Chapter 33

“How’s your hand feeling now?” Margot asked gently, pausing to sip her coffee delicately.

Vivienne, a bit embarrassed, subtly hid her hand and offered a timid smile. “Oh, it’s really just a tiny scratch. Thank you for caring.”

“Derek had Milo rush to get some ointment last night. I hardly slept, worrying it was more severe,” Margot said, placing her cup down with a smile that hinted at more. “It’s the first time I’ve seen Derek so concerned about anyone in many years.”

Indeed, it had been ages since Derek had displayed such heartfelt concern.

Upon hearing Margot’s words, Vivienne looked down, her fingers tightening slightly and her lashes fluttering, revealing a surge of emotions.

When Derek returned to the living room, Vivienne said she was ready to go. Aware that Vivienne was due at the hospital for her discharge, Margot didn’t press her to stay longer but urged Derek to ensure Vivienne was well cared for.

While driving, Derek steered with one hand, casting glances at Vivienne now and then. “Do I have something on my face?” Vivienne couldn’t ignore Derek’s continuous looks.

With a soft smile, Derek responded, “You look really good in that outfit.”

Vivienne arched an eyebrow. “Was it you who picked out this outfit?” That morning, after freshening up, she had discovered new clothes on her bed and had dressed without giving it much thought. She had assumed they were chosen by Margot, but it was Derek’s selection. The clothes fit her perfectly, suggesting that Derek either had a knack for this or he did it often.

Noticing the questioning look in Vivienne’s eyes, Derek’s eyes twinkled with amusement. “The tags made it easy to choose the right sizes.”

Vivienne hesitantly accepted his explanation. Still, the realization that Derek had even selected her undergarments caused a warm blush to spread across her cheeks.

“In case you run into any trouble with your resignation from Mitchell Group, just let me know,” Derek said.

Vivienne was surprised. She hadn’t thought he’d recall her discussion with Margot. With a quick smile, she assured him, “I’ll manage on my own.”

As they arrived at the hospital, Vivienne reached for the door handle, but Derek caught her hand. Her initial reaction was to pull back, but finding his grip firm, she relented. “Was there anything else?”

“Don’t forget to apply the ointment regularly,” Derek reminded her, his grasp gentle yet firm.

Vivienne nodded, again trying to pull her hand away to exit the vehicle, yet Derek’s hold remained secure. A look of mixed embarrassment and annoyance crossed her face as she stared at him.

Derek continued, “I suspect that once you leave, seeing you again might not be so simple.” His voice was deep and enchanting, imbued with a wistful tenderness that tugged at the heartstrings.

Reluctantly releasing her hand just as Vivienne’s patience waned, Derek said, “Please take good care of yourself.”

“Sure,” Vivienne replied, quickly exiting the car without looking back.

From inside the car, Derek watched as her figure slowly disappeared into the hospital, his lips curving into a faint smile. “She really does keep her emotions guarded.”

With a sigh, he started the car and, as the window rolled up, he drove past a black vehicle. The man inside caught a brief glimpse of Derek’s face, his expression tightening as a complex, dark emotion flickered in his eyes. Derek had returned.