Chapter 237

Millie met Vivian in the lounge of Evans Entertainment at half past eight in the evening.

A car was parked outside. Millie noticed Brandon behind the wheel.

He didn't step out. Instead, Vivian got out and made her way into the Evans Entertainment building alone.

Millie glanced at her reflection in the glass.

Her face looked nothing like itself-one half pulled in the opposite direction, her features transformed by special effects makeup.

Dressed in a bizarre costume, her figure hidden, she was completely unrecognizable.

She waited for the elevator doors to open, eyes on the spot where Vivian would appear.

When Vivian stepped out and saw her, she paused.

"Eva?" Vivian asked, frowning.

"Yeah." Millie's voice was rough. "What do you want?I'm busy," she said, gesturing towards her makeup.

Vivian recalled seeing others in similar makeup and costume on her way up.

It didn't surprise her-Eva was an artist under Evans Entertainment. Perhaps there was a last-minute music video shoot and she had to fillin.

"Let's talk somewhere else," Vivian suggested,glancing around.

Vivian had learnt her lessons about hidden recorders.She preferred to pick the spot herself.

Millie caught her meaning and followed her to a quiet corner.

Vivian checked the surroundings, and then fixed her eyes on Millie's altered face. A smug smile curved her lips.

"Love of Vivian is about to premiere. I'm here to give you one last chance. Keep quiet, drag Evans Entertainment down, and I'll make it worth your while.Watson Group will cover your penalty and push you into the spotlight. With your talent and their backing you'll be famous in no time," she said.

Millie stared at her, her expression unreadable.

"This is the third time you've come to me," she rasped.

"And the third time I'm offering you a chance," Vivian said with certainty.

"The final one?" Millie asked, tilting her head.

Vivian's smile deepened."The final one."

They held each other's gaze until Millie suddenly laughed.

Did Vivian really think she was doing her a favor?

To Millie, it was the other way around.

No matter how pretty the packaging, a lie stayed a

lie.

"What's so funny?" Vivian snapped.

Millie's laughter rang through the air.

"My answer's the same as before. I do not accept,"she said.

Vivian's smile vanished in an instant. "You think teaming up with Millie will help you? I can crush your plans before they even start."

She stepped closer, her glare sharp.

"You've seen Crobert's buzz today. That's my doing.Evans Entertainment? Screw them! I have Brandon.When I want something, Brandon agrees. Work with me, and you'll have Watson Group behind you." Her voice dropped to a hiss. "Defy me, and it won't end well for you."

Vivian kept her words vague, wary of recordings, but the threat was clear.

Vivian had the kind of influence that could sway

public opinion overnight-power that could make or break a career.

Millie only smiled, the sound of her light, mocking laugh making Vivian's anger spike.

"You ungrateful witch!"

Vivian lunged, hand raised, but Millie caught her wrist mid-swing.

"This makeup wasn't cheap. Don't ruin it," Millie said lightly.

She pushed Vivian aside.

"You!" Vivian seethed but then through gritted teeth."Just wait, Eva. I'll be here when you come crawling back."

She had planned to humiliate this detestable woman,crush her underfoot.

Millie said nothing, watching her with cold detachment.

She wondered how long it would take for Vivian to

trip over her own schemes.

Vivian stormed off.

Millie wandered to the floor-to-ceiling window and looked down. Brandon was leaning against the car,cigarette in hand.

He glanced up, catching her gaze.

Millie didn't look away.

Her makeup was so convincing it could make a person dizzy if they stared too long.

They stared into each other's souls. Neither spoke.

Then Vivian appeared outside, pouting furiously.

"Brandon! I'm so mad!"

Brandon shot her a calm look, his expression unreadable, as though nothing she did could ruffle him.

Vivian huffed and climbed into the passenger seat.

Brandon flicked his cigarette into the trash bin,

opened the driver's door, and looked up again.

Millie was gone.

He shrugged and got into the car.

Days passed.

Vivian continued pushing Love of Vivian. Ads flooded every corner.

On the third day, she began dropping subtle jabs at Millie online, claiming the project was entirely her own and unrelated to Watson Group. Johnny's people fanned the flames, steering the conversation in her favor.

On the fourth day, presales opened.

The hype had built for a full week.

The marketing was everywhere-people had seen the news at least once, often more.

With emotional, motivational promotions, presale

numbers were solid.

And Millie?

She was busy bringing Ari home.

After much work, Ari's adoption papers came through, and Millie could finally bring her back.

They had talked about moving in with Myron, but the noise around Love of Vivian kept Millie from making the change. They then decided to wait until things quieted down.

For now, Millie and Ari were still staying in the apartment Millie had rented.

On the seventh evening, as midnight struck, the premiere of Love of Vivian began.