Chapter 349

Julian Montoya sensed the tension thickening the air. "I could play the guitar," he offered, attempting to diffuse the situation.

Cassandra Blake wasn't having any of it. Her lips curled into a mocking smile. "How about a duet with you instead?" She shot him a withering glance. "Mr. Montoya, this isn't your time to play the gallant rescuer. Her husband is right here, isn't he?"

Julian rubbed his neck awkwardly, chuckling nervously. "That's not what I meant. With you two dominating the stage, us veterans need to fight for our share of attention."

Cassandra's smile turned glacial. "Violin and guitar don't exactly create harmonious music. If you're so desperate for screen time, perhaps a solo performance would suit you better."

Her words were deliberately cutting, but she couldn't care less. Julian's clumsy attempt at mediation only reinforced her belief - Vivian Hartley had no real talent to speak of.

This was her moment to expose Vivian as nothing more than a beautiful parasite clinging to her powerful husband. In today's digital age, Cassandra thought with dark satisfaction, not even Adrian Blackwood's influence could contain the wildfire of public opinion once she ignited it.

The studio audience's gazes shifted to Vivian. Like Cassandra, they'd dismissed her as mere arm candy, a trophy wife. Their earlier admiration quickly soured into contempt. What value could a woman with only looks bring to such an illustrious family? The female audience members seethed with resentment, silently willing Vivian to embarrass herself and be discarded by Adrian.

Adrian's piercing gaze locked onto Cassandra. Her influencer-perfect appearance left him utterly unmoved. People like her were insignificant gnats, incapable of causing real damage. He harbored no concern for Vivian - if anything, he pitied Cassandra for foolishly provoking his wife.

His attention returned to the woman beside him. Observing her serene composure, he was struck by how much Vivian reminded him of himself. The poised woman before him mirrored the confident figure who'd proposed their contractual marriage years ago, yet she'd blossomed into something extraordinary. Like a rare orchid finally revealing its full splendor.

Pride swelled in his chest, mingled with an unexpected pang of loss. She no longer needed his protection as she once had.

Seizing the moment, Cassandra pretended magnanimity. "If Vivian doesn't know how to play, I won't force her. I can perform solo."

Vivian's response came calmly. "We could do a duet."

"I play piano. I only know a few pieces."

Cassandra froze, caught off guard. If she agreed, Vivian might choose a piece that showcased her own skills, turning the tables completely. Her plan to humiliate Vivian could spectacularly backfire.

As she scrambled for a response, inspiration struck. Remembering Serena Whitmore's earlier mention of a piano, she quickly pulled out her phone.

Her search revealed a photo of an elegant stranger with a grand piano. Smirking, Cassandra changed tactics. "Oh, you play piano? What kind did Mr. Blackwood buy for you? Do share - we'd love to learn more."