Chapter 306

A storm brewed in Adrian's eyes as Vivian kept evading his gaze.

Her constant dodging grated on his nerves, yet he restrained himself from pushing further.

Over time, he'd learned Vivian's body language often revealed truths her guarded mind concealed.

She squared her shoulders, voice steeled with determination. "Dawson Enterprises was my mother's legacy. I won't let them ruin it. And I certainly won't let them win. They'll answer for everything."

Years of resentment hardened each syllable.

Though sharing Richard Dawson as a father, Natasha had always been the golden child while Vivian remained merely a pawn - useful when convenient, disposable when not.

Vivian allowed herself a fleeting moment of reflection.

Being sent to live with Eleanor Sutton as a child had been Richard's single act of mercy.

Eleanor had nurtured traditional values and fierce independence in her, shielding Vivian from becoming another sycophant groveling for Richard's approval.

Without her grandmother's influence, Vivian doubted she'd possess the fortitude to stand her ground now.

Adrian reclined in his chair, dark eyes never wavering. "I'll assist you."

Vivian's immediate refusal died on her lips.

She knew the stark reality - this battle required resources far beyond her means.

After a weighted pause, she countered. "I don't need charity. Let's structure this as a business transaction. Loan me the capital, and I'll repay it within thirty days. As interest, you'll receive twenty percent of Dawson Enterprises."

Adrian arched an eyebrow, fingers drumming an impatient rhythm against his knee.

Her clinical tone needled him.

"What use would I have for shares in such a modest enterprise?"

The barb struck true.

Even at its peak, Dawson Enterprises' monthly earnings couldn't rival the price tag of Adrian's simplest timepiece.

Offering him minority shares suddenly seemed laughably inadequate.

Suspicion darkened her gaze. "Then what are your terms?"

"Forget the shares. Keep the money." His shrug was deliberately casual. "Once your film wraps, accompany me on holiday."

Vivian exhaled imperceptibly.

She'd braced for something far more sinister - perhaps demands regarding Serena or their marital status.

This... was tolerable. "Agreed." Her response came swiftly. "But understand this - I will repay the loan. If you decline the shares, that's your choice, but I don't accept handouts."

Adrian's jaw tightened, pride stung by her insistence on maintaining boundaries. "As you wish," he bit out.

Just when Vivian thought the conversation couldn't deteriorate further, her phone vibrated with an urgent alert.