Chapter 20
Alistair’s eyes were slightly reddened from the irritation, his elegant brows furrowed. When he noticed the lingering tears in Vivian’s eyes, he paused for a moment before a wave of displeasure washed over him.
Wasn’t she still hung up on her ex–husband? At the party, they couldn’t wait to embrace each other. So why was she here, bothering him? Was it such a burden to stay by his side that it made her cry?
Unaware of his inner turmoil, Vivian had just come downstairs and was taken aback to see Alistair disregarding his health. Knowing he had a congenital heart condition and had abstained from alcohol for twenty–seven years, why was he suddenly drinking tonight?
Surely, it couldn’t be a late–onset rebellious phase?
Her mood soured as well. With her lips pressed into a firm line, she watched him reach for the bottle again and quickly stepped forward to block him, “Mr. Nollan, you’re not a child anymore.”
Alistair, finding himself in a rare mood to bicker, retorted, “And what gives you the right to tell me what to do? It’s my body, and I can make my own decisions.”
“As both Mr. Nollan’s secretary and someone pursuing you, why shouldn’t I be concerned? Isn’t it something you’ve tacitly allowed?” Sensing his unusual behavior, she softened her tone a bit, swirling the wine glass as she smiled mischievously. “Besides, I’ve intervened plenty of times before, so what’s one more?”
A crimson lip print adorned the transparent glass, and suddenly, Alistair’s mind caught up with reality, a blush creeping up his ears. They had just shared the same glass of wine, and she drank from the exact spot he had. Did that count as an indirect kiss?
The thought made his eyes drift to her lips. She chose her lipstick well, favoring shades that might seem daunting to others but suited her perfectly, perhaps because of her cool, fair complexion.
Vivian felt unsettled under his gaze. She coughed lightly and turned her head, avoiding eye contact as she lowered her eyes, her voice slightly awkward, “Mr. Nollan, you’re drunk. Let me help you to your room.”
Not far away, an assistant watched the exchange in surprise, glancing at the surveillance video he had just received, suddenly uncertain.
Should this footage be sent to Mr. Nollan?
As Alistair followed Vivian out of the banquet hall, the assistant hesitated but ultimately decided to email the video to him and discreetly trailed after them. After all, when accompanying Vivian, Mr. Nollan’s primary instruction was to keep an eye on her.
Using Alistair’s name, Vivian secured a room, settled him in, wiped his face and hands, and thoughtfully placed slippers by his feet. When he merely watched her without moving, she sighed, lifted his feet, and helped him change into the slippers.
“Can you manage a shower on your own?” she asked tentatively. But he seemed to forget that his drunkenness was just an excuse she used to get him away from the party, staring at her in silence.
Resigned, Vivian went to run a bath, testing the water’s temperature until it was just right. After guiding Alistair into the bathroom, she turned to leave, “I’ll go find Assistant Smith.”
As she opened the door, she met Assistant Smith’s eyes in the hallway, who offered an awkward smile, “Miss Delmont, what’s happening?”
Vivian was unfazed, stepping aside, “Mr. Nollan’s had too much to drink. I’ve run a bath for him and was just about to…”
Before she could finish, her wrist was suddenly seized, and with a swift pull, she was yanked back into the room. The door slammed shut behind her, right in front of the stunned assistant.
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1/2
He hadn’t missed the flash of panic in Vivian’s eyes as she was pulled inside. Could he admit he’d been more concerned about Alistair’s innocence than hers?
Now, rubbing his nose, he decided to pretend he saw nothing and promptly turned away.
Inside the suite, Vivian found herself pinned against the door, her forehead resting against Alistair’s. Their
breaths mingled in the small space, so close she could hear his shallow breathing.
His gaze was intense and probing, as if he intended to consume her whole.
