Chapter 4

Julian was choking on his own anger.

Chloe was sobbing like a victim now, wrapping Julian’s jacket tight around her as she trembled behind him like a frightened rabbit.

"Julian... look at Vivian... she must hate me so much... It’s all my fault. I shouldn't have worn this dress..."

Julian’s protective instincts flared to the max. He glared at me as if I were some heinous criminal.

"Vivian, look at what you’ve done! Chloe’s health is already fragile. What if you trigger her condition?"

"Apologize to Chloe right now! On your knees!"

"Otherwise, don't even think about keeping your position as head designer! You can pack your bags and get out of the Kingsley estate tonight!"

Threatening me?

Always the same old trick.

If this were the past, for the sake of that bet and to stay by his side, I might have swallowed the humiliation and apologized.

But now, my tower had crumbled.

Over the ruins, nothing remained. I had absolutely nothing left to fear.

I smiled.

For the first time in eight years, I felt incredibly light.

I slowly opened my clutch and pulled out a document I had prepared long ago.

It was my resignation letter, a contract termination agreement I had drafted six months ago but could never bring myself to use.

"You don't have to kick me out."

I took a step forward and slapped the papers directly onto Julian’s face.

The sharp edge of the paper cut his cheek, leaving a faint red scratch. This was probably the most violent thing I had ever done to him.

"Julian, we’re done."

"This garbage job, and a piece of trash like you—I don't want any of it anymore."

"As for the head designer position..." I let out a cold laugh, my eyes scanning the ruined dress. "Without me, what is the Kingsley design department anyway? Since you love this crying brat so much, let her draw your sketches!"

Without waiting for Julian’s shocked expression or the gasps of the arriving guests, I turned around.

I looked at Damian, who had been enjoying the show.

I remembered my late grandfather telling me that the Thorne kid, though crazy, always kept his word.

Moreover, the Thorne family had been looking for an opportunity to break into the fashion industry to crush the Kingsleys, but they lacked a top-tier designer to lead the way.

The enemy of my enemy is my friend.

I took a deep breath, meeting Damian’s piercing eyes, and walked right up to him.

My heels clicked against the marble floor. Every step was a goodbye to my past self.

"Mr. Thorne."

I looked up, staring straight into his eyes. My voice was clear and loud enough to echo through the hallway.

"I heard you’ve been looking for a creative director to lead your brand, Lumina."

"I wonder... do you think Vivian Vance is qualified?"

The entire hallway went dead silent.

The reporters who had rushed over forgot to press their camera shutters.

This wasn't just a breakup. This was a declaration of war!

Leaking to the rival company right in front of her ex? And demanding to be the head of the brand?

This was dragging Julian’s face through the mud and stomping on it!

Julian finally snapped out of it, laughing in sheer anger. He pointed at me and yelled, "Vivian, are you insane? Do you think Mr. Thorne runs a dumpster? Do you think the Thornes want a woman the Kingsleys threw away? A woman I’m already tired of—"

"I’d be absolutely delighted."

A deep, commanding voice cut Julian’s roar short.

The smirk on Damian’s face widened. His lazy posture straightened, and his eyes became incredibly intense.

He leaned down slightly, bringing his face level with mine.

At this distance, I could smell the faint scent of cedarwood mixed with expensive tobacco, dominating my senses.

"Having the great Vivian Vance grace my little company is my absolute honor."

He reached out. Instead of taking my hand, his fingers gently brushed a stray lock of hair behind my ear. The gesture was intimate enough to make everyone in the room gasp.

"But, Vivian, I have one condition."

My chest tightened, my palms sweating. "What condition?"

If it was a harsh business clause, I would take it. As long as I could ruin Julian and get my pride back.

Seeing my tension, Damian suddenly let out a low rumble of laughter.

His voice was so quiet only the two of us could hear.

"Since you’re done with the Kingsleys, that makes you single, right?"

"How about becoming Mrs. Thorne?"

"After all, I need a wife to get those old geezers in my family off my back, and you need a shield to slap your ex’s face. We’re a perfect match."