Farewell to Love: The CEO's Desperate Chase novel Chapter 61

"Do you know why you lost to Emilia?" Vivienne sneered, her tone dripping with disdain. "You never see the big picture."

"These days, it's all about marketing."

"You really think you joined this show just to prove your songwriting skills?"

"Donovan Entertainment didn't invest in you out of charity. They expect a return—commercial value, profit, do you get it?"

Her voice was low and venomous, each syllable hissing like a snake.

"Artistry? Professionalism? Please…" Vivienne gave a cold laugh. "Serena, don't you think you're a little too arrogant?"

Emilia watched her steadily, her expression calm.

"So what about you?" she replied. "I don't get it. You've only got six months left—why waste your energy on all these superficial things? Wouldn't it be better to just relax and enjoy the time you have left?"

Vivienne's gaze flickered.

She couldn't exactly confess that her illness was a lie.

So she changed the subject. "You know, you can still switch sides. Join my team, or maybe we can work something else out."

Vivienne stepped closer, until there was barely any space between them.

"I'll give you some time to think it over. After all, we're on the same side here—we have the same enemy."

With that, Vivienne turned and walked away, leaving Emilia standing alone in the shadowy corridor.

Emilia watched her go, unmoving.

Why, though?

Vivienne had wanted Tyler, and now he was right by her side. Why was she still stirring up all this trouble?

Just to get at Emilia? But what was the point?

…

Time blurred by. The show's filming ran from morning straight through to night.

At last, the live broadcast of *Voice of the Divine* wrapped up.

Everyone—performers, crew, even the audience—looked exhausted.

It was already dark outside.

Of all the women he'd ever known, none of them matched her slender frame. No one else was this slight.

He met her eyes, searching her expression through the mask she wore.

"Why did you toy with Vivienne during tonight's broadcast?" he asked.

Emilia smiled faintly.

"Toy with her?" she echoed. "I didn't."

Tyler frowned. "There's no point pretending—you can't hide from me. I know what you're doing."

Emilia pressed her lips together and turned away, silent.

Still the same as always.

Years ago, when her stepfather had beaten her, Tyler had asked what happened. She'd lied, said it was nothing, but he'd seen right through her, just as he did now—

"Emilia, have you looked at yourself lately? Stop pretending to be okay. I know when you're lying."

But back then, he'd been beside her. Now, they stood on opposite sides.