Chapter 347

The burning question lingered in the charged air: Was their marriage legally valid, or just a hollow performance of husband and wife?

Vivian stood rigid beside Adrian, feeling like a marionette with its strings cut as his arm possessively encircled her waist. "We're lawfully wedded," he declared with effortless confidence.

To eliminate all skepticism, Adrian produced his phone with a magician's flourish. The screen displayed a crystal-clear image of their marriage license, which the cameraman immediately magnified on the venue's massive display.

Vivian's nails dug into her palms unconsciously. She vividly remembered how Adrian had barely glanced at their certificate after their courthouse wedding. When had he taken this perfectly composed photograph? Certainly not back then. He must have snapped it today en route to the event - another calculated move in his grand revelation.

Naturally. The Adrian she knew never acted without meticulous planning. Even this dramatic public declaration wasn't spontaneous; every detail had been orchestrated. Whether this realization comforted her or simply served as emotional armor, it brought unexpected solace. Keeping expectations low was self-preservation. She'd already carelessly exposed her heart once - she wouldn't make that mistake again.

Meanwhile, Serena intercepted hushed whispers from staff members speculating Adrian had attended solely for Vivian. Rage ignited in her chest as she stormed toward the stage. The director, anticipating her outburst, had strategically positioned security guards who now formed an impenetrable barrier in the corridor.

"Serena, please compose yourself," the director implored as he intercepted her.

All pretense of refinement vanished as Serena snapped, "Move! Adrian would never do this to me. That scheming Vivian must be manipulating him!" Adrian had resisted divorce proceedings - Vivian must have exploited that weakness to force this announcement.

Until this moment, the world believed Serena was Adrian's only true love. If this footage aired, she'd be publicly humiliated as the other woman. The thought made her vision blur with fury. Why did Vivian always sabotage her happiness?

Two years ago during her separation from Adrian, Vivian had swooped in to marry him. Now just as Serena was reclaiming her position, Vivian struck again. She'd always believed her secret weapon guaranteed Adrian's loyalty, but now...

Miranda rushed over, offering the director an apologetic smile before grasping Serena's arm. "Mr. Blackwood has made his statement. What will charging onstage accomplish except creating a spectacle?"

Serena's glare faltered momentarily. Sensing her client's precarious control, Miranda discreetly pinched her wrist and whispered, "Consider the long game. This is pre-recorded. Instead of causing a scene, convince Mr. Blackwood to reshoot the episode later."

Turning to the director, Miranda smoothly interjected, "Serena's experiencing heart palpitations - she can't continue filming today."

"Could you have Cassandra arrange a replacement guest?" Serena's voice dripped with barely contained frustration as Miranda maintained perfect composure.