Chapter 354

Vivian's pulse raced wildly, her voice trembling with a cocktail of defiance and terror. "I was personally selected by Ivory Phoenix Productions' CEO! Do you really think this intimidation will work? In this digital age, your money can't silence everyone. I'll expose this injustice across all social platforms!"

Her tirade was cut short by a commanding baritone that sliced through the tension. "That privilege has been revoked," the voice declared, instantly silencing the room.

Vivian's gaze flickered toward the interruption - a sharply dressed man in a tailored navy suit approaching with purposeful strides.

Recognition flashed in her eyes. It was Damien Vaughn's executive assistant from Ivory Phoenix.

"Ms. Hartley, Mr. Blackwood," the assistant greeted with a professional nod before turning his attention to Cassandra. His composed demeanor contrasted starkly with the charged atmosphere. "Your contract with Ivory Phoenix has been terminated effective immediately. There's a substantial penalty clause awaiting your signature. My team will escort you to our headquarters to complete the paperwork."

Cassandra's face flushed crimson as she spat, "I'll drag your company's dirty secrets through the mud online!"

The assistant remained unfazed, his response chillingly calm. "By all means. Should you choose that path, we'll happily add libel to your existing charges of attempted vehicular assault."

"Additional charges?" Cassandra's voice cracked, her bravado crumbling. "What other ridiculous accusations are you fabricating?"

Years of scraping by in the industry - her modest savings drained on a cramped apartment and leased car - left her financially vulnerable.

Vivian observed the exchange with detached calm before addressing the assistant. "I trust you'll handle this appropriately."

"Your generosity is misplaced, Ms. Hartley," the assistant replied smoothly. "This reflects our failure to properly vet talent. Mr. Vaughn will contact you personally regarding compensation." His gaze hardened as he turned back to Cassandra. "After processing her termination, we'll deliver her directly to the police precinct. You have my word."

At his signal, two broad-shouldered security officers materialized, flanking Cassandra with military precision. Their viselike grips on her arms rendered further protests impossible. Her mouth worked soundlessly, all fight drained from her.

Adrian, already settled in the luxury sedan, leaned forward as Vivian slid in beside him. His usually sharp features softened unexpectedly. "If anyone ever threatens you again, come to me immediately. Even if you're capable of handling it alone... I want to be your first call."

Vivian's lips curved slightly, though her eyes remained unreadable. "She's painfully transparent." The words were dismissive, but her mind circled the true puppet master behind Cassandra's audacity: Serena. Without Serena's backing, Cassandra would never have dared such recklessness.

But Vivian swallowed the observation. Raising Serena's involvement now would only trigger another pointless argument with Adrian. Some battles required strategic timing.

The assistant's frosty voice carried through the open car door: "The security footage clearly shows you intentionally swerving toward Ms. Hartley. That we're pursuing criminal charges rather than civil litigation speaks to our company's values. Ivory Phoenix protects its partners."

His words hung in the air as the car door thudded shut, sealing them in soundproofed luxury. The engine purred to life, carrying them away from the confrontation, though the tension lingered like static electricity.