Chapter 7: Let the Reckoning Begin

He looked back at Vivian Hale, knowing she was here today to renew the patent contract. Thinking of that lagging technology, a flicker of impatience flashed in his eyes. He adopted a tone of self-righteous justification: "You stay at home and don't know the company's situation. This is a newcomer this year. Newcomers are inexperienced and don't have your level of background. You should be more tolerant; after all, everyone has to start somewhere, right?" Even though Vivian was prepared, hearing Adrian's instinctive defense of Chloe still made her heart tighten. Had Adrian forgotten that she was only twenty-four this year? She was barely two years older than Chloe. Furthermore, the blood and sweat of the Cross Group belonged to her as well. She curled her lips, gently masking the irony in her heart, and spoke slowly as if she hadn't seen Chloe's provocative gaze: "You're right, Honey. Knowing you have someone like this by your side puts my mind at ease." Seeing her soft attitude, Adrian didn't think much more of it. Vivian couldn't survive without him; she wouldn't even come to the company if it weren't for the patent. Thinking of this, Adrian broke into a smile. He deliberately pushed Chloe aside, stepped up to Vivian, and affectionately pinched her cheek: "Was it the legal department looking for you? Go back and rest early after you sign. You are beautiful today. I haven't spent enough time with you lately; I’ll go to work first and come home early tonight to make it up to you." Vivian lowered her eyes. Since some unknown point in time, Adrian’s kindness toward her had started to feel like an act of charity. Suppressing the desolation in her soul, she put on an obedient front: "Okay, I'll do whatever you say, Honey." Seeing a person who was once so proud and noble become docile only for him made Adrian’s breath hitch. A massive surge of desire for conquest enveloped him. Looking at Vivian’s rosy, soft lips, he felt an almost uncontrollable urge to kiss her, despite the inappropriate setting. But at the thought of her body, he felt an instinctive repulsion. Dammit, he had really been triggered by that person lately. Finally, he smiled at Vivian, turned around, and headed to the CEO’s office. Chloe was both furious and jealous. She gave a small huff and was about to follow Adrian. In the next second, Vivian blocked her path. The woman’s lips curled up, her voice as calm as a still lake: "Miss Bennett, I still have a few words for you." Chloe stopped in her tracks. She was already dissatisfied with the intimacy between Adrian and Vivian. Now, looking at Vivian’s radiant, flower-like face, a spark of jealousy flashed in Chloe's eyes. She intentionally puffed out her chest, acting like a stubborn "white jasmine": "Does Mrs. Cross have any more instructions? Speak up, I’m listening." Vivian was neither hurried nor annoyed, replying composedly: "I wouldn't call them instructions. I’ve just heard that you’ve been coordinating work directly with Mr. Cross lately?" "Yes, Mr. Cross said I’m young and clever. He wants me to stay by his side and learn well, saying I’ll definitely achieve great things in the future." She didn't blush at all while praising herself. The onlookers, who had mostly dispersed, slowed their steps again upon hearing this. Julia was the first to protest: "You..." Before she could finish, Vivian gently pressed her hand down. Her eyes remained on Chloe, and she suddenly gave a brilliant smile: "It’s clear Miss Bennett is very talented. I know my husband; I’ve rarely seen him admire someone so much. With you by his side, I'm sure you can help resolve many of his worries." Chloe became increasingly smug, her disdain for Vivian growing. She thought Vivian wasn't so capable after all—neither as young nor as capable as herself, with a flawed body to boot. Only that face was still worth something. Vivian, acting as if she saw nothing, took two vouchers from her bag: "He’s been so busy with the project lately that he hasn't been coming home, and I’m worried. I happen to have two reservation vouchers for the window seats at his favorite restaurant. Don't let him go hungry while you're coordinating work; you can accompany him to eat." Chloe was stunned, unable to believe her ears. "Me?" Vivian looked perfectly earnest: "Yes. He has a weak stomach, so I’ll have to trouble you to look after him." This was generous to a fault. Chloe originally had some hesitation, but it vanished the moment she saw the restaurant's name. The city’s top-ranked Black Pearl restaurant, costing fifteen thousand per person! She had wanted to go for a long time, but the restaurant was members-only. She had begged Adrian, but he had refused her several times. She knew it was only because that was the restaurant Vivian often accompanied him to. Vivian still held some status in his heart. Now, Vivian had delivered this on a silver platter. What a fool. In that instant, Chloe’s contempt for her reached its peak. She took a deep breath, feigning indifference as she took the vouchers from Vivian’s hand: "Taking care of Mr. Cross’s daily life and diet is indeed part of my job... Since that's the case, I’ll do it well. You don't need to worry, Mrs. Cross." "That’s wonderful then." Vivian spoke with such sincerity it was as if she truly noticed nothing. Chloe’s vanity was immensely satisfied. She brushed her long hair back and turned to enter Adrian’s office. This scene made many onlookers grit their teeth in frustration. Yet Vivian remained smiling, looking completely unbothered. Julia really couldn't stand it and whispered a reminder: "Director Hale, you are an outstanding contributor to the group. If you wanted to, you could bypass Mr. Cross and fire her directly..." Vivian shook her head slightly, interrupting her. "No need. Things are fine just as they are." Only if Chloe had the chance to cling to Adrian tightly could her plan proceed smoothly. She was about to move house; she couldn't risk Adrian running into her. Seeing that she couldn't be persuaded, Julia and the others didn't press further. When the crowd had fully dispersed, Vivian pushed open the door to the legal department. "I didn't come here today to sign." "There's nearly a month left. It’s better to wait until the patent expires, redraw the contract based on a 20% increase over market price, and then have Mr. Cross come to sign it with me in person." "Oh, and also, Mr. Cross is very busy lately. Wait until the time comes to tell him..." Once, Adrian didn't mind her physical flaws at her most vulnerable time and chose to propose to her. Beyond being moved, she had given him this patent as an exchange. She thought their love would last forever. She hadn't expected that in just three years, it would be rotten to the core. In that case, from this moment on, let the accounts be settled clearly. When the time came, he would have to pay back every bit of the dividends he owed her.

Night fell, and the city lights sparkled like jewels. Chloe had specially changed into a pearl-white cocktail dress, while Adrian, sitting beside her, was still in his suit from the day, his face written with distraction. He only realized what was happening after he arrived. What on earth was Vivian thinking, arranging for him to have dinner with Chloe? As a spouse, who would be willing to hand their lover over to someone else! Could it be that she had noticed something? Adrian was restless. Chloe noticed nothing, clinging to his arm and acting spoiled. "Adrian, you're so amazing. You actually have a membership at a Black Pearl restaurant. I’ve never been to a place like this!" Adrian snapped back to reality, meeting Chloe’s gaze full of admiration. Her joy and anticipation were undisguised, as if tonight’s dinner was the most important event of her life. Whatever. Who else could Vivian rely on besides him? Anyway, she had no evidence; she couldn't make a scene even if she wanted to. There was no need for him to overthink; he might as well enjoy the moment. Adrian was suddenly gratified, his large hand stroking her slender waist. He leaned down and whispered ambiguously in Chloe’s ear: "As long as you’re obedient, I’ll give you anything." Chloe’s cheeks flushed. She playfully tapped his chest, her eyes shimmering with flirtatious charm. "You're terrible. Let’s eat first." The two took their seats, and the waiter even lit candles for them. Everything looked so romantic.

On the other side, Vivian had just stepped out of the shower when she received a WeChat message from her best friend, Pearl. "Vivian, are you really just going to let this scum and that tramp bully you like this?" Attached below was a photo.