There is no use crying over spilled milk.
That’s what Vivianne kept repeating in her mind as she struggled to find a solution to the problem at hand. The situation isn’t improving. The client is not even entertaining them, and Alfred’s disappointment in her grows.
This is further fueled by Joan’s prodding of her father about Vivianne’s ability to manage the Mafia. Alfred is repeatedly urged by Joan that Vivianne might need assistance in management, and Vivianne knows she’ll recommend herself when her father agrees.
“No need. My daughter needs to handle this alone, or else, she will rely on someone every time she faces problems. Just focus on your work and obey Vivianne’s instructions,” her father said as he walked, checking other operations inside the warehouse.
Vivianne grinned from behind her father after hearing his words. Joan glanced at her. Vivianne almost burst into laughter seeing her sullen face, but she managed to restrain herself.
“Oh, did you hear that, Joan? Just follow my orders, and don’t suggest anything unnecessary.” Vivianne’s tone sounded playful, but her eyes conveyed a different message.
It was dangerous and deadly… Like she was telling Joan that she would truly see her madness if she didn’t stop her nonsense.
Fortunately, Joan just nodded and didn’t say anything more. Her lips pressed together as she looked ahead again. Alfred didn’t notice the tension between them… Or maybe he just didn’t care.
Alfred is a busy man; he prefers to focus on business and other matters rather than paying attention to things he deems worthless, especially when emotions are involved.
A few minutes passed, and Alfred finished inspecting the entire warehouse. They went to Vivianne’s office. Joan was about to follow, thinking she was also an important employee of the Allamino Mafia, so she was almost slapped by reality when Alfred stopped her from entering.
“Stay outside. I need to talk to Vianne alone,” Alfred said before turning to Vivianne.
“Okay, Sir.”
Joan didn’t take another step. Instead, she closed the office door and remained outside. Alfred sat on the couch, and Vivianne sat opposite him.
“So, what do you think?” Vivianne asked before leaning back and crossing her arms. “Beckett only tarnished our image with that snatch from our top client, but I’m confident in other aspects of our operations here.” There was a hint of boasting in her tone.
Alfred nodded. After all, what his daughter said was true. “You may manage the majority of the operations well, but it is not enough. I want everything to be perfect. That’s why I told you before to train immediately in the Mafia, but you were stubborn.”
Vivianne just rolled her eyes. It’s not like she wanted this, anyway. She didn’t really have a choice. No. It is the only choice she could make to protect her mother.
“I can’t turn back time, nor can you.” Vivianne shrugged. “Anyway, are we done? You can leave now. I still have things to do.”
“Our relationship might not be good, but I’m still your father,” Alfred said in a firm tone as if threatening her. “Learn to show some respect.”
Alfred kept repeating that, but Vivianne never did it. She just pretended not to hear her father’s words. Until Alfred left, she didn’t even look at him.
Well, she had other business to attend to, and one of them was to annoy Joan.
“Hey, secretary. What’s my next schedule?” Vivianne asked with a grin. She really wanted to show Joan that her position was limited. “I hope you have taken care of it, especially since Alfred entrusted you to help me.”
Joan just smiled, but it was obviously fake. “You have a schedule at Syneverse Entertainment, Ma’am. That’s where your meeting with Mr. Clainfer will take place.”
And there, the smirk vanished from her lips.
With so much on her mind, coupled with Alfred’s visit to check on operations, she completely forgot that today was the day of her appointment to talk to Beckett. Her heart raced faster and her mind seemed to blank out.
Beckett wasn’t even in front of her yet, but this was already her reaction, what more later?
Vivianne ignored all those thoughts she had in mind. She just focused on what to do next. She wore a simple white sleeveless shirt with a loose v-neck top paired with high-waist pants. She accessorized it with black heels.
She deliberately chose to keep her outfit simple because who knows what Beckett might think. But… was it really simple? After all, she hadn’t worn any color other than black since they broke up. But she chose white of all colors. Why?
“Ah, darn it,” Vivianne muttered, realizing that she was the one picking a fight with herself. “Get a grip, Vivianne. It’s just Beckett.”
But that’s the point. That’s Beckett… The man she shot before and who she considered unfavorably in their last meeting. It was a bad breakup, and they didn’t even have proper closure. And now they need to see each other again.
It’s so awkward.
“I will save you.”
Once again, she heard Beckett’s words from the warehouse echoing in her mind. He wanted to save her… but how could he save her from the misery she was in… if she didn’t want to be saved in the first place?
She had no idea.
An hour later, Vivianne arrived at Syneverse Entertainment. She didn’t know how she felt seeing the place. It was nostalgic. She remembered the times when she almost didn’t go home from work. After all, sometimes she slept at Beckett’s Penthouse.
She suddenly stopped walking. Everything in this place reminded her of Beckett… and all the things she loved before.
Vivianne tried to remain calm as she entered the elevator, which stopped on the floor where the Hair and Dress department was located. She told herself that everything was okay, that she accepted leaving this place, but her heart said otherwise.
As she observed her former colleagues there and even the work they were doing with their clients at Syneverse Entertainment, she remembered how busy the place was, and how she used to pour her heart into her work.
Dressing models was her passion. She really enjoyed choosing clothes that would highlight the features of each of her clients. But looking at herself now… She was dull and lifeless.
“Vivianne?”
Vivianne paused her contemplation as someone called her name. She turned around to see who it was, but her lips parted in surprise when she realized it was Fiona. Vivianne couldn’t read the expression on her face.