Chapter 35

The director's face twisted in discomfort as he avoided Vivian's gaze. Without any discussion, he announced sharply, "Fine. Serena will play the lead."

Vivian froze momentarily, a bitter smirk flashing across her lips. She harbored no resentment toward the decision. In the ruthless entertainment industry, profits always trumped personal connections—no one would sacrifice millions for a casual acquaintance.

Adrian had never come here for her. His sole purpose was protecting Serena. The thought of anyone championing Vivian's cause was laughable. Shaking off the thought, she signaled Lydia to bring the car around and began limping toward the exit.

"Adrian...I can't breathe," Serena gasped dramatically, clutching Adrian's sleeve with trembling fingers.

Adrian's expression darkened instantly. Without waiting for an ambulance, he swept Serena into his arms and stormed toward the door.

Vivian had already accepted her defeat, but seeing Adrian's frantic movements triggered a memory—the firefighters carrying her to safety just days ago.

Then it happened. Adrian's shoulder collided with hers as he rushed past. Still favoring her injured leg, Vivian lost balance. Her hands shot out, grabbing a nearby catering table. The flimsy metal frame crumpled under her weight, sending glasses shattering across the floor.

Vivian crashed down hard, the collapsed table and broken glass raining onto her legs. Scalding coffee soaked through her pants, searing her skin. A sharp cry escaped her lips.

Adrian barely glanced back at the sound. When Serena whimpered weakly in his arms, he turned away completely, his retreating figure disappearing through the doors without hesitation.

Vivian couldn't tell whether the tears blurring her vision came from the burning pain in her leg or the icy dagger twisting in her chest.

"Are you hurt?" The director rushed over, lifting the wrecked table off her. Julian followed close behind, helping Vivian up with surprising gentleness.

His voice wavered slightly. "Should we...call an ambulance?"

Vivian shook her head, not bothering to check her injuries. "Thank you, but my agent will handle it." She hobbled away, head bowed like a disgraced queen leaving her fallen kingdom.

Outside, Lydia's champagne-colored sedan screeched to a halt just as Vivian emerged.