Chapter 464

The sleek silver Bugatti Veyron roared down the empty highway like a beast unleashed.

Vivian Lockhart sat motionless in the passenger seat. She knew Julian Blackwood behind the wheel was dangerous, that this midnight drive was likely a trap. Yet her expression remained unreadable.

She wasn't always confident facing others, but dealing with reckless rich boys like Julian? That was practically her specialty.

Pulsing rock music filled the car's interior.

Julian was in high spirits, his grin nearly splitting his face. One hand rested lazily on the steering wheel while the other drummed against the window frame in perfect rhythm. The passing streetlights cast an amber glow over his sharp features, making him look almost...

For a fleeting moment, Vivian thought she saw a ghost of Nathaniel Blackwood in Julian's profile. The resemblance was uncanny.

"If you haven't slept, if I haven't stopped chasing, if being awake is a crime..."

Julian sang along with the radio, his voice surprisingly melodic. His carefree swaying to the music made him seem younger, more vibrant.

Vivian arched an eyebrow. "You've got decent pipes, Mr. Blackwood. Sunset Drive's songs sound simple but are murder on vocal ranges. Most people end up sounding like wounded alley cats."

Julian's grin widened. He shot her a sideways glance. "Coming from you? That's high praise. Though between us, I still think you're the better singer."

Vivian stiffened. "You've heard me sing?"

"More than that." Julian's expression turned uncharacteristically serious. "Azure Tide was leagues above these new bands - Sunset Drive, Twilight Ride, Crimson Wave. They had real soul. Shame they disbanded."

Vivian's fingers twitched against her thigh. "You know Azure Tide?"

"Anyone who loves rock does." Julian's eyes gleamed with genuine admiration. "That lead singer? Voice like liquid gold. When she sang, it wasn't just music - it was pure emotion."

Without warning, Julian launched into an impassioned rendition of Azure Dream, his voice dropping into a surprisingly rich baritone.

Vivian's breath caught. Against her will, her lips parted as she harmonized: "You're my long-lost child, running by that glowing shore..."

Julian's eyes lit up like a fan meeting their idol. "Yes! That's the magic! Your voice brings the song to life!" He looked ready to whip out a lighter and wave it in the air.

Vivian abruptly stopped singing, shaking her head. "Ancient history. Azure Tide's gone. You should find a new band to obsess over."

Julian's gaze turned intense. "The band lives as long as its soul survives. And you, Vivian Lockhart, will always be Azure Tide's beating heart."

The car slowed as Julian completely abandoned paying attention to the road, his focus entirely on her.