Chapter 328

"Did you really?" Vivian countered, turning her face away as she rose and moved toward the dining table. "You've never approved of my decision to pursue acting."

Adrian remained sprawled across the sofa, his long legs stretched out, watching her retreating figure with sharp eyes. "If you're serious about this career, you can't just hide from challenges like some frightened rabbit."

"The public has a short memory. For someone like me—small, insignificant—any scandal will fade if I stay silent. Why provoke more attention now?" Vivian settled into her chair and idly picked up a prawn.

Adrian lit a cigarette, the glow illuminating his fingers in the dim light. "Silence makes you look weak. They'll only push harder. The only way is to stand firm and show them you won't be bullied."

This was clearly Adrian's business-world philosophy. But would he still feel the same if he knew Serena was behind her troubles?

Vivian hesitated briefly, keeping her gaze lowered, avoiding his.

She continued eating quietly, lost in thought, offering no response.

Adrian took a deep drag, letting the smoke curl between them before speaking in a low, edged tone. "I can get you some auditions."

Distracted, Vivian barely caught the tension in his voice. She shrugged carelessly. "Not necessary."

Adrian's eyes darkened as he leaned forward. "Why? You'd rather take whatever scraps Damien throws your way? You're not even signed to Ivory Phoenix. Does he have nothing better to do than chase modeling gigs for an actress?"

A spark of something dangerous flickered in his gaze. "No wonder they'll always be second-rate."

Vivian remained silent, her expression distant, as if his words hadn't registered.

Adrian studied her for a long moment before exhaling sharply. With precise movements, he stubbed out his cigarette, the ember dying beneath his fingers.

He stood abruptly, grabbing his coat as he moved toward the door, the fabric whispering against the chair.

Vivian's eyes followed him briefly. Her lips parted slightly—words unspoken.

But before she could speak, Adrian was already gone, the door clicking shut behind him.

She stared at the closed door before returning to her meal, the clink of cutlery the only sound in the quiet apartment.

Lately, she'd been avoiding Adrian almost instinctively. Every interaction felt precarious, like walking on thin ice.

The divorce discussion had faded somewhat, but its shadow still loomed over her.

She feared her hard-won resolve might crumble before she could regain control.

After finishing her meal, Vivian remembered the script outline she'd completed. She decided to visit Ivory Phoenix Productions directly to pitch it to their development team.