Chapter 29

Adrian's fingers tightened around Vivian's wrist, yanking her back into the confrontation she'd been desperate to escape.

A muscle twitched in Adrian's jaw as he recalled the fire incident, his lips pressed into a thin line of barely contained frustration.

His pride remained unshaken, yet his voice carried an unfamiliar gentleness when he finally spoke. "Vivian, I'll concede your reaction was... excessive. But I understand the trauma you endured after the blaze destroyed your home. If you come back now, I'm willing to forget this entire incident."

Serena's influence was unmistakable in his uncharacteristic compromise.

Vivian barely registered his softened tone, her mind zeroing in on one damning revelation - he knew about the fire.

He'd known about the life-threatening disaster, yet had the gall to wait for her to apologize?

While she'd been fighting for survival, Adrian had been comforting Serena through her drunken stupor.

Did he truly believe her anger was unjustified? The realization struck Vivian like a physical blow.

In Adrian's world, Serena's slightest discomfort outweighed Vivian's very survival.

Even saints have their limits when pushed too far.

Both Adrian and Serena had treated her as insignificant for far too long.

Disgust twisted Vivian's features as she wrenched her arm free, her voice dripping with venom. "Return home? Do you and Ms. Whitmore get some perverse thrill from this, Mr. Blackwood?"

"I already stepped aside gracefully. Must I now participate in your twisted games? So you're running back to your first love while trying to maintain this ridiculous love triangle? You might enjoy this sick dynamic, but I find it absolutely revolting!"

Adrian recoiled as if struck, anger flashing across his face before giving way to stunned silence. "Vivian, you—"

She refused to let him finish.

Spinning on her heel, she threw over her shoulder, "Enough! You were a terrible husband and an even worse ex-husband. Stay with your precious Serena and leave me the hell alone!"

After several furious strides, Vivian suddenly whirled back, her gaze burning with fury.

In one swift motion, she snatched the soda can from Adrian's grip - it was hers to begin with.

Earlier, Adrian had watched Vivian buy two sodas and foolishly assumed one was meant for him.

When she reclaimed it, irritation flickered across his face.

Since when had Vivian become so petty over trivial things?

As she reached the elevator, Lydia appeared, her expression grim.

"I just dug up some dirt. That role was practically yours until Serena decided she wanted it. Her boyfriend Adrian pulled strings - invested heavily in the production to guarantee her the lead."

The pieces clicked into place with sickening clarity.

Adrian had used his influence to steal what was rightfully hers, all to please Serena.

The betrayal cut deeper than any physical wound.

Vivian's grip tightened around the soda can, the metal crumpling beneath her fingers as fresh rage surged through her veins.

This wasn't just about a role anymore.

This was war.