Chapter 244

Vivian had been circling the dessert table for what felt like hours when her stomach growled loudly.

She realized she hadn't eaten anything since breakfast.

Now she was devouring a chocolate mousse cake like a contestant in a speed-eating challenge. A smear of whipped cream decorated the corner of her lips, giving her an unexpectedly cute appearance.

The sudden sound of her name made her jerk her head up. Her eyes locked with Ethan's intense gaze as he loomed over her.

Mortified by her messy state, she quickly wiped her mouth and straightened her posture. "The staff insisted I try this. I wasn't actually that hungry—"

Dominic chuckled, clearly amused by her antics. "Our employees take their hospitality seriously. Don't worry, we hired Michelin-star pastry chefs. Every ingredient is calorie-controlled."

Ethan kept his hands in his pockets, his expression unreadable. "Now I understand why your waistline has expanded."

Vivian's grip tightened around her fork. She fantasized about smashing the entire cake into his smug face.

'That infuriating man! Can't he ever say anything nice?'

But the new Vivian didn't back down from challenges.

"Oh? Coming from someone whose six-pack looks suspiciously artificial. Tell me, Mr. Blackwood, how many cosmetic procedures did those abs require?" Her voice dripped with sarcasm.

"You should know better than anyone." His lips quirked. "Considering how often your hands wandered."

Heat flooded her cheeks. 'Damn it, he's right. Those rock-hard abs were definitely real... and spectacular.'

Nathan's head swiveled between them. "Wait—how would you know what his body looks like? Did something happen last—"

"NO!" Their simultaneous denial only deepened the suspicion.

Dominic's grin widened. 'Seems like last night was... eventful. Maybe Ethan finally got his act together.' The thought eased his lingering guilt.

"We're wasting time," Dominic announced, clapping his hands. "The wedding won't start without us."

Nathan nodded eagerly. "Right! Today's about you and Olivia. Save the foreplay for later—we've got a schedule!"

Dominic pointed to the waiting limousine. "We're all riding together. Nathan, you're driving."

"What? We have a chauffeur for—" Nathan's protest died as comprehension dawned. "Actually, I'm an excellent driver. Everyone in!"

Within minutes, Dominic and Nathan occupied the front seats, forcing Vivian and Ethan into the back.

Vivian grabbed a cupcake from the tray, avoiding eye contact. "I shouldn't intrude. We're not exactly close."

Truthfully, she'd rather stay and sample every dessert—Dominic's pastry team was extraordinary. Sitting through an awkward car ride with Ethan sounded like torture.

Dominic waved off her concern. "You're close enough with Ethan. That makes you family."

The engine roared to life as Vivian stared mournfully at the retreating dessert table. This would be a long ride.