Chapter 9

Their words wove together effortlessly, time slipping past unnoticed until an older woman's voice broke the spell. "Sir, your grandmother's asking for you," she said, then turned to Vivienne with a kind smile. "Maybe this young lady would like to come along?"

Vivienne Hayes tilted her head toward Derek Hopkins, her eyes alight with curiosity. His sharp features softened, a flicker of tenderness breaking through his usual reserve. "Would you mind saying hello to my grandmother?" he asked, a quiet hope underlying his words.

The request surprised her. Her gaze shifted to the elderly woman nearby, whose face glowed with eager expectation. After a brief pause, Vivienne nodded.

Margot Hopkins beamed, her joy uncontainable as Derek and Vivienne approached. She waved enthusiastically, her eyes twinkling. "Forgive me for springing this on you, my dear," she said warmly. It was the first time she'd seen a woman linger in her grandson's company, and the thrill of it overflowed.

"Hello, ma'am," Vivienne replied smoothly.

Margot's smile widened as she took Vivienne's hand, her weathered fingers brushing over it with motherly fondness. "Oh, you're a darling girl. The longer I look at you, the more I'm charmed."

Vivienne, slightly overwhelmed by the affection, managed a polite smile, though a hint of unease lingered. Derek noticed the shift in her demeanor and subtly adjusted the blanket draped over Margot's shoulders. "The sun's nice today, but there's a chill in the air. Let's keep you cozy, Grandma," he said gently.

Margot's brows shot up in astonishment. Was this caring man really her usually detached grandson? Decades of experience sharpened her perception, and a sly smile curved her lips as she noted his subtle move to ease Vivienne's discomfort. Perhaps he wasn't as closed-off as she'd thought.

Her eyes softened as she turned back to Vivienne. "Tell me, dear, how long have you two known each other?"

Vivienne realized where this was heading. "Oh, ma'am, it's a misunderstanding. We've only just met."

Margot's keen gaze flicked to Derek, catching the faint challenge in his expression. "Well, you've won me over instantly," she said, her eyes dropping in a practiced show of wistfulness. "Would you consider dropping by sometime? This grandson of mine is always so busy, leaving a lonely old woman to her own devices."

Vivienne started to refuse, but the sight of Margot's silver hair evoked a memory of her own grandfather. Her resolve softened, and after a moment, she nodded. "I'd be glad to visit."

Margot's feigned sorrow instantly transformed into radiant delight. "Splendid! Derek will bring you himself."

"Oh, that's..." Vivienne glanced at Derek, flustered. "Isn't that too much trouble?"

"Not at all," Margot cut in briskly, shooting a proud look at her grandson.