Chapter 85

Adrian turned his back, his face an unreadable mask of indifference. "She's none of your concern," he replied, his voice like winter frost, devoid of any warmth.

Serena's question trembled in the air. "Adrian... is it true? Are you really considering divorce?"

"Divorce?" Adrian scoffed, casually producing a platinum credit card from his wallet and sliding it across the counter. "Package the dress she's wearing and those purses she liked." His deflection was smooth as silk.

The total soared past a million sterling.

The salesgirl's eyes widened momentarily before she caught herself. "Right away, Mr. Blackwood." She scurried off to process the extravagant purchase.

From the moment Adrian and Serena had entered, the boutique staff had received strict instructions from management - absolute discretion regarding their VIP clients. No gossip, no photos, no exceptions.

Initially indifferent, the salesgirl now practically glowed with commission-fueled enthusiasm. "Miss Whitmore, that gown was made for you! Might we take a commemorative photo?" Her smile stretched unnaturally wide.

"Of course," Serena answered, her lips curving into a practiced smile that never reached her eyes, her fingers curling into tight fists at her sides.

Outside the boutique, Vivian had just stepped onto the sidewalk when the scene inside caught her attention. She whirled around, ready to charge back in, when Audrey grabbed her wrist.

"Why are you stopping me?" Vivian hissed, her emerald eyes blazing. "That conniving snake needs to be exposed! Did you see how she's playing the victim?"

Audrey pulled her away from the storefront. "We already put her in her place earlier. This is exactly what she wants - to make you look like the jealous ex while she plays damsel in distress for Adrian. Don't give her the satisfaction."

Vivian allowed herself to be led away, linking arms with Audrey as she vented. "What spell has that woman cast over Adrian? How can he not see through her act? She's about as subtle as a neon sign in a library! And that outfit? Looks like she raided a discount bin at PrimeCart."

Audrey listened quietly, her own resolve crystallizing. "Men are unreliable. I'll build my own empire. Whatever that viper has schemed her way into, I'll earn tenfold through my own talent!"

Her phone buzzed with a text from Damien Vaughn confirming her audition time with the male lead.

Three days later at Ivory Phoenix Productions, Lydia burst into the waiting area, her chest heaving. Spotting Vivian lounging on a plush sofa, she exhaled in relief. "You drop this bombshell at the last possible moment! Thank goodness my schedule was clear."

Vivian offered a reassuring smile. "It's just an audition. No guarantees."

"For a project this prestigious? Just getting in the door is half the battle!" Lydia collapsed beside her. "How did you land this? The Katrina Spencer screenplay? Even our agency's top talent would kill for this opportunity. Was it that contact who helped you during the scandal?"

Vivian took a deep breath, steeling herself. "Lydia... I am Katrina Spencer."