Chapter 79: A Warmer Morning

Next Morning,

Damon woke to the pleasant weight resting against his chest.

For a few seconds, he remained still, enjoying the warmth beneath the sheets. Vivian was lying half on top of him, her blonde hair scattered across his shoulder and one arm loosely wrapped around his waist.

Her face, usually composed and full of confidence, looked remarkably peaceful in sleep.

He glanced at the clock on the bedside table. There was still time before he needed to get up.

Last night, she had finally stopped running from what she wanted. After two days of avoiding him, she had come to his room herself and made her decision clear.

She shifted closer without waking, her fingers curling lightly against his side.

A notification appeared before his eyes.

[100x Return System]

[Bonded Partner: Vivian Ashford]

[Favourability: 93]

Damon’s eyebrows lifted slightly.

Her favourability had risen from ninety to ninety-three.

Three points closer to a hundred.

He glanced at the notification once more before dismissing it. There was no additional reward, but seeing the progress was satisfying.

Vivian had always been proud enough to keep her feelings under control, even when her actions betrayed her. Now she was finally letting herself move closer to him.

He settled back against the pillows, letting her sleep a little longer.

A few minutes later, Vivian stirred. Her fingers moved against his waist before she slowly opened her eyes. For a moment, she seemed disoriented. Then she looked up and found Damon watching her.

Her cheeks coloured faintly.

"You’re awake."

"I’ve been awake for a while."

"And you didn’t wake me?"

"You looked comfortable. I decided not to disturb you."

She raised her head slightly, studying him as though searching for some hidden joke. When she found none, her expression softened. Instead of moving away, she rested her chin on his chest.

"Then you can stay there a little longer," she murmured.

Damon laughed quietly. "You’re giving me permission to remain in my own bed?"

"Don’t ruin the moment."

He slipped an arm around her and drew her closer. Vivian gave him a light, warning look, but there was no real resistance behind it. She leaned up and kissed him, lingering for a few seconds before settling against him again.

The tension between them hadn’t disappeared overnight, but Vivian was no longer keeping him at a distance. She had made her choice, and for now, she seemed content to let things develop without demanding promises he had never made.

Damon pressed a kiss to her forehead.

Vivian’s eyes narrowed in amusement. "You’re being unusually gentle."

"Would you prefer I throw you out of bed?"

"Try it, and I’ll make you regret it."

She gave his chest a playful smack, then pushed herself upright. The movement made her pause. Her expression tightened, and she carefully shifted her legs before sitting at the edge of the bed.

Damon sat up and offered her his hand. Vivian accepted it as she stood, moving a little more carefully than usual. The stiffness was obvious, though it wasn’t enough to stop her from getting around on her own.

Vivian was strong enough to endure far more demanding physical training than most people could imagine. A little soreness wasn’t going to turn her into someone helpless, and Damon had no intention of treating her that way.

He guided her toward the bathroom, then released her hand once she had her balance.

"Take your time," he said. "There’s no need to rush."

"I know."

She disappeared into the bathroom. The sound of running water soon filled the room, and he got out of bed to begin his own morning routine.

By the time they finished dressing, Vivian had recovered enough of her usual composure to look at him without blushing every other moment.

They shared breakfast, and the conversation drifted toward ordinary matters. She spoke briefly about her training plans, making it clear that she had no intention of letting her personal life interfere with her progress.

Damon listened while checking a few messages on his phone.

They spent the rest of the morning together before having lunch. Afterward, Damon was preparing to leave the manor when his phone rang.

The call came from the agency.

He answered, and Isabella’s composed voice came through the speaker.

The three candidates scheduled for interviews had arrived at headquarters, and the preparations were complete. She had reviewed their submitted information, but she wanted Damon present before the interviews began.

"All right. I’ll be there shortly."

He ended the call and slipped his phone into his pocket.

After a brief farewell to Vivian, he left Blackstone Manor and drove toward the Central District.

The agency’s headquarters looked busy when he arrived. Staff members crossed the lobby carrying folders and tablets, while a receptionist directed visitors toward the appropriate rooms.

The building no longer felt like an empty property waiting for a purpose. It was beginning to function as a real workplace.

Isabella met him near the reception area. She wore a professional outfit that suited her position, her expression calm despite the day’s workload.

"The candidates are waiting in the conference area," she told him as they walked.

"I’ve reviewed their applications and arranged the interview order. Their backgrounds are different, so we should have a clearer idea of what each can contribute once we’ve spoken to them."

"Good. Let’s hear what they have to offer."

She nodded and led him farther inside.

Three women were waiting in the room.

The first sat upright with a folder resting neatly in front of her. She had a polished appearance and the composed expression of someone who had prepared carefully for the meeting.

The second looked more relaxed, though her attentive eyes moved briefly toward the door when Damon entered. The third had a quieter presence, sitting with her hands folded together and her documents arranged precisely on the table.

They were different from one another, at least at first glance. Damon took a moment to study them without drawing any premature conclusions.

Isabella introduced Damon, and the three women straightened as he took the seat opposite them.

He placed his phone on the table and looked toward the first candidate.

"Let’s begin."

She opened her folder, met his gaze, and began her introduction.