Chapter 55: Vivienne’s Mere Presence Unraveled Him

Sitting in the car, Vivienne occasionally glanced at Derek, seated beside her. He sat gracefully, one leg crossed over the other, his posture erect, hands resting casually on his knees. Soft shadows partially concealed his sharp features, lending him an air of mysterious restraint.

Breaking the silence, she said, "Thank you for earlier." She knew she could have handled the situation herself, but valued his well-meaning efforts and felt it important to express her gratitude.

Derek’s gaze shifted to her, his eyes casually detached. "Is a simple 'thank you' all you have for me?"

Surprised by his bluntness, Vivienne paused. Simple words felt insincere. "Do you have something in mind that would be a fitting way to thank you?"

Derek's dark eyes locked onto hers as his fingers brushed her cheek. "You already know what I want."

His deep voice filled the small space, resonating like a cello, striking a chord deep within her. Their eyes met; the intensity made Vivienne quickly look away, feeling burned. Her eyelashes fluttered; she pressed her lips together nervously.

"Taking advantage of the situation isn't right."

"I prefer being a truthful scoundrel to a fake gentleman," Derek murmured, playing with a loose strand of her hair. His voice was a seductive whisper. "My patience isn't endless. You don't realize how much you captivate me." He smelled her hair, then lightly brushed it with his lips.

Vivienne’s heart skipped a beat; her cheeks flushed crimson. Annoyed, she yanked her hair free, took a deep breath, and responded coolly, "Are you threatening me?"

"It's honesty, an impatience," Derek’s gaze remained fixed on her, his Adam's apple bobbing as his eyes darkened. Ever since he first saw Vivienne, he'd felt an undeniable pull. He'd always believed he could maintain control, but her mere presence effortlessly unraveled his composure. His plan had been merely to provoke; now, it seemed he’d ensnared himself.

Derek settled back, taking a deep breath to suppress his restlessness. "Will you treat me to dinner sometime?"

Relieved, though hiding it well, Vivienne softly answered, "Sure."

Silence fell, broken only by Vivienne's ringing phone. It was Sienna. "Sweetheart, you really outdid yourself managing everything in my absence! Teaching that woman a lesson was perfectly justified!"

Raising an eyebrow, Vivienne asked, "Has it gone viral?"

Given Natalie’s celebrity status, her dramatic outburst's widespread attention wasn't surprising.

Sienna’s voice, casual over the phone, "People exaggerate online these days. Considering Natalie's fame, the video caused quite a commotion, but she was clearly at fault. Now, she's trying to lay low, taking down the posts."

Vivienne’s expression hardened slightly. "I'll manage."

"Since her return, she’s been consistently clashing with you. I suspect she’s not going to let this go easily," Sienna warned, a note of anxiety in her voice. "Be extra careful when you go out; her fans might do something rash."

With a slight, mocking smile, Vivienne responded, "My only concern is that she might not stir up enough trouble."