Chapter 95: Never Trouble
After lunch, Derek and Vivienne strolled through the garden in peaceful silence. At the entrance, Derek slowed, turning slightly to extend his hand with quiet confidence. Vivienne hesitated briefly before slipping her hand into his. His fingers closed around hers, his grasp firm yet warm, creating a connection that felt both protective and intimate. Their strides harmonized, making them seem perfectly matched.
The air, crisp and cool after the previous night's rain, carried a subtle freshness. "Heading back to the office tomorrow?" Derek asked abruptly, his eyes studying her face.
Vivienne tilted her head. "No, I need to leave soon."
A faint furrow appeared between Derek's brows. She clarified, "There's some company business to handle." The truth was more complicated: her uncle Cameron was visiting, and she worried he might have uncovered something. She hadn't yet explained Derek to her family; their relationship was new, and she feared their disapproval.
When Vivienne mentioned Cameron, a flicker of something unreadable crossed Derek's eyes. "I'll drive you this afternoon," he said with quiet determination.
Vivienne started to protest, but Derek gently silenced her, placing his finger against her lips. "Vivienne, you matter to me. You deserve my care and support."
His touch sent a blush creeping across her cheeks. She cleared her throat. "Then I'll have to trouble you."
"Anything for you is never trouble," Derek replied, his tone steady. "Not everyone is worth the effort, nor do they have the right to demand it."
Caught off guard, Vivienne felt the warmth spread to her ears. Noticing her expression, Derek's playful smile faded. "What's wrong?" he asked, concerned.
Vivienne hesitated, searching his face for reassurance. "I just feel like I'm not worth all this effort."
People had always kept their distance. No one had ever truly cared. Even when she tried to please them, their approval remained elusive. But Derek's unwavering attention made her feel seen, valued in a way she'd never expected.
"Whether you're worth it isn't your decision," Derek said, his gaze steady. "To me, you're worth everything."
In the car, Vivienne sat silently, her eyes fixed on the blurring scenery. Derek's words echoed in her mind, a comforting embrace. She wasn't as unworthy of love as she'd believed.
Outside the Sinclair Group building, Warren lingered in his car, his gaze fixed on the reflective glass. He remained still, lost in thought, before stepping out.
The failed bid for the southern district land hadn't been a complete surprise; he'd sensed defeat. But he hadn't anticipated Brighton Group, a company he'd dismissed as insignificant, becoming such a formidable competitor. His strategy had been to partner with Sinclair Group, believing Mason's involvement would smooth the way. He'd been almost certain of success.
But since Mason's abrupt exit from Gourmet Spot, he'd declined Warren's offers and returned all previous gestures of goodwill. Now, Warren needed answers: had Mason's allegiance shifted, or was Sinclair Group's new CEO creating obstacles?