Chapter 240

Vivienne Archer had barely stepped into the grand ballroom on Elliot Cole's arm when her gaze was drawn to the couple in the corner.

Aria Bennett lounged gracefully against a sofa in her champagne-colored gown, while Damian Cross stood beside her in a black suit that accentuated his broad shoulders and long legs. Though merely standing casually, they commanded attention like a spotlight, drawing frequent glances from nearby guests.

"Aria!" Vivienne tugged Elliot forward, the slit of her cheongsam revealing glimpses of porcelain skin that made Elliot's Adam's apple bob.

Aria turned with a start, her eyes lighting up. "Vivienne, you're breaking beauty regulations tonight." She reached out to tuck a stray lock behind Vivienne's ear. "This cheongsam was made for you."

Vivienne's eyes crinkled with delight. "Coming from the legendary Aria Bennett, I'll be smiling in my sleep tonight." She winked mischievously. "I should've pursued you back in the day."

"It's never too late," Aria quipped with a raised brow.

The women dissolved into laughter, oblivious to the darkening expressions of their male companions.

Elliot cleared his throat subtly, pulling Vivienne closer. "Darling, aren't you going to introduce us?"

"Oh right!" Vivienne brightened. "Aria, meet my puppy boy Elliot Cole." Turning to Elliot, she added, "This is my best friend Aria Bennett I'm always telling you about."

Elliot's gaze flickered between Aria and Damian before breaking into a grin. "Uncle Damian."

Damian arched an eyebrow. "When did you return?"

"Last week." Elliot squeezed Vivienne's hand. "Heard someone was single again and booked the first flight."

Vivienne's ears turned pink as she shot him a glare. Damian observed their joined hands with amusement. "Your sister-in-law was just asking if you'd gone extreme sports diving again."

Elliot immediately raised his hands in surrender. "Don't rat me out, Uncle. I've been coming home like clockwork."

Aria muffled a laugh, whispering to Vivienne, "Keeping him on a short leash?"

Vivienne lifted her chin proudly. "Of course. My puppy boy's very well-trained."

Their banter was interrupted as Owen Archer approached with Serena Blake in tow. His jaw tightened visibly at the sight of Elliot's arm around Vivienne's waist.

"Vivienne, who's this?" Owen forced a smile.

"My boyfriend, Elliot Cole," Vivienne replied, her smile cooling.

Elliot extended a hand with polite mockery. "Mr. Archer, I've heard so much."

Owen eyed Elliot's casual blazer disdainfully. "What do you do, Mr. Cole?"

"Just returned to start an entertainment company for fun." Elliot's tone remained easy. "My brother Alexander Cole—you might know him?"

Owen stiffened. The Cole Group heir had recently made the billionaire list. Only then did he notice the limited edition Aurelian Chronos on Elliot's wrist, the realization sticking in his throat like a fishbone.

Serena interjected sweetly, "Vivienne, you look stunning tonight." Her gaze lingered on Elliot. "Your new boyfriend seems... quite young."

Vivienne's red lips curved. "Young stamina is the best stamina—and so affectionate." She deliberately swayed Elliot's arm. "Beats some tired old men, don't you think?"

Elliot obliged by murmuring something that made Vivienne laugh brightly. Owen turned ashen, hastily dragging Serena away.

Watching their retreat, Aria swirled her champagne. "Puppy boys definitely outclass scumbags."

Damian suddenly leaned close, his breath warm against her ear. "I'm five years older than him. Are you calling me old, Aria?"

Before Aria could respond, Roman Vale's group approached with drinks. Marcus Sterling plopped onto the sofa. "What's the fun about?"

Elias Vaughn spotted Owen's glare from across the room and whistled. "Someone's jealousy is showing."

In response, Elliot pulled Vivienne into a quick kiss. "Let him stew."

Vivienne flushed, swatting his chest. "You're impossible!"

Amid the laughter, no one noticed the icy stare watching them from the ballroom's second floor balcony...