Chapter 371

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, Kyla watched the nuances of Vivi’s expressions, understanding that this was not a dismissal but rather an opening to bargain.

With a sardonic laugh, Kyla 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 Kyla, 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?” Kyla 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 Gala? 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…” Kyla 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 at last, her voice steady, her gaze sharp and unwavering. “But I need proof of your sincerity.”

Kyla lifted her wine glass with practiced grace, taking a slow sip. The deep red liquid left a seductive stain on her lips as she set the glass 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.”

Kyla 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.”

Kyla chuckled, a rich, knowing sound, as if Vivi had just revealed a particularly 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 flawless? Hardly.” Vivi’s voice dripped with contempt. “I’ll have whispers of plagiarism circulating 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 Kyla’s eyes. She leaned back, a satisfied smile playing 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 to command.”

Vivi arched a skeptical brow.

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

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