As the cocktail party concluded successfully, the Blood Diamond was safely showcased to the esteemed guests, once again casting the Sharpe family's mining empire into the limelight and solidifying Ethan's impeccable reputation.
All that remained was to await the end of the two-week-long jewelry exhibition, which would ultimately reestablish the Sharpe family's standing in the jewelry industry.
Ethan lingered after bidding farewell to the last of the guests, awaiting Vivian's completion of the inventory check on the exhibited jewels, ensuring their safe return to the vault before they departed together.
Hayden sidled up to Ethan, whispering, "Considering tonight's smooth sailing, it seems the fuss was unnecessary."
He was still disgruntled about the substantial budget Vivian had allocated for the event, even dipping into Ethan's own reserves, surpassing the norm for security measures.
"It's good that nothing happened," Ethan murmured, his eyes on Vivian, who, despite being clad in a full-length evening gown, was still efficiently overseeing the scene.
He didn't begrudge Vivian her meticulous planning, acknowledging that her efforts were instrumental in the seamless evening. Several industry experts and collectors were impressed with the showcased pieces, leading to several immediate sales. Even the diamond necklace Vivian wore had been booked on the spot, bringing in substantial profits for the Sharpes.
The greatest triumph of the night was Mr. Anatoly's unexpected offer for collaboration, all thanks to Vivian. Unbeknownst to Hayden, Vivian's capabilities far exceeded his expectations. Had he known the extent of her actions, he might have willingly given her carte blanche with the budget, realizing she was far more capable than he initially gave her credit for.
The marriage he once resented and deemed humiliating now seemed to have positioned him as the ultimate beneficiary.
Vivian, having finished the inventory and confirmed the secure boxing of the jewels, sauntered over to Ethan, naturally looping her arm through his.
"Let's go, back to the room," she suggested, appearing lively and energetic despite the long day, leaving one to wonder if she ever grew tired.
Ethan's body tensed involuntarily at her touch, then faltered at her words as he realized this would be their first shared night since their initial encounter.
At home, they could easily retreat to separate rooms, but tonight, with most of the hotel occupied by guests from the event and several members of the Sharpe family, including Lyon and Rohan, watching their every move, eager to witness the dynamics between the newlyweds. he couldn't afford to sleep in separate room with Vivian. Many were anticipating the spectacle of their marital strife.
Yet, the memory of that first night and Vivian's bold, unrestrained behavior left him apprehensive. Although Vivian promised to behave, sharing a bed left too much room for uncertainty.
Just as Ethan's unease grew, Hayden, seemingly oblivious to his discomfort, bowed and said, "Then, Mr. Sharpe, Mrs. Sharpe, if there's nothing else, please rest well. I'll take my leave."
Ethan opened his mouth, searching for a reason to keep Hayden around, but was interrupted when Vivian interjected with a voice tinged with a hint of victorious scheming, "Thank you for your hard work, Hayden. Goodnight, rest well."
Hayden disappeared before Ethan could react, his attempt to call him back cut short by Vivian's tug on his arm.
"It's so late, why would you need Hayden? Aren't you going to let him rest?" Vivian laughed, her smile sending chills down Ethan's spine.
Hayden, the disloyal one! Ethan cursed inwardly, outwardly managing a stammer, "I-I just remembered something need my attention..."
"Let's deal with it tomorrow! Everyone's exhausted today," Vivian countered, guiding Ethan towards their room on the top floor's VIP suite.
Upon entering, Ethan breathed a quiet sigh of relief – at least there was a sofa to retreat to.
Unaware of Ethan's thoughts, Vivian promptly shed her evening gown, leaving behind a near-naked silhouette.
"..." Ethan gasped, staring at her exposed back. "What are you doing?"
"Hmm?" Vivian paused in removing the gear strapped to her leg, looking back at him quizzically.
Ethan noticed then the array of weapons concealed on her thighs, leaving red marks where they had pressed against her skin.
"You wore all this to the party?" Ethan stared in disbelief at the collection of blades.
Vivian regarded him nonchalantly. "Is there any roblem?"
"It's against the rules!" Weapons was banned in the party. Ethan wanted to question how she bypassed security, then remembered she was part of it.
"You... How could you bring those things into the venue?" he managed weakly.
"How else to handle emergencies?" she countered.
"But... it's against regulations!"
He couldn't scold her for leading the way in breaking the rules when she stood there undressed. Ethan averted his gaze, feeling increasingly uncomfortable, even struggling to muster the energy to reprimand her.
After removing all the weapons, Vivian chuckled at Ethan's flushed face. "What's there to be shy about? Haven't you seen it all before?"
Her reminder stirred memories of their first night together, the hazy recollection of being drugged and Vivian's dominant image, naked and sitting astride him, taking charge, clearer than anything else.
To his surprise, Ethan found himself aroused due to the memory, compounding his embarrassment. He rushed to the wardrobe, grabbing a hotel robe and tossing it at Vivian.
"Put something on. Now!"
The robe landed on Vivian's face, but she calmly removed it, playfully asking, "I haven't showered yet, why should I get dressed?"
"Then hurry up and go taking shower!" Ethan turned away, sensing Vivian behind him, the memories of her previous boldness swirling in his mind, fueling desires he struggled to suppress.
Damn it! How could this happen?
Vivian approached silently behind him, her fingers lightly trailing over Ethan's arm, causing him to leap back like an woman being offended , clutching his touched limb, staring at her in alarm.
"What are you doing?"
Vivian blinked innocently, pointing at the wardrobe. "Getting my underwear?"
Their luggage had been organized in the wardrobe by the housekeeping. It made sense for Vivian to head there.
"Or do you prefer me wearing nothing?"
Ethan sensed her feigned naivety was a ploy to toy with him, to amuse herself at his expense. He composed himself, forcing calm.
"Get it and go wash up. It's late, I need to go to sleep too," Ethan choked out, determined not to fall prey to her again.
"Why not shower together? It could save time."
"No!" He wasn't fooled. As he knew Vivian was still harboring intentions towards him, he wouldn't agree to such a suggestion.
If something happened, he couldn't overpower her...
"You reject me so quickly, it hurts my feelings. Am I that terrifying?" Vivian sighed, sounding genuinely hurt.
Ethan froze, about to deny fearing her, when Vivian sidled up, looping her arm through his, her fingers tracing patterns on his hand.
"You!" Ethan tried to pull away but found his hand wouldn't budge.
"Just holding hands, no undressing, no bed. I'm not breaking our agreement!" Vivian smirked, reminding him of his own promise.
"..." Yes, she was kind of correct. But he didn't expect Vivian to undress first!"
Her breast, covered only by a nipple cover, softly pressed against his arm, her hands caressing his left hand affectionately, appearing harmlessly clingy, yet every action calculated to entice.
Damn it! Just holding hands, and he couldn't control his physiological response...
