Chapter 343

The studio lights burned bright against Vivian's skin as she forced her expression into professional neutrality. Her fingers absently traced the edge of her phone while the audience's murmurs swirled around her like autumn leaves.

A sharp whisper cut through the noise. "That must be Adrian Blackwood she's talking about - the CEO of Blackwood Group."

"Remember when Serena got harassed at that gala last year?" another voice hissed. "He stormed in like some dark knight and shut it down immediately."

Vivian's nails bit into her palms as the host deftly avoided mentioning Adrian by name, though everyone knew exactly who they meant. The studio audience leaned forward in their seats, hungry for drama.

Serena stood center stage with practiced grace, her lips curved in a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "Some connections," she said with deliberate vagueness, "transcend time and circumstance."

The implication hung heavy in the air. Vivian's stomach twisted.

"Vivian? Vivian!" Julian's voice snapped her back to the present. The host was smiling expectantly. "Any update from your mystery guest?"

Her phone screen remained stubbornly blank. "They must be running late," she murmured, typing another frantic message.

The host exchanged a look with a stagehand before turning back with suddenly sparkling eyes. "Well, while we wait... we have a surprise video connection for you, Vivian."

Cassandra's scoff was audible across the stage. "How tacky. Serena came in person, but your friend can't be bothered?"

Vivian barely registered the jab. Her pulse pounded in her ears as the massive screen behind them flickered to life. The studio held its breath.

"Care to guess who it might be?" the host teased, clearly enjoying the suspense.

Vivian's mouth went dry. "Sebastian?" she ventured, naming her frequent co-star.

The host's grin widened. "Oh, you're in for quite the surprise."

The screen resolved into crisp clarity, revealing not the expected face of her friend Audrey, but—

The audience gasped in unison.

Vivian's knees nearly buckled.

Adrian Blackwood's piercing gaze filled the enormous display, his tailored suit and icy demeanor unmistakable even through digital pixels. "Hello, Vivian," his deep voice rumbled through the speakers. "Miss me?"