Chapter 410

Vivian crossed her legs with effortless grace, her fingers lightly resting on Adrian's forearm. The commanding aura radiating from her every gesture was undeniable - like a queen putting an upstart courtier in her place. Her voice carried a deceptively soft edge. "Your performance was the one lacking finesse. Even if this scandal resurfaces, how does it damage me? Had they let it trend longer, my acting skills and beauty might have gained more recognition. More opportunities. Since you're so unwilling to be compared to me, why don't you withdraw instead? Why should I?" She didn't even glance at Serena, each word striking its target with surgical precision.

Serena's mask of composure cracked momentarily before she steadied herself. Moving with deliberate slowness, she settled into another chair. "Ms. Hartley, I've been trying to maintain decorum. Please don't provoke me like this. My heart condition... if something were to happen, the consequences could be severe."

"Enough, Vivian." Adrian's voice cut through the tension like a blade, sharp and final. "Stop this unnecessary aggression."

Vivian froze. The practiced calm on her face wavered, surprise flickering in her eyes. That familiar reprimand sent a bitter wave of recognition crashing over her.

The scene felt hauntingly familiar - an echo of countless past confrontations. Had all their progress been an illusion? Every tentative step toward understanding, every fragile moment of connection - were they just mirages?

Across the table, Serena's lips curved into a subtle smile, her earlier distress replaced by quiet triumph. Despite some unexpected turns, the outcome remained unchanged. Between her and Vivian, Adrian would always choose her. His sense of duty, his need to protect her fragile health - these were constants that never wavered.

When Adrian saw Vivian's reaction, his tone softened. "Serena has agreed to go to Azurevale."

At these words, Serena's carefully constructed pride shattered. Her eyes widened in stunned disbelief. She couldn't believe Adrian would discuss their private arrangement so openly with Vivian, exposing the transactional nature of their agreement. In the past, he'd never felt the need to explain himself to Vivian, maintaining an emotional distance that had seemed insurmountable.

As a woman, Serena understood how such silent treatment could erode a relationship over time, breeding doubt and insecurity. They say old habits die hard, yet Adrian had changed profoundly for Vivian. His concern for her feelings was palpable - he cared deeply about her emotional state. The realization struck Serena like lightning: Adrian had fallen in love with Vivian.

The discovery sent her heart racing with panic.

Vivian, however, had no desire to further engage with Serena. She knew too much controversy could label her as difficult to work with. Still, she didn't immediately concede - she didn't want Adrian to think her too easily swayed. After a calculated pause, she said coolly, "Just this once. There won't be a next time."

Adrian responded firmly, "You have my word. Serena won't be taking any new contracts for the foreseeable future, so this situation won't repeat."

Vivian arched an eyebrow. "And if it does?"

Adrian glanced at Serena before answering, "If it happens again, I'll personally ensure her withdrawal from the project."

"Fine," Vivian finally acquiesced, her tone laced with deliberate indifference.