Chapter 139

"Mr. Hartwell, your accomplishments at this stage of your career are remarkable. I've admired your work in several productions. My niece adores you!"

"Ms. Hartley, you're absolutely breathtaking. When this series premieres, it's guaranteed to dominate the ratings. From across the room, your radiant presence completely mesmerized me."

"Who would have guessed Ms. Hartley had such executive presence? She carries herself like the chairwoman of a Fortune 500 company!"

Having changed out of the dirt-stained costume from filming, Vivian now wore a cream silk blouse with delicate gold embroidery, paired with tailored black trousers. Her natural poise seemed to amplify her commanding presence.

The businessmen surrounding her were visibly enchanted, their expressions a mix of admiration and respect, though none dared overstep professional boundaries.

Breaking his usual reserved demeanor, Sebastian joined the chorus of compliments. "Vivian truly redefines beauty standards in our industry!" His gaze softened as he turned toward her. "Though her talent outshines even her striking appearance."

The sharp-eyed executives exchanged knowing smiles. "Mr. Hartwell and Ms. Hartley make an extraordinary pairing."

At the adjacent table, Penelope murmured under her breath, "Sebastian always has Vivian's back. Ever since their collaboration was announced, there's been this undeniable chemistry between them. I'm clearly not the only one who thinks they're perfect together!"

Hearing this, Adrian paused mid-motion, his eyes lifting to meet his companions' before asking in a deceptively calm tone, "Is that so?"

Ethan felt an involuntary shiver and quickly interjected, "Sebastian's too young. Next to Ms. Hartley, they could be mistaken for siblings."

Though the private dining room wasn't large, Ethan's words carried clearly. Uncertain of Adrian's intentions, the other guests suddenly became very interested in their plates.

Penelope frowned, studying the pair again before remarking, "Really? Vivian looks quite youthful herself."

With absolute conviction, Ethan declared, "Undoubtedly! Their energies are completely different! They're nothing alike! A woman of Ms. Hartley's stature deserves someone more... accomplished."

Vivian suppressed a quiet chuckle, shaking her head slightly—Ethan was the most shamelessly devoted assistant she'd ever encountered.

Adrian casually picked up a morsel from his plate, set it down untouched, then turned to Vivian with a pointed question. "Ms. Hartley, do you find Ethan's observations amusing?" The atmosphere instantly grew charged with tension.

The production crew members exchanged nervous glances, their attention shifting anxiously toward Vivian.

Vivian hesitated momentarily, shooting Adrian a sharp look before responding casually, "Mr. Blackwood, you misunderstand. I didn't catch Ethan's comment. I was just remembering a particularly troublesome stray dog from my childhood village."

Adrian was nothing but trouble—wherever he appeared, chaos inevitably followed.