Chapter 499

Vivian swung the door open, her heart leaping at the unexpected visitor. Standing there was none other than Adrian!

"Mommy, it's been forever! I missed you so much! Hug me now!"

The impeccably dressed little boy stretched out his arms with practiced ease. His crisp white shirt and neatly combed hair showed no signs of his earlier disappearance.

Vivian's initial shock quickly turned to fury. She crossed her arms, fixing Adrian with her sternest glare. "Adrian Lockhart. Did you enjoy your little adventure before coming to me?"

"You were gone from Coral Haven for barely an hour. How could you? Do you realize how worried we were? Is this your idea of a joke?"

"Relax, Mommy. I'm home safe..."

Adrian shrugged nonchalantly before launching himself into Vivian's arms. His big hazel eyes widened into the perfect puppy-dog expression as he blinked up at her. "You know me, Mommy. What's there to worry about? You're overreacting... But I know it's because you love me too much. Best mommy ever! World's greatest! Love you mostest!"

The little schemer knew exactly how to play Vivian's heartstrings. A few sweet words and that adorable pout usually melted her anger instantly. But not today.

Vivian resisted the urge to pinch his rosy cheeks. "Adrian Lockhart, save the act. It won't work this time. Start talking - what was this stunt really about?"

Seeing his charm offensive fail, Adrian dropped the act immediately. His expression shifted to its usual composed maturity. "Simple. I was concerned about you. Newport City can be dangerous, and I couldn't let my mommy face it alone. Consider me your personal bodyguard."

Vivian pressed her palm to her forehead, fighting off a migraine. Did her four-year-old really just say that?

Sometimes Vivian swore Adrian was the upgraded version of her and Nathaniel. The child operated on a completely different level. In their ongoing battle of wits, Vivian often found herself outmaneuvered.

"You're a child! Staying put is your only job. How could you leave Coral Haven without telling anyone? Traveling alone? What if you'd encountered criminals? You're tiny! Any stranger could have snatched you up!"

"Impossible." Adrian smirked with unshakable confidence. "I'm smarter than common criminals. Anyone who tried anything is already in police custody. This isn't my first rodeo, Mommy. You know that."

Vivian opened her mouth, then closed it. The little devil had a point.

"Mommy, you're missing the bigger picture! I came to protect you. Instead of scolding me, shouldn't you be rewarding your brave little hero?" Adrian reasoned with infuriating logic.

"Reward you?"

Vivian's anger dissolved into disbelieving laughter. Only Adrian could twist the situation so masterfully that staying mad felt unreasonable.

Her smile turned dangerously sweet. "A reward, you say? Wait right here, darling. Mommy will get your special prize."

Adrian beamed triumphantly. "I knew you'd understand! Best mommy in the universe!"

Moments later, Vivian returned with a wooden ruler. Her smile never wavered as she commanded, "On your knees. Hands out."