Chapter 272: I’ve Truly Found a Treasure
“There’s a situation ahead, Mr. Hopkins,” Milo said, his tone tinged with cool gravity from the front passenger seat.
Derek’s indifferent eyes rose to meet the road ahead. There, beside a red Lamborghini, stood a man casually leaning against the window. A breeze ruffled a strand of hair across his forehead, highlighting his remarkably attractive features. The depth in his amber eyes lent a somber air to his otherwise striking appearance. With a dazzling smile, he made a playful gun gesture to his head, his arrogance clear and taunting.
Unfazed, Derek’s gaze remained intensely on the man, his thoughts inscrutable. Vivienne observed the blond man’s handsome features. It was a face that rivaled Derek’s in attractiveness. While Derek’s appearance was ruggedly detached, the blond man’s softer features suggested a character out of a romantic tale. Her gaze lingered briefly before she abruptly asked, “The fish?”
This man was likely the one Derek had been searching for tonight, the very person who took advantage of the situation to set a trap.
With a slight grin, Derek replied, “Brilliant as always, my love.”
Vivienne’s eyes sparkled mischievously as she returned his smile with a radiant one of her own. “Are you frightened?”
Vivienne’s sharp wit and insight had been crucial in pulling Mitchell Group back from financial ruin and securing its place in the market over the past three years.
“Your intelligence never ceases to impress,” Derek said, drawing her close and softly kissing her, his hand tenderly cradling her chin. “I’ve truly found a treasure.”
Fortune had favored them since Warren had overlooked her. Her eyelashes fluttered gently as she embraced Derek tightly, nestling into his neck, breathing in his fresh, earthy fragrance, and murmuring, “As have I.”
As they slowly passed the red Lamborghini, the window rolled up, and the blond man’s gaze shifted as if he sensed their presence. His cold, hostile gaze felt like sharp daggers, stabbing straight into Vivienne’s eyes. With a slight frown, her eyes took on a subtle chill as she boldly returned his stare. The man seemed amused by her resilience, a sly grin creeping across his face.
“Sir?” inquired the crew-cut man, tracing his leader’s intense focus, only to notice Derek’s car gliding past them with superior speed. Distractedly fiddling with his bone ring, the blond man instructed, “Find out who that woman is.”
“A woman?” Samira’s voice tinged with excitement, sensing a hint of gossip in the air. Derek, renowned for his lack of interest in women, was often the subject of whispers about his preferences for men. In the past, Samira attempted to charm Derek, but her efforts were in vain.
Silently, the blond man found a cozy spot to lazily lean back, masking his evident irritation with a calm facade. The night was supposed to go smoothly, but Derek’s unexpected involvement disrupted everything. Eventually, he knew he’d have to confront Derek. A knowing look passed between Samira and the man with a crew cut, both choosing to keep their thoughts to themselves.
At Platinum Apartments, Vivienne was seated on the floor, legs crossed, as she scrutinized the tiara before her on the coffee table. Despite its craftsmanship with fine jade and assorted gemstones, it held no unique allure.
Upon ending his call, Derek turned to find Vivienne donned in white gloves, giving the tiara a thorough examination. A fleeting softness crossed his face. “Notice anything unusual?” he asked, approaching Vivienne and taking a seat next to her.