Chapter 117

Aria Bennett recounted everything about the Blackwell family and the blood mage to Damian Cross.

For some reason, she felt an inexplicable trust in him.

Besides, this matter involved the Special Response Division, and providing intel was part of her duty.

Damian wasn’t originally assigned to this case—it had been delegated to Agent Brooks by the deputy director. But since Aria was involved, he decided to take charge personally.

"I’ll relay the intel on the Blackwells and the witch to Brooks so they can proceed with caution," he said, pausing briefly. "You’ll be notified as soon as we have results."

Aria nodded. "Let me know if you need any help."

"Will do." A faint smile flickered in Damian’s eyes.

Over the next two days, Aria and Damian coached the trainees in the rehearsal studio.

With the live performance approaching, tension ran high among the contestants.

Aria’s team had the smoothest rehearsals, and everyone was confident.

Nolan Reed and Audrey Lane’s group, along with Caleb Monroe and Wesley Hart’s team, were also progressing well.

Only Serena Blake and Vivienne Archer’s team kept running into issues.

Though Vivienne disliked Serena, she kept her snide remarks minimal for the sake of the performance, reserving her real retaliation for the next livestream.

The problem was Serena herself—she insisted on taking both the vocal and dance center positions.

Vivienne refused, and the two argued endlessly.

After Serena’s public persona collapsed in the previous episodes, the other trainees had little patience for her.

When Vivienne suggested letting another contestant take the center spot, everyone voted in favor.

Furious, Serena half-heartedly went through the motions during rehearsals, resulting in a lackluster performance.

She secretly called Owen Archer to vent.

Though she’d entered Daybreak Entertainment through Logan Price’s connections, it was Owen who secured her the best opportunities.

Logan remained oblivious to their secret affair.

After hearing Serena’s tearful complaints, Owen’s resentment toward Vivienne deepened.

Any lingering guilt he’d felt about breaking off their engagement vanished—now, Vivienne was just being unreasonable.

"Don’t worry, I’ll handle it," he soothed.

Soon after, Daybreak Entertainment pressured the director to replace Vivienne.

In the past, the director wouldn’t have dared to defy Owen.

But with Damian backing him now, he stood his ground.

"Sorry, the guest lineup is finalized. No changes," he flatly refused.

When Owen learned Damian was involved, he had no choice but to back down—for now.

He arranged to meet Vivienne at an upscale restaurant.

Vivienne was already waiting in the private room when he arrived, elegantly pouring a glass of red wine.

"Try this. It’s your favorite vintage."

Owen forced a smile and picked at his food.

"Vivienne, there’s something I need to discuss."

She set down her fork, dabbing her lips with a napkin. "Go ahead."

"Could you drop out of the show?" he asked bluntly.

Vivienne scoffed. "Or should I say—stop bothering your little mistress?"

Her gaze sharpened. "Don’t tell me you’re actually serious about that white lotus?"

They’d been engaged since childhood, and she’d always seen Owen as her future husband.

She’d even fallen in love with him.

Until she discovered his affair with Serena.

"I’m sorry. I have feelings for her," Owen admitted frankly.

Vivienne froze as if struck by lightning. "What did you just say?"

"Let’s call off the engagement," he said firmly. "Our joint project is wrapping up. It’s the perfect time."

Her face paled. "You’d throw me away for her?"

"Twenty years together, and you choose some two-bit actress?" Her voice trembled.

Owen’s expression darkened. "Serena is a good person. Show some respect."

"And stop harassing her. I pursued her."

From the moment he’d first seen Serena, he’d felt an inexplicable pull—a sense of destiny Vivienne had never inspired.

Not to mention the unparalleled passion Serena brought to their intimate moments.

Vivienne clenched her napkin so tightly her nails dug into her palms.

Suddenly, she snatched her wineglass and hurled its contents into Owen’s face.

"Fine, Owen Archer! Break the engagement if you want!" Her voice shook with fury. "Don’t you dare regret it!"

Red wine dripped down Owen’s face as he wiped himself off, glaring. "You’ve lost your mind!"

"I won’t regret a thing," he spat. "Serena is a thousand times the woman you are."

Vivienne fought back tears as she stormed out of the room.

She wouldn’t let anyone see her vulnerability.

Least of all the man who’d betrayed her.