Chapter 181

The two settled into their chairs as Vivienne's phone chimed, capturing their attention. A gentle smile graced her features as Derek's message illuminated her screen. Owen observed that lingering smile with a faraway look in his eyes, memories washing over him.

He vividly remembered Vivienne's first days with the Sinclair family—a fragile figure with eyes that betrayed deep-seated unease. Unlike her privileged peers, life had etched wisdom into her young spirit far too soon. Her method of processing pain—that stoic silence—had touched him more profoundly than any tearful display. During those early days, Owen would have moved mountains to see her smile. He never viewed her as a burden; instead, he enjoyed her quiet presence.

But everything shifted five years ago after a devastating overseas attack. The Vivienne who emerged was like a fortress—impenetrable, refusing to speak of what transpired. Though their connection grew stronger, Owen noticed an unsettling detachment had taken root, as if she’d grown indifferent to both joy and sorrow.

"Vivienne, do you ever look back with regret?" Owen's words emerged rough and hesitant.

She turned to him, wearing that same gentle yet unwavering smile. "Adults don't have the luxury of regrets. We simply press forward."

A shadow of a smile, devoid of warmth, crossed Owen's face.

"Are you familiar with Derek Hopkins?" Vivienne inquired.

His frown deepened as he contemplated her question. After a weighted silence, he shifted his gaze. "Only whispers reach me. They say he hails from a sovereign land—a place beyond our reach, independent of any nation. Some call it the Independent Continent."

Though Vivienne had always sensed hidden depths to their world, Owen's revelation sent a shiver of intrigue down her spine.

"The Independent Continent," she echoed, curiosity burning bright.

Owen leaned in, his voice dropping to a protective growl. "Vivienne, keep your distance from him. He's dangerous territory."

She met his stern gaze unflinchingly, raising her beer bottle to her lips in silent response. Dangerous territory… Yet, who could truly judge another's character? Morality, she mused, was like a compass invariably pointing toward those we cherished, often unconsciously.

That was precisely how she felt about Derek; the more others cautioned against him, the stronger her resolve grew to understand the soul beneath his polished exterior.

Owen watched her thoughtful silence, his expression hardening. "Vivienne, are my words reaching you at all?" His tone carried the weight of genuine concern.

She cast him a sidelong glance, offering a slight smile. "Perfectly clear."

The clock struck eleven as Vivienne lay restless in her bed, Owen's words echoing through her mind: "He is from a place beyond our reach." Her thoughts swirled with possibilities about this mysterious territory, keeping sleep at bay.