Such a Richard was something Vivian had not anticipated before.
She never expected that just a matter of title could lead to the breakdown of a partnership that had not yet begun.
The clock hanging on the wall, ticking, sounded particularly clear in the silent private room.
Finally, Vivian spoke.
"Mr. Richard, it seems we still need some communication."
Yes, Vivian doesn't intend to compromise on this seemingly insignificant matter.
What she wants is a like-minded partner, not an opponent who is always trying to provoke her.
Since that's the case, then we have nothing more to talk about. Nice to see you,Mrs.Johnson. Goodbye."
Richard was also a little irritated by Vivian's firmness, just a name and so on guard?
The good impression that had been made of Vivian also plummeted as a result.
The reason why he wasn't curious about Vivian was nothing more than taking into account other people's thoughts, such as... Her husband.
Thinking of this, Richard's heart was filled with rage.
He thought Vivian was always flamboyant and confident, like the sun shining brightly.
Just as she was reluctant to be called Mrs. Steven yesterday.
But now it's his mistake.
Although Vivian is not willing to back down, she is even less willing for the negotiations to break down.
When Richard called the waiter to pay the bill in anger, she frowned and stopped him: "Mr. Richard, please think it over again. I think the profit from this collaboration is far more important than a mere title."
Richard, who had already put on his windbreaker, said coldly as he buttoned up, "I don't see the sincerity of Mrs.Johnson's cooperation, not to mention a small gallery that I haven't even noticed."
Vivian has seen Richard's mood swings. She was not the kind of person who could lower her face and try to persuade him to leave again, but could only watch him leave in frustration.
Rose rushed over as soon as she received Vivian's call and, seeing her somewhat dispirited appearance, felt frustrated.
"Vivian, Vivian, you're just one last small step away from the long journey! It's just a title, so what if you give in?"
Vivian was holding the wine glass, observing the alluring blush in it, with a slightly tipsy voice:
"Rose, you don't understand. Richard was going into the city of Frances and was going to meet Raymond sooner or later. He and I can only be an unfamiliar partnership. Otherwise, I can't bear Raymond's wrath." The previous incident where Gavin was suppressed also gave Vivian a better understanding of Raymond's temper.
He doesn't love her, but he cares about House of Steven's reputation.
Gavin was something that happened before, so he didn't hold her accountable.
But if she had been close to Richard, Raymond would definitely have done something.
At least her gallery, her heart and soul would be at risk.
So in any case Vivian is going to draw a jumper before she and Richard.
It's better to make things clear now than to have conflicts in the future.
"Vivian, why are you doing this? Anyway, you're out of House of Johnson now. At worst, divorce Raymond. What's so great about that!"
Rose felt sorry for her friend. When did she ever think about these things when Mr. Lu was around?
Instead, Vivian was calm. She gently swirled her wine glass, her voice so soft that it was almost inaudible: "Not yet, not yet, I'm too weak now." So weak that I can't do many things without Raymond.
In the end, Vivian was driven back to House of Steven by Rose.
Rose was the one who knew Vivian and Raymond best and knew Raymond would be unhappy if she really stayed out all night.
So even if she was heartbroken, she gritted her teeth and pulled Vivian into the car, to House of Steven.
The old butler had received a call from Rose and was waiting at the door. He was astonished to see Vivian dead drunk.
Though they had been together for a short time, in his impression, elegance and confidence were the hallmarks of Vivian.
That dejected look... I've never seen it before.
With a jumble of thoughts in his mind, the old butler still quickly directed the maid to help Vivian into the car.
"Miss Hong, thank you for bringing your wife back. Come in and have a rest." "
In response to the old butler's courtesy, Rose shook her head. "No, I'm going home too. Vivian She... I'm not in a good mood today and I didn't eat anything tonight."
"How much did she drink?"
Hearing a cold voice and seeing the respectful reactions of the old butler and the servants, Rose knew that this was Raymond.
She took a furtive look and then quickly withdrew her gaze.
This man is too dangerous!
Thinking of the rumors about Raymond, she suddenly understood Vivian's fear.
"Not much, we drink when we chat together. She only drank two bottles of peach blossom wine, which was not very strong."
Rose tried to make herself more certain, knowing what Vivian was thinking. The gallery is her own business and she doesn't want Raymond to get involved.
But a trembling voice exposed Rose's unease, causing the old manager to look at her suspiciously.
Raymond didn't pay any attention to Rose at all, even though she was a stunning top beauty.
His gaze was fixed on Vivian, who had a rosy complexion and a confused look.
This woman, don't you know how bad her alcohol tolerance is?
Raymond's face darkened when he thought of how Vivian had been drunk last time.
If another man sees...
Vivian, leaning against the maid's arms, felt a chill all over her body.
"Rose, Rose." She mumbled her friend's name, her eyes still not open.
Rose was about to respond when Raymond came a few steps over, frowning, and had already taken Vivian into his arms.
The smell of alcohol made Raymond's heart stir.
How could this woman be so fond of drinking?
Rose watched helplessly as Raymond carried Vivian sideways and carried her back to the room, somewhat stunned.
Like this... Is it really a bad relationship?
But if not, why is Vivian always reluctant to say more?
No matter how much Rose was struggling, Raymond put Vivian back in the room and walked out.
The old butler had been waiting at the door, a tacit understanding they had had for years.
"Go and find out where the lady has been today."
"Yes."
In a daze, Vivian felt a figure approaching her.
It seemed to be a man.
She subconsciously shrank under the covers and frowned.
The man sat down beside her bed and touched her face with his hand.
Who was it? That audacity?
Vivian instinctively reached out her hand, "Pop!" " Then she turned over and fell back into a deep sleep.
Suddenly feeling the pain on his face, looking at Vivian, who seemed to have no idea what he was doing, Raymond's face darkened again. This woman!