Chapter 89: Sudden Fever

After hanging up the phone, Vivienne’s heart pounded as if she’d been caught stealing forbidden sweets. She exhaled slowly, regaining her composure, and looked at Derek, who sat in his wicker chair with his usual calm. His left hand rested casually on his knee; his right held a coffee cup. The sharp angle of his jawline lent him an air of effortless cool, as if impervious to the world's chaos. But Vivienne noticed the faint lipstick mark on the corner of his mouth—a trace of their recent kiss.

Her cheeks flushed as the memory resurfaced, sending warmth flooding her face. She stammered, “I-I’ll go back to my room now.” Before Derek could reply, she whirled and fled, like a startled deer.

Safe in her room, she leaned against the door, palms pressed to her burning cheeks. Today had been utter madness. She’d not only welcomed him into her life but had also surrendered to his kiss—a kiss that left her wanting more. Her hand moved from her flushed face to her lips, tracing their outline, reliving the moment. A shy smile appeared, involuntary and irresistible.

Shaking her head to clear her thoughts, she tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear and went to the bathroom. The warm water felt soothing, washing away the day's fatigue and the turmoil in her heart. After drying her hair, she lazily stretched out on the bed, her thoughts drifting off to sleep.

Meanwhile, the estate gates creaked open, and a sleek, dark purple Bugatti purred into the driveway. Caleb entered Derek’s study, his eyes casually scanning the bookshelves. “Derek, you’ve finally resurfaced. Still burying yourself in work? Let’s do something fun tonight,” he drawled, leaning against the desk.

“Not interested,” Derek replied, without looking up, focused on his documents.

Caleb sprawled into an armchair, legs crossed, lounging like a cat. His mischievous eyes, tilted upward, held a charm that had served him well in past romantic endeavors. “Come on, Derek,” Caleb pressed, playfully. “Life isn’t all work. You’ve been back for days, holed up. I’m here to give you a proper welcome—you can’t refuse this time.”

Derek’s reply was immediate and curt. “I can.” His thoughts were elsewhere, preoccupied with Vivienne’s imminent departure. How could he squander their night together?

Caleb sat up straighter, curious. He discreetly observed Derek, his sharp eyes noting every detail. Knowing Derek’s usual aloofness, Caleb had always believed him indifferent to women. But now, a small voice whispered that perhaps the rumors about Derek’s hidden feelings weren't unfounded.

Before he could probe further, his phone buzzed. With a slight frown, he answered, “What is it?”

The butler’s voice, respectful but urgent, came through. “Miss Hughes has suddenly developed a fever and wishes to see you.”

Caleb rolled his eyes, irritation evident. “If she’s sick, she should go to the hospital.” He ended the call without waiting for a reply.

Turning back to Derek, lost in thought, tracing the edge of a paper, Caleb said, “Derek?”

“Sudden fever?” Derek mused, curiously.

Caleb hesitated, then smirked knowingly. His voice held derision. “It’s just theatrics. Probably a cold bath. Her acting needs work.”

“It does seem…deliberate,” Derek remarked, a faint, sardonic smile playing on his lips.

Caleb studied him, sensing Derek's thoughts were far removed from their conversation. “Derek,” he said, leaning forward, “let’s have some fun tonight, okay? I heard it’s going to rain. Perfect for a late-night race. It’s been ages.”

Rain? The suggestion sparked subtle interest in Derek’s eyes.

“Alright,” he responded.