Chapter 421

Vivian stifled a laugh. Mr. Pembroke's words cut like a razor. Even Richard, usually oblivious, finally understood that Adrian and Mr. Pembroke had set an elaborate trap for him.

It took him several seconds to compose himself before he shot Vivian a mocking look. "The company's already sinking. Taking over now means inheriting nothing but debt. What exactly do you hope to gain?"

He turned to Adrian with a sneer. "Mr. Blackwood, not even your family fortune can sustain such financial bleeding."

The supplier had a sleazy demeanor, his phone case displaying a scantily clad model. His small, piggish eyes gleamed with predatory interest.

When his gaze landed on Vivian, he immediately felt the icy daggers of Adrian's glare.

Noticing the murderous chill in Adrian's eyes, the man quickly averted his gaze and smoothly said, "Good afternoon, Mr. Blackwood, Ms. Hartley. Ms. Hartley, you're absolutely stunning today."

Adrian's voice turned arctic. "She's my wife. You will address her as Mrs. Blackwood."

The man adjusted instantly, flashing greasy smiles. "My apologies, Mrs. Blackwood."

Richard stared at the supplier in disbelief. "What the hell are you doing here?" he demanded, clearly blindsided.

Ethan stepped forward, introducing the man to Vivian. "This is our former raw materials supplier."

Vivian immediately recognized him - the same man she'd seen Richard and Daphne getting into a car with at the hospital, that garish doll identical to his phone case's wallpaper sitting in the backseat.

The supplier completely ignored Richard, focusing solely on Vivian. "There were... irregularities with our previous contract," he explained smoothly. "My company takes full responsibility for the defective materials and will compensate all losses."

Richard's face turned purple with rage. "Are you betraying me? This is a setup!"

The supplier took a deliberate step back, voice turning cold. "Mind your accusations. I've always conducted business ethically - unlike some who deliberately sabotage their own companies for personal gain." He shot Richard a meaningful look. "You've made quite the profit from our previous dealings, haven't you?"

He then handed several documents and a check to Ethan. "Mr. Blackwood, Mrs. Blackwood, I won't take more of your time. I hope we can collaborate properly in the future."

Neither Adrian nor Vivian acknowledged him, but the man seemed unfazed. With one last contemptuous glance at Richard, he strode out of Dawson Enterprises.

The realization hit Richard like a truck. With the materials issue resolved, the company could easily secure new partners to fulfill the orders. Not only would this prevent losses, but it could generate massive profits.

This project had always been a golden opportunity, but Dawson Enterprises lacked the technology and capital to execute it properly. Instead of handling it correctly, Richard had conspired with shady suppliers, taking kickbacks while leaving Vivian to deal with the fallout.

Now with Vivian in charge and Adrian's unlimited resources backing her, how could Richard let such easy profits slip through his fingers?

His mind raced for solutions, sweat beading on his forehead. The game wasn't over yet. Not by a long shot.

The office tension thickened as Richard's calculating gaze darted between Vivian and Adrian. He'd underestimated them before. That mistake wouldn't happen again.

Vivian met his stare unflinchingly, her fingers subtly intertwining with Adrian's. Together, they formed an impenetrable fortress - one Richard would soon learn couldn't be breached.