Chapter 246

Vivian continued explaining how their lives had become intertwined again.

As their chat flowed, the topic circled back to Vivian's complicated relationship with Adrian.

"Honestly," Audrey typed, "Adrian's behavior seems off lately. Now that you're both living at Seabreeze Villa again, tell me truthfully - do you still want that divorce?"

Without hesitation, Vivian replied, "Absolutely. But not right now. First, I need to handle the Serena situation - at minimum, I must guarantee my future safety. The divorce could actually give me leverage when dealing with her."

Audrey instantly responded with a heart-eyes emoji. "Darling, ever since you stopped being lovesick, you've become so much sharper."

Smirking, Vivian closed the messaging app.

She spent the next hour polishing the script she'd been working on all week before sending it to Ivory Phoenix Productions.

The response came quickly: "Please hold for now. Our sponsor has concerns about upcoming plot points. We'll update you soon."

Vivian didn't dwell on it.

The production company had always been reasonable and accommodating, so she assumed this was just a temporary delay.

After logging out, she stretched and decided to grab a snack from the kitchen.

In the living room, Adrian sat stiffly on the sofa, his expression unreadable.

Ethan stood before him with several takeout bags on the coffee table.

Spotting Vivian, Ethan brightened immediately, pulling out a steaming container. "Mrs. Blackwood, Mr. Blackwood asked me to bring this fish maw soup from Blackwood Manor. It's freshly made - please try some."

Vivian accepted the container and took several spoonfuls.

Just as she finished, her phone rang.

It was Beatrice.

"Vivian dear, did you get the soup?" Beatrice's warm voice asked.

Smiling, Vivian dabbed her lips. "Yes, just finished. It was wonderful."

Beatrice's tone turned scolding. "Good you enjoyed it, but don't overdo these tonics. Too much fish maw can cause health issues."

"Don't worry, I didn't eat much," Vivian said, glancing pointedly at Adrian. "The last batch you sent? Adrian fed it to a dog."

Deliberately, she turned on speakerphone so Adrian could hear clearly.

Beatrice's voice turned sharp. "Nonsense! Even dogs shouldn't eat such rich food! Their health matters too!"

Adrian's face darkened, realizing the jab was meant for Serena.