Chapter 330

The farewells dragged on with forced politeness. Knowing Adrian's luxury cars would draw too much attention, Vivian opted for a taxi instead. After exiting Ivory Phoenix Productions, she stood curbside scrolling through her ride-hailing app.

Tires screeched without warning.

Vivian's head snapped up to see a sedan barreling toward her. Her breath caught as time seemed to slow - the chrome grille mere feet away. Survival instincts kicked in, sending her stumbling backward.

The car halted with a violent shudder, its bumper grazing her knees. Vivian landed hard on the pavement, palms scraping concrete.

As she caught her breath, a battered BMW's door swung open. A woman in oversized sunglasses emerged. "Ms. Hartley, I presume? Not hurt, are we?" Her voice dripped with false concern laced with venom.

Vivian rose gracefully, brushing gravel from her slacks. "Do I know you?"

"Hardly. When I was booking lead roles, you were probably still sleeping your way to the top." The woman removed her shades, revealing over-plumped lips and unnaturally smooth cheeks.

Vivian's gaze turned arctic. "First reckless endangerment, now slander. Quite the repertoire."

A stray lock of hair framed Vivian's sharp cheekbones, accentuating her unshakable composure. Where others might appear disheveled, she radiated lethal poise that made the woman falter.

The stranger's smirk wavered before she forced a laugh. "Such dramatic accusations! New driver mistake - gas instead of brake. You're perfectly intact."

"You keep using my name while claiming we're strangers." Vivian checked her watch. "Either state your business or get out of my way."

Leaning in, Vivian's whisper carried the weight of a guillotine blade. "This is your one free pass. Try again, and I'll collect both debts with interest."

The woman recoiled as if struck, her bravado crumbling under Vivian's predator's gaze. For a heartbeat, she glimpsed something ancient and ruthless behind those cool eyes.

Regaining footing, the woman spat her grievances. "Do you know how many auditions I've bombed while you waltz onto sets? No connections, no favors - just raw talent. And now you steal my variety show spot? When will your greed be satisfied?"

The puzzle clicked. Damien Vaughn's recent offer - this woman's lost opportunity. Not that it excused today's stunt. Even if Vivian had accepted, this wasn't justice; it was petty vengeance.

Adrian's advice echoed in her mind: Some wolves only understand fangs. The entertainment jungle had no mercy for prey.

Decision made, Vivian tapped her phone. "Mr. Vaughn? About that variety show - I'm in."

Her smile as she ended the call would've frozen hell over. Let the games begin.