Chapter 300

The realization hit Vivian like a splash of cold water. She gave a careless shrug. "Fine, I'll do it."

There was no other choice.

Unlike scripted dramas, reality shows thrived on raw authenticity and quick thinking.

If she played the wounded dove perfectly, Audrey's blunt, no-filter personality would naturally repel the audience.

The court of public opinion would do all the work for her.

Seabreeze Villa

An unusual silence blanketed the mansion.

With Adrian away on business, Vivian relished the rare tranquility.

Audrey burst in for dinner, her infectious energy filling the space instantly.

After dismissing Gwendolyn for the evening, Vivian pulled out her phone to order Sichuan hotpot delivery.

When the feast arrived, they arranged the steaming pots on the glass coffee table.

Perched on plush floor cushions, Vivian powered up the home theater system.

She browsed new releases before selecting an acclaimed indie film.

As the studio logo appeared, Audrey suddenly paused it. "We're stuffing our faces with spicy broth - how are we supposed to follow some artsy plot?" She waved her phone. "Let's watch something mindless instead."

"Since when did you become a livestream addict?" Vivian teased, eyeing Audrey's latest-model smartphone.

That titanium-edged device probably cost more than some people's monthly rent.

Audrey just shrugged, casting her screen to the projector. "It's just background noise. Helps me... not think."

Vivian didn't press further.

She knew Audrey was still processing things with Dominic.

Matters of the heart required delicate handling.

The screen flickered to life with a trending livestream.

Audrey's chopsticks clattered against her bowl. "Holy shit - isn't that your demon spawn stepsister?"

Vivian's gaze snapped upward, her expression turning glacial as Natasha's tear-streaked face filled the screen.

Dressed in a hospital gown, her carefully arranged bruises and puffy eyes crafted the perfect victim aesthetic.

Natasha clutched a tissue, her voice breaking on cue. "I don't understand why Vivian despises me so much." A practiced sob. "Maybe she resents me for... for simply existing in Father's life." Dramatic pause. "I've forgiven her for everything, but now with Father's company collapsing... doesn't she care that half those assets are rightfully hers too?"

She buried her face in her hands as the live chat exploded with outrage.

Audrey nearly choked on her dumpling. "Are you fucking kidding me? That conniving little -"

Her furious tirade was interrupted by the ping of Vivian's phone.