Chapter 69

The tender scene outside the car window stood in stark contrast to Richard Dawson's complete lack of paternal warmth. Vivian Hartley averted her gaze, her expression carefully blank.

On the phone, Richard's tone shifted slightly, the edge of mockery softening though the calculating undertone remained. "Natasha mentioned you and Adrian had a rather public disagreement about the divorce. Is this because of his ex?"

He paused briefly before continuing, more to himself than to her. "You know, I've been thinking... Marrying into wealth isn't all it's cracked up to be. Blood is thicker than water, after all. We're your real family. You must be getting a decent settlement, right? Speaking of which, Natasha has her eye on a Porsche 911. It's not unreasonable. If you bought it for her, she'd be very appreciative."

Vivian's jaw tightened, a bitter taste flooding her mouth. She'd expected this call to be unpleasant, but not this brazen. Her family's greed knew no limits - already counting money they assumed she'd get from the divorce. Richard's fake concern, wrapped in the pretense of family loyalty, was nothing but manipulation. Disgusting. Hypocritical.

For a moment, she questioned whether she truly shared DNA with this man. Sunlight streamed through the car window, warm and golden, yet an icy chill spread through her veins. Her thoughts drifted to Adrian, and an unbidden memory surfaced - him standing between her and her family's constant demands, shielding her from their relentless greed. Once, she'd seen him as her sanctuary after her mother's death. Now even that had turned to dust.

Vivian took a deep breath, locking away the surge of emotion. When she spoke, her voice was as sharp and cold as shattered glass. "Yes, Adrian and I are divorcing. And I'm leaving with nothing. So don't waste your time on me."

Richard's voice immediately rose in pitch. "What? Nothing? Have you lost your mind? Two years of marriage and you walk away empty-handed? Do you think I'll let him get away with this? I'll go to the Blackwoods myself and demand what's rightfully yours!"

A sharp pain lanced through Vivian's temples as she cut him off. "Do you honestly believe Adrian would overlook your motives? Go ahead, chase your money. But when Adrian retaliates, don't come crying to me. Remember what happened to the Seymours?"

The mention of the Seymour family effectively silenced Richard. The Seymours and Dawsons had been acquaintances, having once collaborated with the powerful Blackwood Group through their connection to the Dawson family. But when the Seymours tried to extort more money from Adrian, they found themselves bankrupt and exiled from Crestwood overnight - a brutal demonstration of Adrian's reach and ruthlessness.

Before Richard could respond, Vivian ended the call, immediately blocking his number. The moment she did, her phone rang again with an unknown number. Warily, she answered, "Hello?"

The voice on the other end was smooth and cultured. "Ms. Hartley? Damien Vaughn, CEO of Ivory Phoenix Productions. I understand you have someone in mind for our leading lady. Would you be available to meet with us and your candidate? What time works for you?"

Damien's direct yet sincere approach cut through Vivian's swirling thoughts. She pushed aside her emotional turmoil and responded with renewed purpose, "I'm available now."

With neither family nor love to anchor her, Vivian understood one thing clearly - life would go on.