Chapter 84: Swollen Lips and a Suggestive Smile

When Vanessa spotted Vivienne, her sharp gaze immediately fell upon Vivienne's slightly swollen lips. A fleeting, knowing smile touched Vanessa's face as she offered a respectful greeting. "Miss Vivienne."

Vivienne caught the faint amusement in Vanessa's expression and forced an awkward, polite smile in return. Without lingering, she quickly turned and walked away.

Stepping into the back garden, the sheer grandeur of the villa took her breath away. Its scale rivaled that of the famous Sinclair Mansion. The garden was an oasis of rare, exotic flowers and lush greenery, every detail meticulously curated. Surrounding amenities hinted at a luxury beyond imagination.

This could only be the legendary Celtis Estate. As renowned as the Sinclair Mansion, whispers of its opulence circulated widely, yet its elusive owner remained a mystery. Vivienne never imagined Derek was that owner.

"Miss Vivienne," Vanessa's soft voice interrupted Vivienne's thoughts. She had appeared silently behind her, her expression calm, a gentle smile on her lips. "Mr. Hopkins had to leave on urgent business, but he specifically asked me to show you around."

Vivienne gave a slight nod. "Thank you," she replied, her tone reserved.

Vanessa blinked, momentarily caught off guard, before her smile brightened, reaching her eyes. Since last night, when Derek had brought Vivienne back, Vanessa had noticed a marked change in his demeanor toward her. Faced with Vivienne's striking beauty, Vanessa admitted to a twinge of bias; women vying for Derek's attention were nothing new. But Vivienne's quiet composure set her apart from those who schemed to gain his favor. It made Vanessa understand why Derek seemed so drawn to her.

Leading Vivienne through the estate, Vanessa pointed out various features and introduced the exotic plants with practiced ease. Noticing Vanessa's familiarity, Vivienne casually asked, "Vanessa, have you been working here long?"

Vanessa responded with a modest smile. "Five years now." Her eyes lingered on Vivienne's face for a moment before she smoothly steered the conversation. "This estate is Mr. Hopkins' private residence. Other than a select few friends, no one else has ever been invited here."

Vanessa's tone was casual, but Vivienne detected the subtle implication. She offered a faint smile, clearly intending to deflect, but Vanessa, having started, seemed unwilling to stop. "To be honest, Miss Vivienne, you are the only woman Mr. Hopkins has ever brought to the Celtis Estate. And it's the first time I've seen him stay up all night for someone."

The single word "only" carried undeniable weight. Its lingering presence made Vivienne's heart stumble. Still, her thoughts were elsewhere. Looking at Vanessa in disbelief, she asked, "Did you just say… he stayed up all night?"

Vanessa's lips curved into a knowing smile as she nodded. "Yes. Last night, when Mr. Hopkins' private doctor came to check on you, it turned out you had acute gastroenteritis and a fever. You were put on an IV drip, and Mr. Hopkins stayed by your side. He didn't leave, even after it was finished. If that doesn't show how much he cares for you, Miss Vivienne, then I don't know what would. Why else would he personally make you soup?"

Her smile widened. "Picture it—Mr. Hopkins, so out of his depth, trying to make soup with me. It was quite the sight."

Vivienne's composure faltered, her emotions betraying her calm facade. She had sensed something when she saw Derek after waking, but hearing Vanessa's confirmation left her shaken. She couldn't even recall the last time someone had cared for her so deeply; the memory was lost in the wreckage of Warren's betrayal.

And yet, through Derek's small but genuine actions, it felt as though he was carefully planting seeds in the barren field of her heart. Seeds that now seemed to be sprouting with delicate, vulnerable shoots. Sometimes, love wasn't grand or loud. It was found in these unexplainable moments of tenderness.