Chapter 405

The office buzzed with hushed conversations about Adrian Blackwood's sudden return to his icy demeanor. After weeks of appearing almost approachable since his marriage to Vivian Hartley, the temperature in the office had dropped below freezing again. Whispers about marital troubles spread like wildfire through the cubicles.

Ethan Caldwell's voice cut through the tension like warm honey. "Just make sure dinner isn't delayed for Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood."

"Trust me, their marriage is perfectly fine."

The eavesdropping employees caught this exchange like hungry sharks scenting blood. A collective realization dawned, followed by overly enthusiastic responses. "Thanks for the heads up, Ethan! Do remind Mr. Blackwood to leave early and spend time with his wife. We'll email the revisions directly to you. Maybe you could review them for us? Tomorrow's coffee is our treat!"

They scattered like frightened rabbits, desperate to escape the Arctic chill surrounding their boss's office.

Ethan shook his head with an amused smirk. Pushing open the conference room door, he found Adrian alone, glancing up from his phone with knowing eyes. "They're gone?"

"Cleared out," Ethan confirmed, gathering abandoned documents. "So, dinner plans with Vivian tonight?"

Adrian's voice remained deceptively calm, like the eye of a hurricane. "She's dining with a friend."

Ethan's eyes twinkled with mischief. "Why not surprise her and pick her up?"

Adrian didn't protest, checking his phone again where Vivian's message glowed. The Opal Galleria wasn't far from the office.

Meanwhile at the mall, Gwendolyn Pierce dramatically collapsed to her knees before Vivian, her voice quivering with theatrical despair. "Mrs. Blackwood! I've slaved away caring for you! My whole family depends on me, and this is how you repay me? Firing me without reason? You wealthy people think we're beneath your notice!"

Audrey Winslow froze momentarily, her mind racing to process the scene.

Recovering quickly, Audrey stepped protectively in front of Vivian. "Enough with the theatrics. You've been paid. It's not our fault if—"

Gwendolyn cut her off, her voice ringing through the mall like a fire alarm. "This so-called celebrity treats people like dirt! She exploits the working class!"

Curious shoppers began forming a circle, their murmurs growing louder. Vivian, fresh from filming and still wearing sunglasses and a face mask, felt their gazes sharpen with recognition. The crowd buzzed with speculation about her identity.

Seizing the moment, Gwendolyn switched tactics, dramatically sinking to the floor as if crushed by injustice. "Payment? What payment? I haven't seen a single cent! The richer they are, the colder their hearts!"

Audrey and Vivian exchanged uneasy glances. Leaning close, Audrey whispered, "Was her salary actually paid?"

Vivian gave a slight shake of her head. Gwendolyn's wages were handled by Ethan, so Vivian wasn't entirely sure. After a brief hesitation, Vivian addressed the gathering crowd with steady authority. "If there's a payment dispute, you're welcome to contact human resources or file a formal complaint. But making false accusations in public could result in defamation charges."

She nearly mentioned Ethan's name but stopped herself. In the age of social media storms, one careless word could ignite an uncontrollable wildfire.