Farewell to Love: The CEO's Desperate Chase novel Chapter 121

She remembered how dazzling Serena's first live performance had been on Voice of the Divine. And then at the charity gala—Serena's every move had been equally striking.

Truly, what storms must a woman weather to become this strong?

Serena sat there, poised and self-assured. She radiated independence, never seeming to need help from anyone. Whatever came her way, she handled with grace and competence.

And yet, somehow, seeing her like this stirred a strange ache in the heart.

The band's gentle rock interlude softened the sorrow in the song, almost as if it mirrored Serena herself—after all she'd endured, she could look back on the past with a kind of calm detachment.

There was no wailing or breaking down, but something in her voice lingered, making it impossible to sleep when you heard it late at night.

Tyler couldn't help glancing at Christian, standing near the stage.

Was it Christian who'd helped Serena become the woman she was now?

As the cold stage lights washed over the crowd lost in the music, Vivienne slipped out of the camera's frame and ducked into a hallway, furiously sending voice messages on her phone.

Vi: Didn't you say Serena couldn't handle the old man? Then how is she still here tonight?

Two Dollars: Who knows what she said to him in the study that day. After we went back to the manor, even though he didn't call me out directly, he made it clear—he won't meddle in our business anymore.

Vi: So how do we shut her down now? I still can't swallow what happened at the charity auction, with the bids getting driven up like that!

Two Dollars: Christian hasn't managed to shake me off yet. I'm still working on it, maybe I can get the eldest brother involved too.

Vi: You really think he'll help you?

Two Dollars: I'll try. He's always had the upper hand, letting me and the youngest fight it out, but if things change, he's not stupid. He'll pick a side.

The host pressed her for more, but Vivienne just kept quietly crying as she watched the livestream.

She would drag Serena down, but she'd use her, too—riding Serena's fame to boost her own.

No matter how high Serena climbed, she'd always be Vivienne's stepping stone.

The higher Serena went, the more stable Vivienne's own position became.

And when the moment came, Vivienne would use the dirt she had on Serena to grind her into the ground.

She dabbed at her tears again, wearing that flawless mask of tragic beauty and strength.

And when the Masked Woman's song ended on stage, Vivienne was the first to stand and lead the applause.