The only thing more horrible than a bad business deal was making headlines for the wrong reason. It never ended well for anyone involved.
Vivienne sighed as she stared at her latest problem. Every newsstand screamed the same bold, merciless headline:
'Ice King and Fire Queen: Secret Lovers?'
The photos suggested something far more than a mere business rivalry, and of course, the public would devour it.
'Why did I even attend that event? If I stayed home, the media wouldn't have had anything to spin.'
Her phone buzzed incessantly—messages from her PR team and board members flooding in. She wasn't in the mood to reply or defend herself.
'Vivienne, what have you done?'
'This will tank the stock.'
'Do you know what people are saying about you? The assumptions will be… horrible.'
She threw the phone onto the couch and paced her penthouse like a caged tigress. What she needed was a solution—something to redirect everyone's attention from the scandal.
"Miss Chase..."
Vivienne turned to see her assistant, Clara. "Good morning, Clara. When did you get here?"
"I'm sorry for not knocking," Clara said. "The door was slightly open, so I let myself in but..." She hesitated. "Miss Chase, we have a problem."
Vivienne raised an eyebrow, masking her irritation. "Oh? As if we don't have enough today. Do tell."
"Your shareholders are demanding an emergency conference call."
Vivienne closed her eyes. 'Of course they are.'
"Did they give you a time?"
Clara nodded. "In the next five minutes. Miss Chase, I think you should speak to Mr. Blackwell."
"What?" Vivienne tilted her head. "Why on earth would I do that?"
"To solve this problem," Clara explained patiently. "This scandal affects both of you. A solution is possible if you work together."
"No way. Besides, Lucian is always in some scandal. This won't touch him," Vivienne said, sitting and taking a sip of coffee.
Clara handed over Vivienne's laptop, taking a deep breath. "Think realistically. His cousin is trying to prove he's incompetent as CEO. He's under fire too…"
Vivienne sighed. "Fine, Clara. You win. Send him an email asking to meet somewhere secluded. But no one should think it's a date."
Clara nodded and began typing, crafting a message that was professional, calm, and non-demanding.
Vivienne adjusted her hair one last time before joining the call. The screen flickered to life, filling with familiar faces.
"Good morning, everyone," she said.
"It's not a good morning, Miss Chase," Mr. Kane replied.
Vivienne's fingers hovered over the keyboard before responding in a measured tone. "I know today's headlines were unpleasant. I assure you, what you saw is far from the truth."
Mr. Kane leaned back, eyes sharp. "Vivienne, this is catastrophic. Our investors are panicking. They think you've compromised yourself to Blackwell!"
Another voice muttered, "Some are whispering merger, that you're selling us out."
Vivienne's jaw tightened, but her expression remained neutral. "I don't sell out least of all to him."
A tense silence settled over the call. Vivienne knew it would be long and futile.
"I don't mind if you have fun, but people are watching," Mr. Kane continued. "Investors can't think otherwise about everything you stand for."
A polite, fake smile curved Vivienne's lips. "I understand, Mr. Kane."
"Then fix this," someone snapped. "Or we will."
Vivienne fought the urge to roll her eyes. 'Scandals don't vanish on command.'
"I will handle it. You all shouldn't worry," she said firmly. The call disconnected immediately.
'How I wish scandals could just disappear. I hope that arrogant jerk replies…'
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"Seriously, Lucian? Another scandal?!" Jonna waved her phone at her brother. "Last month it was an actress, the month before something else. What's your problem?"
Lucian didn't respond, dismissing her with a glance.
"Aiden, why is my brother ignoring me?" she asked the young assistant.
"Miss Blackwell, I can't say for sure," Aiden replied.
"Relax, Jonna. It's not a big deal," Lucian muttered nonchalantly.
"It happened at our event!" she snapped. "Where was I when all these were going on?"
"Maybe you were making out with someone?" Lucian said casually.
Jonna dropped the phone, glaring. "I'm not like you, always flirting with anything in a skirt. What's wrong with you?"
No response.
"Lucian," she said firmly, closing her laptop. He finally looked at her. "Sebastian is trying to take over our father's legacy. Some shareholders already doubt your capability."
"I hate that woman," Lucian muttered under his breath.
"Excuse me?" Jonna snapped.
"Nothing," he said quickly. "Just… she thinks she can undermine me."
Jonna shook her head. "While you ignore it, the press spins another scandal. And she's your business rival—it looks bad."
Lucian smirked, annoyance flickering. "Vivienne Chase? Let her scramble. She's always talking about being self-made."
"But this involves you too," Jonna pressed. "The headline is toxic. Investors will panic."
"So… what's your suggestion?"
"Set up a meeting with her. Find a solution," Jonna said firmly.
Lucian leaned back. "Absolutely not. I don't want a meeting with that woman."
Jonna slammed her palm on the desk. "This isn't about pride! It's about protecting the company and your reputation. Investors don't care about your ego they care about stability. Right now, everything's teetering."
Lucian smirked, dark eyes narrowing. "Interesting. Stability, huh?"
"Then arrange a meeting and sort it out!" she insisted.
He leaned forward, elbows on his knees. "And if I refuse?"
"You watch as the headlines spin a scandal neither of you can control. Do you want that?"
Silence. Then a heavy sigh. "Fine… but only because the board is breathing down my neck. Not because of her."
Jonna allowed herself a small smile. "Good. Aiden, send an email to Miss Chase to arrange a meeting."
Aiden nodded.
Lucian's phone buzzed. He smirked at an email from Vivienne Chase: professional, terse, with just enough subtle edge to make him raise an eyebrow.
'Interesting. She's making the first move. This will be fun.'
"My dear sister, it seems our rival read your mind," he chuckled, reaching for his car keys. "Wish me luck."