Chapter 110

Vivian pushed open the door and froze.

A lineup of impeccably dressed, devastatingly attractive men stood waiting for her.

Their expressions varied as they noticed her entrance. Some radiated charm, others innocence. A few carried an air of brooding intensity that sent shivers down her spine.

"What in the world—"

Her throat went dry. This felt like walking straight into a lion's den.

Sophia's voice crackled with excitement through the phone. "Viv! You're here! Check out my surprise gift—aren't they absolute eye candy?"

Vivian remained rooted to the spot. "Sophia, what fresh hell is this?"

"Remember your drunken rant at The Starlight Lounge after your divorce? How Nathaniel was replaceable? How you could have any man you wanted?"

A dramatic pause.

"Well darling, we pooled our resources to gather Newport City's finest specimens. Even got my brother out of town so you can play undisturbed. Best friends forever, right? You're welcome!"

"Sophia, this is outrageous!" Vivian's cheeks burned, then she quickly added, "And completely irresistible. My self-control is hanging by a thread—"

Her gaze swept across the room as she spoke.

Each man was more striking than the last. Sophia knew her tastes frighteningly well. Vivian's pulse quickened.

"Gotta go!" She ended the call abruptly, already stepping forward.

"Miss Lockhart!"

A boyish face approached—early twenties with sun-kissed hair and dimples. "We've prepared refreshments. Please, make yourself comfortable."

Vivian studied him. "Have we met before?"

The same nagging familiarity applied to several others in the room.

"Call me handsome, call me baby—just not 'young man,'" he pouted adorably. "Or they'll never let me hear the end of it!"

His puppy-dog expression triggered her maternal instincts. "Of course... young man."

The room erupted in laughter.

Unfazed, he explained, "We're Nova Boys from Hevlon Entertainment. Just debuted after that survival show? Probably saw our subway ads."

Recognition dawned. The luxury watch campaign featuring six stunning men—SK Group, now renamed.

Her eyes instinctively searched for one member in particular. There—in the corner. White shirt, black tie, engrossed in a handheld console.

While others buzzed with energy, he exuded quiet intensity. An island of calm in the storm.

"Julian!" her guide called.

The man looked up. Hazel eyes met hers under the warm lighting. That gaze—so familiar it stole her breath. Her heart stuttered dangerously.

"Excellent taste," her companion murmured. "Our center, the fans' favorite. Know what they call him?"