Early autumn had already dusted the ginkgo leaves with gold. They drifted down with the breeze, covering the ground like a quiet painting.

But Vivian Whitmore had no mood to admire any of it. Her lips were pressed tight, a faint flush warming her delicate face. The long red dress around her fluttered wildly, turning her into a moving splash of color at the street corner.

She slid into a taxi and said, “To the bar.”

The moment she stepped into Jiangcheng’s biggest bar, the deafening beat slammed into her. Vivian frowned, those fine brows tightening.

She found a corner, sat down, and sipped her drink lazily. The flashing lights brushed across her face, making her beauty almost unreal. A few men paused to stare, but Vivian barely blinked.

She kept pouring drink after drink down her throat, her lashes trembling lightly. That tiny shiver only made her look softer, fragile enough to make someone’s heart ache.

“I’m not getting married!” she muttered while lifting her glass again, a shadow slipping across her eyes.

In her head, her mother’s voice echoed. “Vivian, be good. Marrying into that family won’t harm you.”

Everyone wanted her to marry a man she’d never even met. No one seemed interested in how she felt.

Under the seductive moonlight, a low-profile Lincoln rolled to a stop at the entrance.

The door opened, and a man stepped out slowly. Tailored suit, impossibly handsome face — people of both genders couldn’t help staring.

But his expression was anything but pleasant. His brows were tight, his face cold as he strode into the bar, gaze sweeping the room with impatience.

Then he saw her — that splash of red.

Vivian, tiny and tipsy, staring blankly at her glass, eyes hazy and unfocused.

His dark eyes dimmed. “Vivian… I’m here to get you.”

Vivian was just getting into the rhythm when her drink suddenly vanished. She blinked, confused, reaching out to retrieve it. Instead, someone grabbed her wrist. Annoyance flared, and she tried shaking him off, but his grip didn’t budge.

“What are you doing? Let go! Or you’re gonna regret it!”

She pouted, drunk frustration coloring her gaze. “It hurts…” The soft complaint slipped out, and the man froze for a second before immediately releasing her.

“Vivian, stop drinking.” He swept aside the rest of the glasses, then gently rubbed the top of her head like he’d done it a thousand times.

Vivian slapped his hand away, her voice mushy and soft. “Who even are you? Why are you bossing me around?”

The man bent down and lifted her straight into his arms. Vivian yelped as her body tipped back, her hands scrambling for anything to hold — and she latched onto his tie.

“Who are you? I don’t know you,” she protested, squirming. Her red dress slipped off one shoulder, revealing a stretch of pale skin. The man stiffened but didn’t slow his steps.

“I’m Dominic Sterling,” he said quietly. “I’m back, Vivian.”

Dominic lowered his head, his breath brushing against her ear as he whispered. The warm tickle made Vivian let out a soft, tipsy laugh. “Dominic? Are you really Dominic?”

Dominic?

Why did that name feel so familiar?

Before she could chase the thought, they stepped out of the bar. The night breeze carried a faint chill, slipping under her skin. “So cold… Dominic,” she murmured, her voice sweet and a little whiny.

Vivian instinctively leaned toward the nearest source of warmth, rubbing against him like a sleepy kitten. “There… not cold anymore. You’re warm.” The alcohol had painted her with an extra layer of charm, making her look even more stunning than when sober.

The corner of Dominic Sterling’s mouth curved despite himself. He had finally come back—back to her, back to where he belonged.

Holding her as if she were something fragile and irreplaceable, he headed toward the car. The driver rushed to open the door. Dominic carefully settled Vivian inside, his low voice carrying a cool edge. “Turn up the AC. We’re going back to the villa.”

His entire attention lingered on her. She had already slipped into a deep sleep, yet her fingers still clung tightly to his hand. Dominic let out a soft, helpless chuckle.

This girl… truly something else.