Chapter 270: Derek Always Caught Her Off Guard

Diana stood frozen, her mouth parted in shock as tremors coursed through her body. Her wide eyes fixed on Derek; she was unable to process the scene before her. Milo strode past, his brief glance at Diana carrying unmistakable contempt as he reported to Derek, “Mr. Hopkins, all preparations are complete.”

Derek acknowledged him with a subtle nod, his arm draped protectively around Vivienne’s delicate waist. “Have you had enough fun tonight?” he inquired, his voice carrying a tenderness reserved solely for her.

Vivienne shifted her attention to Diana, her expression measured. “This gentleman possesses refined tastes that extend beyond superficial attractions. Miss Mitchell, I suggest you abandon any misguided aspirations.”

Humiliation and rage burned through Diana’s veins as she challenged, “Who exactly are you insulting?”

“Why, you, of course,” Vivienne responded, her previously gentle demeanor crystallizing into ice as mockery danced across her features. “Though perhaps, Miss Mitchell, you’d better comprehend a physical lesson rather than verbal wisdom?”

Noting the hardening of her expression, Derek bent down to press his lips softly against her temple. “Why devote any attention to her?”

“Because you’re impossibly magnetic to women!” Vivienne declared, turning away with practiced elegance.

Derek found himself momentarily stunned. The unpredictable nature of feminine emotions never ceased to amaze him. An indulgent smile graced his features as he swiftly pursued Vivienne, enveloping her in his embrace.

Diana remained paralyzed, watching their departure as her nails carved crescents into her palms. Bitter thoughts swirled through her mind. How had fortune favored Vivienne so generously? After departing from the Mitchell family, she hadn’t descended into disgrace but instead appeared more liberated than ever. Now she had secured the affections of a billionaire.

Diana’s jealousy festered as she contemplated ways to separate Vivienne from Derek. Meanwhile, oblivious to Diana’s machinations, Vivienne studied Derek’s features intently, mild irritation evident in her gaze.

“What troubles you?” Derek inquired, guiding her onto his lap.

Vivienne spoke frankly. “Your face proves far too distracting.”

Pleasure curved Derek’s lips at her admission. He caressed her earlobe, his voice earnest. “Why not make our relationship public, Miss Hayes? The thought of others admiring me unsettles even myself.”

When she didn’t immediately respond, his fingers traced a path behind her ear before ghosting across her lips. “Vivienne, don’t you yearn to explore our connection more deeply?”

The tender way he spoke her name sent her heart fluttering. A luminous smile bloomed on her face before she suddenly captured his wandering finger between her teeth.

“Ouch!” Derek inhaled sharply.

Though gentle, her bite sent electric currents coursing through him, converging at a singular point. “Release me,” he commanded, his voice roughened with desire, dark eyes gleaming dangerously.

Vivienne met his gaze, finding herself drowning in those bottomless depths. Like a cautious feline sensing peril, she quickly complied. In one fluid motion, Derek’s gentle yet firm hand claimed the nape of her neck. He descended, claiming her lips in a passionate assault. Vivienne’s eyes flickered with mingled defiance and frustration.

Derek’s ability to catch her off-guard never wavered. His presence enveloped her completely as the fervent kiss left her breathless, her strength dissolving beneath his touch.