Chapter 211: A New Neighbor
Derek was completely worn out. After resolving issues in Malashemen, he had discovered that Vivienne had bravely decided to manage the Mitchell family’s anniversary event on her own. At that instant, all he could think about was rushing to her side to ensure her well-being. Despite knowing Vivienne was capable, his concern for her was overwhelming.
Observing Derek asleep on the sofa, Vivienne’s expression reflected concern. The lines of exhaustion were apparent on his face even during sleep. She moved quietly across the room and draped a blanket over him.
Standing back, she studied his weary face, her lips pursing together momentarily. Compelled by a tender impulse, she leaned down and left a soft kiss on the corner of his mouth. That fleeting kiss, gentle yet profound, sent subtle tremors through Derek’s heart. He felt a twitch in his brow but kept his eyes closed, choosing to savor the moment. A slight smile emerged on his lips, unseen. Only after her footsteps faded did he slowly open his eyes, pausing in the quiet that followed. He snuggled deeper into the blanket, his thumb caressing the spot where her kiss had landed, still feeling the echo of her presence. He wished he had opened his eyes to see her when she was there.
“Staying awake for more than ten hours was worth that moment,” he muttered to himself.
Upon awakening the next morning, Vivienne’s first action was to grab her phone and check her messages. A sudden memory made her sit up quickly, flinging the covers aside, and she walked barefoot out of the bedroom. The living room sofa was vacant; Derek had already left. Had he really just left without a word? Derek’s actions were always a mystery.
Even though he often seemed to seize the moment and act assertively, he always conducted himself with propriety, keeping a respectful distance. Settling on the sofa, Vivienne began typing rapidly as she sent Derek a message, saying, “You’ve left?”
Derek quickly responded, “Breakfast is ready for you. Just warm it up if needed.”
Vivienne replied with a simple, “Thank you.”
Derek teased, “Actions speak louder than words when it comes to gratitude.”
Vivienne chuckled softly, placed her phone on the sofa, and made her way to the kitchen. Once she had eaten, she changed and exited her apartment. As she waited at the elevator, she noticed that the apartment across had a newly installed security door and surveillance camera. Her apartment was located in the most desirable section of the building, where property values were at their peak. The neighboring unit had been empty since she had moved in, and it was surprising to see signs of new occupants so suddenly. Indeed, there had been no activity there just the day before. Vivienne diverted her gaze from the new door as she stepped into the elevator. She took out her phone to check the news on social media.
The fallout from the previous day’s events had thrown Natalie, once away from the public eye, back into the spotlight. Despite the Chambers family’s attempts to suppress the story, it had spread uncontrollably. Natalie and Warren’s intimate photos were now viral, with influencers and insiders narrating the anniversary celebration’s events in detail. This unleashed a wave of backlash in the comments.
“Public figures engaging in affairs should face boycotts to discourage such behavior.”
“How infuriating to see someone project innocence while acting scandalously.”
“Luckily, the victim of this relationship is not lost in romantic delusions, or else her life would be completely ruined.”