "She's always disregarded others' feelings. Just avoid her next time."

"Okay," Natalie whispered obediently.

Warren's attention drifted as he spoke, catching sight of Vivienne walking away with Derek, his arm around her waist. They entered their vehicle, Derek glancing back at Warren with a defiant, taunting smile.

A strange, unsettling feeling washed over Warren. It felt as though something rightfully his, something he claimed to neither want nor care for, had been taken by another.

Within Warren's arms, Natalie sensed his gaze on Vivienne. A flicker of jealousy crossed her eyes. "Warren, do you think Miss Hayes will forgive us? Will she still join us for the company's anniversary?"

Warren looked down, gently wiping her tears. "Whether she forgives us is up to her, but she must be at the celebration."

Natalie's expression hardened, her eyes narrowing with a calculating coldness.

Meanwhile, in the car, Derek looked at Vivienne with a mischievous gleam. "A lady of refinement, aren't you?"

Vivienne detected the playful undertone. Her eyebrow arched, mischief sparkling in her eyes. "Do you see a problem with that?"

Derek brushed her cheek, admiration in his eyes. "You're always right, in my book." He leaned closer, his kiss tender yet possessive.

The driver glimpsed them in the rearview mirror and quickly raised the privacy screen. In the secluded cabin, intimacy enveloped them.

Their moment was interrupted by a ringing phone. Derek dismissed the call, only for it to ring again insistently. His patience exhausted, he answered sharply, "This better be urgent!"

Caleb, sensing Derek's icy tone, hesitated. "Our shipment's been taken… Is that urgent enough?"

"What's the situation?" Derek asked calmly, though the intensity in his eyes was chilling.

"The waters around Trigold are usually calm, but our shipment was ambushed by an unknown group."

The cargo was valued in the billions—critical supplies for their operations.

Derek's expression darkened. "Inform Landon. I'm on my way."

"Got it!" Caleb replied. "I'll send men to survey the area."

After the call, Derek turned to Vivienne, who sat on his lap. Her lips, tender from their kisses, pouted slightly, a hint of hesitance in her eyes. "Does this mean you're going out on business?"