Chapter 38
Just as Vivienne exited the Mitchell Group offices, she noticed Sinclair straightening his tie and holding a briefcase, radiating intense determination. Had she emerged even a minute later, he likely would have charged in, ready to confront everyone inside.
When Sinclair's eyes met Vivienne's, the stern expression on his face softened, and a flicker of worry appeared. He examined her carefully before asking, "Did that jerk give you any trouble?" He sounded as protective as a lion with its cub.
Vivienne felt a surge of warmth and managed a slight smile, a rare break from her usual composure. "No, I handled it. It was nothing significant."
Sinclair cast a scornful look toward the Mitchell Group headquarters. "Leaving you for a second-rate star, the CEO of Mitchell Group really isn't as great as people think."
Vivienne's eyebrow arched at Sinclair's remark about Natalie. A second-rate star? Natalie had fought her way to near the pinnacle of the entertainment industry, becoming a celebrated actress. Despite her fame, she hadn't made an impression on the prestigious Sinclair family—a family that commanded immense wealth, influence, and unmatched status within Lyhaton.
"Let's head home," Sinclair said, taking Vivienne's hand as they moved toward the car. "Your grandfather called earlier; he's worried about you."
Acknowledging with a nod, Vivienne bent to enter the car and dialed a number. "Ensure all surveillance footage at Mitchell Group is secured." She was determined to leave no clues for Warren to discover her real identity. The reckless Vivienne, driven by love, was gone. From now on, she would be known as a member of Lyhaton's wealthiest family.
And it wasn't just Benjamin who worried about Vivienne; Derek, too, felt deep concern from his position within Brighton Group's conference room. On the eighty-eighth floor, the tension was palpable, like a storm brewing. Department executives sat rigidly upright, their silence born of fear that any noise might anger their boss, who dominated the room from the head of the table.
New leaders often shake things up, and this young CEO, famous for his ruthlessness and decisiveness, had quickly made an impact. On his first day, he had boldly dismissed complacent employees, rapidly reshaping the company's perception of him.
Currently, a department manager, having just delivered his performance report, stood anxiously, awaiting the CEO's critique. As the seconds stretched, tension seemed to erode his composure. Sweat beaded on his forehead while his jaw twitched nervously.
As the manager teetered on the brink of pleading, he caught sight of Milo standing beside Derek, looking like the answer to his prayers. Milo pushed up his glasses and leaned in, murmuring, "Sir…"
At that moment, Derek lifted his piercing gaze, the cold intensity in his eyes sending shivers through everyone present.
"Mr. Courtney Reeves has finished his presentation and is now awaiting your instructions," Milo said.
Snapped out of his thoughts, Derek flipped through the papers before him and said in a firm, steady voice, "These budget figures don't make sense. Go to finance and get a detailed breakdown."
"Yes," the department manager replied, as if granted a reprieve, quickly acknowledging the instruction.
Silence enveloped the room once more, Milo watching Derek closely. A distant look was in Derek's eyes, his gaze unfocused. Catching a sudden insight, Milo moved closer and whispered in Derek's ear, "Sir, the processing of Miss Hayes's resignation might be wrapping up. Shall I confirm its status?"