Chapter 72

Vivian remained utterly composed despite the scrutiny, deliberately turning her attention to the delicate teacup before her. She took a slow, deliberate sip before dismissing the situation with a single cutting word. "Pathetic."

Serena, unfazed by Vivian's icy demeanor, suddenly pretended to notice another presence in the room. Her eyes widened with theatrical surprise. "Why, if it isn't Mr. Vaughn from Ivory Phoenix Productions!"

Damien's platinum blonde hair gleamed conspicuously in the confined space. Seizing the opportunity, Serena continued with calculated praise. "Mr. Vaughn, your legendary influence at Ivory Phoenix is unparalleled. Every script you touch turns to gold. It's extraordinary how you personally mentor certain actresses..." Her gaze slid meaningfully toward Vivian. "Ms. Hartley, you must realize how privileged you are to possess such... remarkable assets."

A dramatic pause. Then Serena sighed theatrically. "Though I suppose beauty does have its advantages." She hadn't anticipated Vivian's connection to Damien. The thought burned - how effortlessly Vivian obtained everything Serena fought for, all because of her perfect features.

Vivian caught the barb instantly. Her lips curved into a razor-sharp smile. "Ms. Whitmore, I'm astonished someone of your... limited appeal would understand beauty's privileges so intimately." She tilted her head slightly. "But then again, don't people always covet what they can never possess?"

Damien nearly choked on his drink, hastily disguising his laughter as a cough. Everyone turned to look as he struggled to maintain composure. Internally, he was applauding Vivian's verbal precision - she'd eviscerated Serena without a single crude word.

No wonder she was considered the industry's top screenwriter. Given half a chance, Damien would gladly spend hours picking her brain about character dialogue.

Serena stood frozen, face flushing crimson before she turned tearful eyes toward Adrian. His expression darkened as he confronted Vivian. "What's wrong with you lately? Your tongue's grown sharper than a viper's fang."

"And you're just going to ignore her blatant insults?" Vivian's voice cracked with exhaustion. If only Adrian had been willing to communicate like an adult, they might not be standing at divorce's precipice.

Cutting herself off, Vivian snatched her purse from the chair with a weary sigh. "Mr. Vaughn, let's reschedule our business discussion. I'll contact you later."

As she moved to leave, Damien stood immediately. "Allow me to escort you." Vivian swept past Adrian without acknowledgment, her heels clicking decisively against the marble. Damien followed without sparing Adrian a glance, as if the other man were invisible.

Adrian stood rooted, a storm of conflicting emotions brewing beneath his carefully controlled expression. This casual dismissal from his own wife - in name only now - struck at his pride. Once, he'd basked in her undivided attention. Now, watching her walk away with another man, he found himself compulsively straightening his tie, seeking some small comfort.

Once the pair had disappeared, Serena ventured carefully, "Do you think Ms. Hartley's sudden push for divorce means she's found... alternative support?" Each word was measured, designed to gauge Adrian's reaction.