Chapter 396

Vivian's weariness melted away the instant Abigail's face appeared on screen. A rush of warmth flooded her chest.

"Mommy, how was your day? I missed you tons!" Abigail chirped, her grape-like eyes sparkling.

The homemade contraption in her small hands looked suspiciously like a telephone. She pressed one end against the tablet screen while holding the other to her ear. "This is super secret, Mommy. Evelyn can't hear us now."

Vivian couldn't help grinning at her daughter's antics. Playing along, she whispered, "Did my big girl stay dry today? No accidents?"

Abigail's apple-round cheeks flushed crimson. "Mommy! I'm not a baby anymore! Only Adrian still does that!"

"Oops, my mistake," Vivian chuckled. "You just like taking your sweet time getting dressed now."

"Come home and I'll be super fast! Both me and Adrian miss you soooo much." Abigail's lower lip trembled dramatically.

"Soon, sweetheart. Everything's going perfectly here." Vivian crossed her fingers behind her back.

Their conversation flowed effortlessly, but Vivian noticed someone missing. "Where's your brother? Doesn't he want to see Mommy?"

Abigail blinked rapidly. "Adrian's still mad. He said no talking until you come home!"

"That serious? Can you ask him to come say hi?"

"Nope!" Abigail shook her head firmly. "He's doing experiments like you! Making something super special to show you. He built this phone for me - isn't he the best?"

Vivian sighed. The apple didn't fall far from the tree.

Her son shared her relentless curiosity and knack for invention. Once immersed in his makeshift lab, days could pass unnoticed. That brilliant, stubborn mind would undoubtedly change the world someday.

"Alright then. Tell him Mommy loves him and isn't mad anymore, okay?"

"I'll fix him, Mommy!" Abigail promised with determination.

After ending the call, Vivian drifted into the most peaceful sleep she'd had in weeks.

Morning light found her already dressed and reviewing blueprints. Today's mission: inspect Lockhart Manor and finalize contracts with the restoration team.

Sophia insisted on accompanying her, citing safety concerns. They took Sophia's cherry-red Ferrari, sharing pastries between them like college roommates. The intimate gesture drew curious glances from passersby.

Sophia had been biting her tongue all morning. Finally, as they merged onto the highway, she blurted out, "Viv...you were serious about marrying Nathaniel, right?"

"Dead serious." Vivian met her gaze steadily. "That's not something I'd joke about."