?Chapter 371:


    “It’s a delicate situation, Miss Wade,” she said, her forehead creasing slightly as if she was grappling with an ethical dilemma. “Given that Sadie and I were once colleagues and still meet often, it wouldn’t be right for me to just turn on her.”


    Without a word, K watched the nuances of Vivi’s expressions, understanding that this was not a dismissal but rather an opening to bargain.


    With a sardonicugh, K responded, “Miss Quinn, our meeting today is rooted in our shared goal, correct? Sadie stands in the way of both our ambitions. Isn’t it time we cleared our paths?”


    Vivi stopped twirling her ring and locked eyes with K, her look intense.


    “What are you implying, Miss Wade? I am not without principles, and I’ll need a justifiable cause to proceed.”


    “Justifiable cause?” K echoed, her voice as cold as a razor’s edge. She let out a humorless chuckle, as if someone had just told the most absurd joke.


    Then, fixing her gaze on Vivi, she said, “Have you already forgotten what happened at the Starlight G? Eva—oh, that meddling busybody—shamed me in front of everyone, all to defend Sadie. I’ve been stewing over that ever since. And Sadie…” K scoffed. “She acts like she’s the world’s prodigy, forever upstaging you and sabotaging your career. Is that something you’re willing to put up with?”


    A flicker of anger crossed Vivi’s face.


    Her expression hardened, and for a moment, she said nothing at all.


    “I’m open to working together, Miss Wade,” Vivi said atst, her voice steady, her gaze sharp and unwavering. “But I need proof of your sincerity.”


    K lifted her wine ss with practiced grace, taking a slow sip. The deep red liquid left a seductive stain on her lips as she set the ss down, her fingers trailing over the stem. A flicker of something dangerous—amusement, perhaps—danced in her eyes.


    “And what, exactly, would sincerity look like to you?” she asked, her tone velvety smooth.


    “I’m not interested in pretty words,” Vivi said bluntly. “I need something real. Something that proves you’re serious.”


    New chapters now on .c?m


    K arched a perfectly shaped brow, intrigue sparking in her expression. “Oh? And what might that be?”


    “The Wall family’s resources.” Vivi didn’t hesitate. She leaned forward slightly, her intent crystal clear. “I intend to win the International Jewelry Design Competition. For that, I need funding, influence, and the right connections. The Wall family has all of that—and more.”


    K chuckled, a rich, knowing sound, as if Vivi had just revealed a particrly entertaining secret.


    “Ambitious, aren’t you, Miss Quinn?” She tilted her head, regarding Vivi like a predator sizing up its prey. “But tell me… why should I believe you’re capable of bringing Sadie down?”


    Vivi’s lips curled into a slow, confident smile. “Sadie’s designs may be distinct, but wless? Hardly.” Vivi’s voice dripped with contempt. “I’ll have whispers of giarism circting before she even realizes what’s happening. Other designers will turn against her, brands will distance themselves, and her credibility will crumble.”


    She paused, letting the venom settle in the air.


    “I won’t just tarnish her reputation—I’ll erase her from the industry entirely.”


    A flicker of approval lit up K’s eyes. She leaned back, a satisfied smile ying on her lips.


    “Good. I like your audacity,” she said, as if sealing an unspoken pact. “I’ll give you what you want. Once I marry Noah, the Wall family’s resources are yours tomand.”


    Vivi arched a skeptical brow.


    “Marry Noah?” Her tone wasced with doubt. “Miss Wade, do you really think you can pull that off?”


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