Chapter 519

Considering her ongoing maternity leave and recovery period, acting roles were currently out of the question for Vivian. However, her sharp mind for storytelling remained undiminished, making scriptwriting the perfect way to stay involved. Both Kingsley Studios and Ivory Phoenix Productions would greatly benefit from her creative genius.

After wrapping up their meeting, the CEO walked Vivian to the building's exit. "Vivian, where to next? Shall I arrange a car for you?"

With effortless grace, Vivian declined. "That won't be necessary. My ride's already here. I'm meeting Adrian at Blackwood Group headquarters."

As if on cue, a sleek black limousine glided to the curb. Ethan emerged from the driver's seat, opening the rear door with practiced ease. "Mrs. Blackwood, your chariot awaits." Vivian slid into the plush interior as the vehicle merged seamlessly into traffic.

The moment the taillights disappeared, the CEO's pleasant expression hardened. He turned to Lydia with icy precision. "I seem to recall Vivian even stayed at your apartment when she first signed with us. How could you fail to disclose her circumstances? Do you have any idea the opportunities we've lost because of this oversight?"

Lydia let out a bitter laugh. "With all due respect, how could I report what I didn't know? Vivian's personal life was just that - personal. She wasn't auditioning to be some manufactured pop star, and her contract certainly didn't prohibit relationships. Since when did management require prying into employees' private affairs?"

"This isn't some factory assembly line," the CEO snapped. "We're in the entertainment business. As her manager, you should have exercised better judgment."

Unfazed, Lydia lit a cigarette, exhaling slowly as she weathered the familiar storm of criticism. In this industry, dressing-downs came with the territory.

Just when she thought the lecture had concluded, the CEO delivered his final blow. "Lydia, I suggest you consider resigning voluntarily. While you've shown dedication, your results simply don't measure up. A forced termination might... complicate your future prospects."

Lydia's grip tightened around her cigarette. No achievements? She'd built three artists from obscurity to stardom, each generating millions for the company.

"Since you'll be leaving of your own accord, no severance will be provided," the CEO continued, avoiding her gaze. "Though given your family's wealth and your... advancing age, perhaps this is for the best. Maybe it's time to focus on settling down. After all, what's more important than family? Look at how many executives sacrifice their personal lives for this cutthroat business."

The patronizing dismissal stung like salt in a wound. Crushing her cigarette with deliberate force, Lydia replied through clenched teeth, "How very thoughtful of you."

Missing her sarcasm entirely, the CEO added casually, "While you're still here, would you mind grabbing me a coffee from next door?"

A cold smile curved Lydia's lips. "Actually, I'll be rather busy drafting my resignation. After that, I suppose I should rush off to find a husband and start popping out babies. So no, I won't be fetching your coffee today."

With that, she turned sharply on her heel and strode back into the building, leaving the CEO gaping like a fish out of water.

Meanwhile at Blackwood Group headquarters, Vivian entered the gleaming lobby, designer coffee cup in hand. She immediately noticed the reception desk now boasted two impeccably dressed young women who practically tripped over themselves to greet her.

"Good afternoon, Mrs. Blackwood!" they chorused with synchronized bows, their smiles stretching unnaturally wide.

The change was almost comical - gone was the indifferent receptionist who'd once eyed Vivian with barely concealed disdain. These new hires practically vibrated with eager-to-please energy, their posture straightening to military precision as Vivian approached.

Vivian offered them a polite nod before heading toward the private elevators, the click of her heels echoing through the marble-lined space. The transformation in her reception served as yet another reminder - she wasn't just Vivian Hartley anymore. She was Vivian Blackwood now, and that name carried weight in this building.