Chapter 348

The director gave a quick nod, his expression tense. "Serena's health comes first. She's always been fragile. Go get her checked at the hospital immediately. We'll deal with Cassandra here - don't concern yourself with that." He was genuinely afraid Serena might burst onto the stage and turn the live show into a dramatic confrontation between wife and ex-lover. Ratings were important, but not at the risk of a complete disaster.

Cassandra watched the unfolding scene with growing irritation as the audience showered Vivian with praise, each compliment like a knife twisting in her gut. The female host who had been fawning over her earlier now gushed about the couple's undeniable chemistry. Forcing a brittle smile, Cassandra stepped forward, cutting through the chatter. "Since Ms. Hartley's husband has made such a grand entrance, shouldn't we proceed to the next segment?"

Her interruption was met with an icy stare from the hostess, whose previous warmth had evaporated like morning dew. The main host turned to Cassandra, his cheerful mask slipping slightly. With a smile that didn't reach his eyes, he said, "Actually, Serena mentioned she wasn't feeling well and had to leave, so we'll need to adjust our schedule accordingly." The subtle jab wasn't lost on Cassandra. She knew perfectly well the host wouldn't give her any chance to shine now that Adrian had entered the picture.

Hearing Serena's name, Adrian's brows furrowed. He leaned close to Vivian, discreetly muting her microphone with a quick tap. "Serena was here?" he asked in a low voice.

Vivian's lips thinned as she noted his protective stance. Yet she couldn't forget that it was his past with Serena that had brought this trouble to her doorstep.

"She came specifically to embarrass me," Vivian replied coolly, her voice sharp enough to cut glass.

Adrian arched an eyebrow, a wry smile playing on his lips. "You? Embarrassed? With that razor-sharp wit of yours, I'd say you're practically invincible."

The words escaped before he could reconsider them. Remembering they were still on camera, he softened his tone, adding with a sigh, "Try not to take it personally. With her medical condition, she's more emotionally volatile than most."

Vivian pressed her lips together, refusing to respond. It was always the same pattern, the same excuses made for Serena's behavior.

Taking her silence as acquiescence, Adrian reached out and gave her head a light pat. The gesture was oddly affectionate yet patronizing, like soothing a temperamental kitten.

From the sidelines, Cassandra's eyes narrowed to slits as she watched their interaction. The easy intimacy between Adrian and Vivian sent waves of bitter jealousy coursing through her veins.

Ever the professional, the host smoothly intervened with a bright smile. "Since Cassandra's guest had to leave unexpectedly, why don't we switch to a talent showcase segment?"

The suggestion ignited a spark in Cassandra's eyes. She seized the opportunity like a predator spotting prey. "I can play the violin," she announced, her voice brimming with confidence.

She had spent a decade perfecting her violin skills, always keeping this ace up her sleeve. Her gaze flicked toward Vivian as she added, "Ms. Hartley, since you've managed to marry so well, surely you've cultivated some talents of your own. Care to join me for a duet?"

The challenge hung in the air like a thrown gauntlet. Internally, Cassandra smirked. She was certain Vivian's popularity was nothing but smoke and mirrors. If the woman had any real talent, the world would have seen it by now.

In her mind, the battle lines were drawn. She had already burned bridges with Vivian, and any apology would be pointless. If she was going to face backlash after this show, she might as well go down fighting and take Vivian with her. Cassandra could already envision the headlines: a self-made artist standing her ground against a social climber. Public sympathy would naturally flow to the underdog.