Chapter 404

Vivian tilted her head curiously. "So, are you really going through with it?"

With a careless shrug, Audrey responded, "I promised Mr. Vaughn. Too many people have invested in me to back out now. The entertainment industry is a small world - if I keep avoiding her, I might as well quit this business altogether."

Vivian nodded in understanding. "Exactly. She's the one who should be nervous, not you."

She fastened her seatbelt with a mischievous grin. "Let me treat you, Viv! How about we find you a show-stopping outfit that'll make you the center of attention on that program?"

Vivian waved off the suggestion. "I just wanted a quiet dinner with you. No need for shopping sprees. Adrian already sent over two racks of designer pieces from his boutique. I'll pick something from those."

Audrey clicked her tongue playfully. "Oh please, you're radiating that newlywed glow again - can't go five minutes without mentioning Adrian."

Vivian countered calmly but with an edge, "I'm simply stating facts. Though I suppose when you're in love, everyone else seems lovesick too."

Audrey threw up her hands in mock surrender. "Alright, truce! Let's not argue about who's more smitten."

Vivian's lips curved into a smirk. "Because we both know it's you."

Audrey broke into a bright smile, conceding defeat. "Fine, you win this round."

She couldn't help but notice how delightfully childish Vivian had become since reconciling with Adrian.

Their drive to Opal Galleria was filled with easy laughter and light conversation. The mall buzzed with energy as dinner hour approached, crowds thickening around them.

Suddenly, a figure came rushing toward them. With a dramatic thud, someone dropped to their knees before Vivian. A murmuring crowd quickly gathered, whispering, "What's going on here?"

Vivian instinctively stepped back, squinting at the kneeling figure. Recognition dawned - it was Gwendolyn, whom she hadn't seen in months.

Adrian flipped through the proposal with a razor-sharp gaze. His voice cut through the room like ice. "Do you honestly believe I stayed late to review this amateurish draft?"

Without hesitation, he flicked the folder from his hand, sending papers scattering across the floor like autumn leaves in a storm.

The executive, confident moments before, now had sweat beading on his forehead as panic set in. Falling to his knees, he scrambled to collect the documents. "Mr. Blackwood, I'll revise it immediately and have it back on your desk by morning," he stammered, desperation creeping into his voice.

Adrian's expression darkened further. The executive, uncertain what had worsened the situation, clutched the disorganized folder to his chest and made a hasty exit.

As he opened the door, he nearly collided with Ethan who was entering. The executive's eyes lit up with desperate hope. Closing the door behind him, he pulled Ethan aside like a drowning man grasping at straws. "Ethan, has Mr. Blackwood been having marital problems recently?"