Power Plays With My Love

Chapter 5 Sure?

As soon as Vivian sent the message, Henry called her directly.

She declined the call and immediately blocked all his contact information.

Vivian hadn't intended to cut things off so harshly even though he cheated on her. They were adults, and they had to work together. Initially, she believed there was no need to make it awkward.

Yet, if Henry wanted to use this against her, she wouldn't hesitate to cut him off completely.

After handling her personal matters, Vivian put her phone back in her pocket. By then, Adrian had already walked off with Leo.

She could see from a distance that Leo looked both serious and excited as they talked.

Vivian approached just in time to hear Leo praising Adrian.

"I didn't expect you to know so much about our work. Most higher-ups don't."

Adrian smiled faintly, his voice low and magnetic. "I spent a few years on construction sites."

"Supervising?" Leo asked.

"Sometimes just as a laborer," Adrian replied.

Leo's eyes widened with admiration.

It was rare for someone of Adrian's status to experience life at the grassroots level.

Standing a few steps away, Vivian pressed her lips into a thin line, her eyes cool but displeased.

A few years on construction sites?

Even as a laborer?

Yet he didn't know how to fasten a safety helmet?

Sensing her gaze, Adrian glanced over at Vivian. Instead of looking guilty, he smiled at her confidently and continued his conversation with Leo.

"Such a rogue," she thought.

When they left the construction site, Adrian leaned back in his seat, rolling up his sleeves to reveal his strong forearms. His previously relaxed demeanor had become more serious. "Where are you heading next?"

Vivian answered softly, "Back to the office, if you don't mind."

Adrian closed his eyes to rest. "Alright."

After a moment, he asked, "Henry Jones, right?"

"What?" Vivian was momentarily stunned before realizing he was referring to her ex-boyfriend. Her tone turned cold. "That has nothing to do with work."

Adrian didn't open his eyes. When he sensed her irritation fading, he casually remarked with a smile, "I thought the car was a private space."

Another suggestive statement.

His tone and smile suggested nothing untoward, yet his words clearly hinted at that steamy hour they shared.

He was clearly a bad boy.

Vivian had gotten used to his rogue ways and knew the best response was to ignore him. She closed her eyes to rest.

Her silence piqued Adrian's curiosity. He opened his eyes slightly to glance at her. Her profile was beautifully outlined by the sunlight streaming through the window.

No wonder her ex-boyfriend was so obsessed with her, willing to endure humiliation to cover up her scandal.

An hour later, they arrived at Prosperity Holdings. Adrian adjusted his posture just before Vivian opened her eyes, pretending he had been resting the whole time.

Seeing his eyes closed, Vivian quietly bid farewell to David and got out of the car.

As soon as she left, Adrian opened his eyes. "David, we have an event tonight, right?"

David turned, puzzled. "Yes, with Skyline Builders."

Didn't you want to cancel it earlier? David didn't know why Adrian even asked.

Adrian continued, "Tell them to reschedule it for 8 PM."

David, though confused, didn't question further. "Yes, Mr. Spencer."

*****

Back at the office, Vivian was immediately summoned to Rolando's office.

Rolando, hands on hips, was clearly on the verge of exploding.

"Vivian, normally, I wouldn't comment on your personal life. But now, it's seriously affecting the company's image. I have to say something."

He took a deep breath and started, "Do you know how many calls I've received today? Even the headquarters called multiple times, demanding an explanation. You kids can enjoy yourselves all you want, but how could you be so careless and get caught on camera? I thought you'd be the first in the company to make it onto a financial magazine, and here you are, making tabloid headlines!"

Rolando, in his forties, had fought many battles in the business world, leaving his head almost bald.

His few remaining hairs swayed as his emotions ran high.

After a lengthy rant, Rolando glared at Vivian. "No bonus this month. Reflect on your actions and email me your review."

Vivian remained stoic. "Yes, Mr. Black."

Rolando, still fuming, asked, "You have nothing to say for yourself?"

Vivian replied calmly, "No."

She really had no explanation. Yes, she had s*x in a car on the street. What could she explain? That she had been drugged? Without evidence, no one would believe her.

Or should she tell him the man in question was the CEO of their biggest client, Spencer Group? That would only play into the hands of those spreading rumors about her sleeping her way to success.

Unless she could prove she had been drugged, there was nothing she could do.

Rolando, frustrated, barked, "Get out!"

Leaving Rolando's office, Vivian took the elevator back to her own office. No sooner had she sat down than her phone rang with an unknown number.

Vivian glanced at the screen, thinking it might be a client. She answered, "Hello, who is this?"

The voice on the other end was unexpectedly familiar and annoyingly excited. "It's me, babe."

Recognizing the overly familiar tone, Vivian felt her stomach churn.

She walked to the water cooler, her voice cold. "What do you want?"

Henry's voice was filled with false affection. "Did you block me?"

Vivian took a sip of water. "Yes."

Henry wasn't angry. Instead, he sounded amused. "We loved each other. Why make things so awkward?"

His mention of "loved each other" hit a nerve.

Vivian had never met a bigger jerk.

He came into her life with an agenda, took everything he could from her, and then had the nerve to expect her to help him climb higher and cover for his misdeeds.

Noticing her silence, Henry continued, "Sure you don't want to get back together?"

Vivian's voice turned cold. "I've already said everything that needs to be said. Do you not understand plain English?"

Henry sneered. "Vivian, you still don't get it, do you? What if I go online right now and tell everyone you were cheating on me with some rich guy? Who do you think they'll believe? And if I suggest that your quick promotions over the past year were because of, well, special favors, do you think you'll keep your job?"

"You know threats don't work on me," Vivian responded, her tone chillingly cold.

Henry laughed. "Relax, I'm just kidding. We used to be in love. I wouldn't do that to you. I just hope you'll think carefully, not just for yourself, but for your mom too."

Mom...

Vivian's heart clenched.