Chapter 402

"Stop!"

Vivian extended her arm, creating a barrier between them with a wry smile. "Personal space, Julian. We're just friends. Let's keep it appropriate."

"Friendship is your definition, not mine..."

A roguish grin spread across Julian's handsome, rebellious face. Instead of backing off, he seized Vivian's wrist, attempting to pull her closer—only to regret it instantly.

With practiced ease, Vivian twisted his arm behind his back. Despite his towering height, she had him completely subdued.

"Still playing games, Blackthorn? You really think you can outmaneuver me?"

She increased the pressure, determined to teach him a lesson.

Julian's arm throbbed in protest. Sweat beaded on his forehead, yet his grin never faltered. "What crime did I commit? Loving you? You vanished for four years. Four years of missing you—is that illegal?"

"You—!"

Heat flooded Vivian's cheeks.

She couldn't believe how shameless he'd become. His flirtatious charm had only intensified over the years—no, scratch that. He'd always been this bold.

Compared to Nathaniel's icy reserve—a man who'd probably never uttered a romantic word in his life—Julian was fire and passion personified.

If he loved you tenfold, he'd shout it from the rooftops a hundred times over.

Nathaniel? If he loved you tenfold, he'd bury it under layers of indifference.

Men. Polar opposites.

"Seems you're volunteering for a broken arm, Julian Blackthorn. Let me oblige."

Desperate to hide how his words affected her, Vivian doubled down on the force.

Julian's breath hitched, pain glazing his eyes, yet his smirk remained. "Go ahead. Cripple me. Then you'll have to take responsibility for life."

"Ugh!"

She released him instantly. "You're insufferable. Worse than a slick salesman. Fine, you win."

Julian flexed his nearly dislocated arm, wincing. "Damn. Falling for a warrior queen means I need combat training just to survive your affection."

Vivian rolled her eyes, refusing to dignify that with a response.

She scanned their absurdly romantic setting—roses, candlelight, a private fireworks display—before claiming a seat by the window. Julian settled opposite her with effortless grace.

As waiters delivered their steak and wine, Vivian finally cut to the chase. "So. You're the runner-up who swindled Nathaniel out of four million last night. Why you?"

"Swindled?" Julian swirled his wineglass, amused. "I donated nearly the same amount, darling. Disappointed it's me here instead of him?"

"Surprised, not disappointed," she admitted bluntly.

His grin turned wolfish. "Simple. The top bidder declined. As second-highest, I stepped in."

"How'd you know he wouldn't come?"

"Please." Julian's eyes glinted with hacker's pride. "We both know Blackwood Group's firewalls are child's play. His schedule showed he'd be... otherwise occupied tonight."

Vivian scoffed. "Still cutting corners on cybersecurity, I see."

"Curious about his plans?" Julian leaned in, voice dropping. "Might ruin your mood."

She met his gaze unflinchingly. "If Nathaniel Blackwood could still affect me, I wouldn't be here. I'm over him."

Julian's smile turned triumphant. "Perfect. That means my chances just skyrocketed."