Chapter 342

"Vivian's calling, quiet down," Audrey said to Dominic, then switched to a cheerful tone. "Hey Viv, what's up?"

Vivian's face appeared on the screen, her expression unusually serious. "I'm at Spotlight Night right now. Can you come be my partner for the challenge segment?"

"Of course! Just send me the location. I'll be there ASAP," Audrey responded eagerly, seizing the perfect excuse to leave.

After hanging up, she flashed her phone at Dominic. "See? I've got to go. No time for chitchat."

Dominic watched her desperate escape attempt with amusement. He pulled out his own phone and dialed Adrian. "Adrian, your wife's at Spotlight Night and needs a partner. She tried calling Audrey, but she's... preoccupied now."

Adrian paused thoughtfully before asking, "Do you think I should make an appearance?"

On the Spotlight Night set, the introductions had just concluded when staff escorted Serena onto the stage. Her smoky pink V-neck tulle gown shimmered under the lights, but it was the dazzling diamond necklace around her throat that captured everyone's attention.

Serena's understated elegance often went unnoticed in the flashy entertainment industry. She typically relied on haute couture to make statements. While most celebrities struggled to access such exclusive pieces, Adrian could acquire them for her with a single phone call. His financial backing had gradually elevated her status among peers and fans alike, who constantly praised her refined taste.

She strode confidently to center stage, briefly glancing at Vivian before locking eyes with Cassandra.

"Serena!" Cassandra gushed, rushing to take her arm with exaggerated care, practically fawning over her.

Serena accepted the microphone gracefully. "Hello everyone, I'm Serena. Cassandra and I are close friends, and I'm here to support her today. Go easy on me," she added playfully, sticking out her tongue.

The host's eyes were glued to her necklace. "That's an extraordinary piece," he remarked.

Serena casually touched the jewels. "A gift from someone very special," she said nonchalantly.

One male guest suddenly gasped. "Wait—isn't that the eight-million-dollar necklace from last week's charity auction?"

Female audience members sighed with envy as the host teased, "That's not just 'someone special'—that's serious commitment."

Cassandra jumped in with mock innocence, "Don't embarrass Serena! She's always been modest."

"But her generous friend clearly isn't," the host countered. "Who wouldn't want someone who showers them with such extravagant gifts?"

The crowd buzzed with speculation as Serena offered a small smile. "We're just good friends for now. Money means nothing to him—this necklace was practically pocket change."

Her gaze subtly shifted to Vivian at the edge of the stage. "Originally he wanted to gift me a piano, but I'm not much of a musician. It would've been wasted on me, so I chose this instead."

Vivian's fists clenched so tightly her nails left crescent marks in her palms. The physical pain barely registered against the sting of Serena's words. It wasn't unbearable—just the persistent ache of a splinter working its way deeper.

That piano hadn't been just any gift. It had been her rejected consolation prize. The realization that she'd been groveling for something someone else had turned down made her stomach churn. If not for the cameras, she might have vomited right there on stage.