Chapter 982

Men understand men best.

Victor Laurent immediately sensed the tension between Vivian Dempsey and Alexander Hamilton. The Dempsey heiress had clear boundaries—grateful to the man who saved her grandmother, but gratitude didn't guarantee compatibility.

"Friendships can be territorial too." Vivian leaned against the window, sunlight dancing on her hair.

Victor paused while peeling an apple. "You don't dislike Mr. Hamilton. You resent him for taking Evelyn away."

"Half-right." She accepted the rabbit-shaped apple slice and took a crisp bite. "Ancient history. More importantly—why did your 'field research' take you so far? Trouble?"

The apple peel spiraled around his fingers. He couldn't admit insomnia-driven longing drove him to the mountains.

"Creative block." He carved the final bunny ear. "The resort design clicked when a goat headbutted me downhill."

Vivian burst out laughing. "An architect inspired by livestock?"

"Lying on that hillside under the stars," Victor's gaze burned, "I imagined watching them with you—"

The words dissolved. Vivian tilted her head,梧桐树影 flickering in her eyes.

"You're acting strange today." She suddenly leaned in. "Don't tell me..."

His heartbeat stuttered.

"...you want me to drive you to the reunion?" She patted his casted leg. "Relax. Even if you could walk, I'd still chauffeur you."

Victor's lips parted.

An orange dropped into his palm. She remembered his high school favorite.

"Doctor says you're discharged tomorrow." Vivian slung her purse, the tailored blazer sweeping a sharp arc. "I'll pick you up."

She left like a summer storm, missing the unspoken words in his eyes.

——

Two days later, antiseptic lingered in hospital corridors.

The nurse tied his sneakers with a chuckle. "Dressed to impress, young man. Meeting your girl?"

Victor adjusted his collar in the mirror. The reflection showed sharp features and broad shoulders—only the right leg cast spoiling the peacock display.

A car horn sounded outside. Vivian leaned against a scarlet convertible checking her watch. Sunlight filtered through梧桐 leaves, dappling her silhouette.