Chapter 341

Vivian hesitated for a brief moment before responding, "Could we invite someone who isn't famous?"

"A non-celebrity?" The host's smile faltered slightly before brightening again. "What about inviting Sebastian? I'm sure the audience would love to see him here!"

The studio erupted in cheers, with everyone except Julian showing enthusiasm.

Vivian felt trapped by the situation. Julian glanced at her helplessly, but Vivian remained composed, her expression unreadable despite the growing pressure.

"I'm not busy!" Audrey stood on her toes, trying to grab Dominic's phone.

Dominic easily kept it out of reach with his height advantage. "Adrian, this is perfect. A national variety show appearance would announce your relationship to the entire country. And about the divorce papers... you understand what this means."

Audrey's eyes widened in shock. She lightly smacked Dominic's arm twice. "Dominic! How could you manipulate Vivian like this? She just decided to divorce! I'm telling Vivian that Adrian is coming!"

Her hits were more like playful taps than actual strikes.

"Adrian, the ball's in your court now." Dominic ended the call and slipped his phone into his pocket, his expression unusually serious. "I'm not manipulating anyone. Can't you see the connection between them? It's better to mend a marriage than end it, yet you seem determined to break them apart."

Audrey countered, "How am I breaking them up? Adrian and that scheming Serena are still involved. Should Vivian just accept being part of a love triangle?"

"That's for them to figure out, not you. They're adults who can make their own decisions about relationships. As a friend, you should respect boundaries," Dominic replied, his gaze intense yet his voice gentle.

Audrey was momentarily stunned by Dominic's uncharacteristic seriousness.

Seizing the moment, Dominic guided her toward the exit. Before she could protest, she found herself buckled into the passenger seat of his car.

At Blackwood Group headquarters, Adrian sat at his desk, fingers drumming rhythmically against the polished wood.

Ethan observed him carefully before approaching. "Mr. Blackwood, shall I prepare the car for the television studio?"

Meanwhile, Audrey had just stepped out of the company building when a tall figure blocked her path. Looking up, she saw Dominic and immediately turned to retreat inside.

Dominic caught her wrist, stopping her with a pleading look. "Audrey, please... can we talk?"

Gone was his usual playful demeanor. The dark circles under his eyes, unshaven beard, and exhausted appearance made him look years older, clearly having suffered sleepless nights.

Audrey tried to pull away several times, but Dominic's grip remained firm. Her wrist began to redden from the pressure, yet she couldn't break free.

As they stood locked in this silent battle, her phone rang. With her free hand, she answered - it was a video call from Vivian.