Chapter 93: You Must Take Responsibility For Me

Before Vivienne could look up, Derek's hand gently settled on her head, drawing her into his embrace. "Stay with me," he murmured, his voice intimate and low. The simple gesture sent an inexplicable tremor through her heart.

"I'm afraid staying here might disturb you…" she began, her voice soft with hesitation.

A playful edge entered Derek's tone. "But you've already disturbed my heart, so you must take responsibility for me." His deep voice, like velvet against her ear, sent a shiver down her spine. Her cheeks flushed warmly.

Vivienne tilted her head, attempting to maintain a semblance of propriety. "Then you should rest well now, and continue working once your fever subsides."

Derek's smile was tender, almost doting. "Alright, I'll do as you say."

"Good. Then get some sleep. I'll stay and make sure you're okay."

But Derek was several steps ahead. In one swift motion, he wrapped his arm around her waist and lifted her horizontally. His voice dropped to a whisper. "If you keep moving like this, I can't promise I won't lose control."

The implied threat hung in the air. Vivienne understood perfectly, her blush deepening. She bit her lip, surrendering to his embrace. His cool, earthy scent enveloped her, her heart racing with anticipation and vulnerability.

Derek leaned down, kissing her fluttering eyelashes before softly patting her back. "Sleep," he whispered.

Though she had planned to leave once Derek fell asleep, she drifted off herself.

When Derek slowly opened his eyes, he found Vivienne peacefully nestled against his arm, resembling a tranquil kitten. Her long lashes cast delicate shadows on her cheeks, her nose slightly upturned. Her slightly parted lips glistened faintly, and the curve of her neckline revealed porcelain skin beneath her blouse.

Derek's dark eyes deepened, his gaze laced with tenderness and something more. A resigned smile touched his lips. She trusted him too much.

He reached out, his fingers brushing her cheek as if tracing a line of poetry. A quiet infatuation flickered in his eyes as he studied her serene features. He couldn't fathom why Warren would choose Natalie over Vivienne. In beauty and family background, Vivienne far surpassed her. There was nothing about Vivienne that was lacking. But perhaps Warren's loss was Derek's gain. If Warren hadn't abandoned her, things might have been far more complicated.

Just then, Vivienne's phone buzzed loudly, shattering the tranquility. Derek quickly picked it up, glancing at the screen before answering. "Who's this?"

The line went silent before Warren's sharp voice, tinged with barely suppressed anger, answered. "Put Vivienne on the phone."

Derek's lips curled into a mocking smile as he glanced at Vivienne, still asleep. Rising quietly, he moved to the balcony. "She's not available," he said, his tone cool and deliberate.

Warren's voice rose, laced with barely veiled jealousy. "Who the hell do you think you are to decide that for her? Let me talk to Vivienne!"

Derek hung up without another word.

Warren stared at the phone, his jaw tightening. He let out a cold laugh, his tone dripping with derision. "Vivienne, so this is what you've come to."

When his assistant entered, Warren stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, his expression as dark as the previous night's storm clouds. The assistant hesitated, sensing the tension. Clearing his throat, he said, "Mr. Mitchell, everyone's ready for the meeting."

Warren turned, his gaze sharp and cutting. "What's the update from the people I sent to investigate Vivienne?" he asked, his voice frigid.

The assistant faltered. "No significant information has been uncovered yet. It seems someone's gone to great lengths to conceal her whereabouts."