Vivienne's Pov Cont
I swallowed hard because my throat felt sour and tight. My chest felt heavy and my thoughts were messy. I stood in front of Alexander's desk trying to stay calm even though I felt like I was slowly breaking inside.
I told him that Isabella Blackwood's public image did not match the product we were promoting.
She was known for a cold and elegant style and our product was supposed to feel warm and relatable.
I explained everything clearly because this was my job and I understood branding better than anyone in that room.
Alexander looked at me like the discussion did not matter to him. He said this was my responsibility and not his problem. He said I would figure it out because I was capable and experienced.
Then he added that the endorsement was very important for Isabella and that I would personally supervise the entire process.
His tone was flat and emotionless as if he was giving an ordinary office task and not forcing me to work closely with the woman he once loved and still loved.
My face felt stiff and numb. I felt pain in my chest but I forced myself to ignore it because showing weakness in front of him felt like losing a battle I had already lost.
I agreed to handle the project even though every word felt heavy in my mouth. My voice sounded rough and tired like I had been screaming for hours even though I had barely spoken.
After leaving his office I went straight to the bathroom because my stomach felt terrible. I leaned over the sink and tried to vomit but nothing came out.
I felt dizzy and weak. My hand moved slowly to my abdomen because I remembered the baby growing inside me.
I felt guilty because my emotions were out of control and I worried that my stress might hurt the child. I stood there for a long time touching my stomach and trying to calm myself down.
I looked into the mirror and barely recognized the woman staring back at me. My face was pale and my eyes looked red and tired. I splashed cold water on my face again and again until my skin felt numb. I kept telling myself that everything would be fine and that this was only work.
Managing brand endorsements was my specialty and I had handled worse situations before.
I returned to my office and started working immediately because work was the only thing that kept my mind from falling apart. I called Lena Ashford's talent agent and apologized for the sudden change.
I offered Lena a smaller fragrance campaign and promised that she would be the first choice for future projects that matched her image.
After a long discussion the agent finally agreed and her tone softened.
After that I asked my assistant to bring Isabella's files and I held a long departmental meeting.
The team spent hours discussing different campaign directions and after a full day of work we selected three possible branding concepts. I asked my assistant to contact Isabella's agent to schedule a formal meeting.
When the office became quiet I leaned back in my chair and rubbed my forehead because I felt exhausted. My eyes fell on the divorce settlement agreement sitting on my desk. I opened it and quickly scanned through the pages.
Alexander had offered me two villas ten percent company shares and twenty million dollars. It was a generous agreement but it felt like a cold transaction instead of the end of a marriage.
I closed the file because thinking about it made my chest hurt.
Later I went to the meeting room where the operations director product manager and creative director were already waiting. Isabella and her team were late which annoyed everyone.
I asked my assistant to call her agent and hurry them up. Just as I was about to call them myself the door opened and Isabella walked in with Alexander beside her.
They looked close and comfortable together. She wore a soft yellow dress and held his arm while he wore the suit she had chosen for him earlier that day.
I noticed how naturally they stood together and how easily they smiled at each other. The staff exchanged looks and I knew rumors were spreading again.
I forced myself to stay professional and invited them to sit down so we could begin. Isabella greeted me warmly and held my hand like we were still close friends.
I politely pulled my hand away because the contact made me uncomfortable. She talked about the past and mentioned how I used to call her sister in law when I was younger.
Everyone in the room seemed to understand that our personal relationships were complicated.
Memories filled my mind. I remembered years ago when Alexander introduced Isabella as his girlfriend. I remembered watching them together while I stood alone.
I forced a polite smile and complimented her appearance. She thanked me and then mentioned a signed album she had brought me as a gift.
I felt confused and embarrassed because I had believed the gift came from Alexander. I looked at him hoping he would say something different but he only asked if I did not like Isabella's present.
I felt humiliated but kept my expression calm and moved the conversation back to business.
The meeting continued and Alexander left early while Isabella stayed with us. I watched him walk away feeling empty inside.
After several hours the meeting ended successfully and both teams agreed on the next steps.
I invited everyone to lunch at a fondue restaurant downstairs because I wanted to maintain a professional atmosphere. Isabella said she would join later with Alexander.
I went downstairs first to reserve a private room and ordered food to keep the mood relaxed.
During lunch the conversation shifted toward my career. Some colleagues praised my work but Isabella's agent hinted that my success came from family connections. I smiled politely and explained my background calmly without showing any anger. Then she mentioned my father donating his liver to Chairman Hawthorne and the room became silent.
Isabella's POV
I walked into the meeting room holding Alexander's arm because I felt comfortable around him and I trusted him. I noticed Vivienne immediately and felt surprised because it had been years since we saw each other regularly. I greeted her warmly because I genuinely wanted to reconnect but I sensed distance in her response.
During the meeting I focused on the business details because this endorsement was important for my return to the country. I knew Alexander supported me and I felt confident that the project would succeed. I also noticed the tension in the room and realized that my presence made things complicated for Vivienne.
Alexander's POV
I entered the meeting only to observe because I trusted Vivienne's professional ability.
I stayed close to Isabella because I wanted to support her transition back into the local market. I noticed the quiet tension between them but chose not to interfere.
From my perspective the project mattered more than personal feelings and I expected everyone to act professionally.