Chapter 182

Driven by curiosity, Vivienne searched for Derek Hopkins on her phone. The screen displayed a blank page: "Sorry, no information related to Derek Hopkins is found." Vivienne arched an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "How intriguing," she murmured.

She chuckled softly, then opened WhatsApp. Her conversation with Derek was still open; his last message read, "Get some rest. Don't worry about me." A faint smile touched her lips as she sighed and sank back into bed. This, she realized, was what missing someone felt like.

The next morning, Vivienne went to work. In the conference room, she listened intently to a department manager's report, her chin resting on her hand. Under her unwavering gaze, the manager grew visibly nervous, beads of sweat appearing on his neck.

Suddenly, her phone buzzed, breaking the tension. It was Derek. Suppressing a smile, she stood, addressing the room. "Let's pause here for today. We'll continue tomorrow." A collective sigh of relief swept through the managers as she left.

Back in her office, Vivienne answered the video call. Derek's face, captivating as ever, filled the screen. "Didn't sleep well?" he asked, his dark eyes noting the subtle shadows under hers.

Vivienne hesitated. She couldn't admit her sleepless night had been spent thinking of him. "I had a bit to drink last night," she said casually. "Got a headache."

"How's your drinking tolerance?" Derek asked.

Her eyes twinkled. "Depends on who I'm drinking with," she replied, a playful smile gracing her lips.

Derek raised an eyebrow, a knowing smile curving his mouth. "When I'm back, show me."

Vivienne's gaze softened as she noticed the weariness in his eyes. "Haven't you rested yet?" she asked, concern flickering. "Things not going smoothly?"

Derek, standing now, reached for a glass of wine. He took a sip, the tension in his body visibly easing. "It's a bit tricky."

Her brow furrowed. "Are you in danger?"

"Worried about me?" Derek teased, a subtle grin playing on his lips. His gaze, intense and almost palpable, held hers across the distance.

Vivienne felt a flutter in her chest. Derek, noticing his effect, deepened his smile. This was what he'd always wanted—to captivate her. Her cheeks flushed, and she cleared her throat. "I'm just afraid you'll break your promise."

Derek's smile softened. "I haven't married you yet. How could I leave this world?"

"Don't talk about death," Vivienne quickly interjected.

Derek's fingers gently traced the screen. "I'll take a nap. Let's talk again tonight, okay?"

"Okay," she replied, slightly taken aback but nodding. "Be careful."

"Sure."

Derek hummed softly before ending the call, his smile fading, replaced by a stormy resolve. "Strike at midnight. No dragging it out."

"Understood," Landon responded, his voice steady. "I'll give the orders now."

As Landon turned to leave, he glanced at Caleb, who tended to his wounds. Concern flickered across Landon's face. Years of camaraderie had forged a silent understanding between them. One look conveyed their thoughts.

Caleb smirked, dismissing the concern. "Stop looking at me like that. I'm not dying."

Landon chuckled softly before leaving, the door clicking shut behind him.