Chapter 44

The realization struck Adrian like lightning. "What about the fire investigation results? And how did my grandmother know Vivian's identity before I did?" His voice was sharp with sudden understanding.

Ethan shifted uncomfortably. "Your grandmother called earlier asking about Mrs. Blackwood's condition. I had to tell her the truth about the injuries."

Then came the harder part. "As for Vivian's wounds..." Ethan hesitated, remembering how the call had ended abruptly when he mentioned Vivian's name.

Choosing his words carefully, Ethan continued, "I was going to tell you about Mrs. Blackwood's identity, but at that exact moment, Ms. Whitmore had her heart episode during the audition. You rushed her to the hospital before I could explain."

The memory hit Adrian with physical force.

He recalled passing Vivian in the hospital corridor while carrying Serena to emergency care. Their brief encounter flashed through his mind - how he'd assumed her stumble was just another attention-seeking act. Now the truth dawned on him: she'd been there for legitimate medical treatment.

Adrian's jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. Noticing the subtle change, Ethan cautiously added, "The fire was intense. Several media outlets captured images at the scene. I spoke with Vivian's doctor afterward." He swallowed. "The wounds were severe enough to expose bone in places. While not life-threatening, they'll require extensive cosmetic surgeries and rehabilitation. The doctor said if the injuries had been slightly different, she might have lost mobility."

Ethan had brought the documents earlier but only now had the chance to present them. He quickly sorted through the folder, laying out medical reports and photographs before Adrian.

One image showed Vivian being carried from the wreckage, her face smeared with soot, eyes wide with shock. The poised socialite was nowhere to be seen. Another photo focused on her leg - that elegant limb now marred by a grotesque wound. Adrian's chest constricted. For someone as delicate as Vivian to endure such pain without complaint...

He'd always ensured she wanted for nothing materially. Seeing her suffer like this awakened something primal in him - a mix of protectiveness and deep remorse. Adrian flipped the photos face down. "Handle this," he ordered, voice rough. "Control the media narrative - whether it's Serena or Vivian, I want complete silence. Clear my schedule for tomorrow morning."

"I'm going to the hotel myself to bring her home."

"Understood," Ethan nodded, relief washing over him. The constant tension between his boss's marital issues had been exhausting, but this time, Adrian's concern seemed genuinely for Vivian, not just Serena.

Meanwhile, Lydia was making progress. The cameraman who'd filmed the audition footage was initially reluctant to cooperate, fearing repercussions from both the production team and Adrian. But Lydia came from money and connections. She dangled a better job offer and substantial compensation until he handed over the footage.

With expert editing, she posted the audition clip to Twitter with a carefully crafted caption: "Rumors suggest my client secured a second audition unfairly. We stand by our integrity and won't tolerate slander. Here's the raw footage - judge Vivian's performance for yourselves. We welcome constructive feedback but warn against baseless accusations. Legal action will be taken against defamation."

She messaged Vivian privately, urging her to share the post. Vivian's verified account, inactive for years except for one automated tweet, felt like an abandoned shell. Despite its ten thousand purchased followers (a company scheme), real engagement was nonexistent.