The atmosphere in the dealership turned tense.Mirren continued. "Even though you just broke up with Elysia."She glanced at Vivian, sizing her up. To Mirren, she looked like nothing more than a naive, foolish girl. "And now you've already found yourself a generous new girlfriend.""You're quite the player, aren't you? Always finding rich women to support you."Vivian felt uncomfortable. She asked Adrian, "Do you know her?"Before Adrian could answer, Mirren jumped in. "Of course he'll pretend not to know me, young lady."She introduced herself. "But I'll tell you the truth. I'm Mirren Harris. Mother of Adrian's ex-girlfriend, Elysia Harris."She flashed a fake smile at Vivian. "Not that it matters whether he remembers me or not. My daughter Elysia was smart enough to leave a man who only used her for money."She kept going. "My daughter was valedictorian at Vecredal University. Her research got her nominated as a finalist for the VIT and The Olympus Index in the Science and Health ca

Cold sweat drenched Maverick's entire body. He couldn't bring himself to say a single word.Even though the salesman waited patiently, having Adrian and Vivian standing nearby only intensified the pressure.Adrian asked casually, "What's the matter, Maverick?""Didn't you say you brought enough money?""Or did your bank account just get hacked?"The salesman seemed to understand Maverick's dilemma. He offered, "Our dealership also accepts financing.""It doesn't have to be cash, if that makes things easier.""For this Aston Martin Vulcan, you can finance it over five years with a five-hundred-thousand-dollar down payment.""That would bring your monthly payments to around twenty-five thousand dollars."Maverick swallowed hard. Even with financing, he couldn't afford the down payment. He did some quick mental math.Twenty-five thousand dollars a month would be economic suicide in his current financial state.And that didn't even include the additional costs of owning a luxury vehicle l

Meanwhile, Adrian had just arrived at his mansion in The Magnificent Vecredal. Alexander was waiting by the entrance, along with the maids ready to assist Vivian as she got out of the car.Alexander didn't comment on the car Adrian had chosen. Instead, he immediately asked Vivian, his brow furrowed with concern. "Are you alright?"Vivian smiled and nodded. "Yes, Dad. You don't need to worry."She decided not to mention the incident with the exploding payment terminal, the one that happened when her thoughts drifted to Adrian. It would only make her overprotective father more anxious.Alexander let out a relieved breath. "Thank God."Meanwhile, a message arrived on Adrian's phone. It was from Evelina."Tomorrow, my father will officially announce my appointment as CEO. If you're free, you should come."Adrian replied immediately. "Sure. I'll be there."The next day, true to his word, Adrian arrived at the towering Strong Harvey Group headquarters earlier than expected. Evelina greeted h

Theron and Marcel stared at Evelina seriously. Both of them had even tried and didn't know how to change the governor's mind.And this demand for Evelina to prove her ability right now was truly excessive. Theron and Marcel realized the board members secretly didn't want inexperienced Evelina to become CEO. So they wanted to humiliate Evelina on her first day under the guise of proving her ability.Evelina broke out in a cold sweat even though she tried to remain calm. This was her first experience after all.At that moment, Adrian quietly sent a message to Governor Raiven Gibson."Mr. Gibson, have you transferred the Kagluadal harbor project to another company?"Meanwhile, Evelina answered from the podium, "Ladies and gentlemen, I will do my best to speak with the governor as soon as possible. But I cannot guarantee the results right now."One of the board members replied, "But we need results as soon as possible. Don't you understand the urgency of securing that project immediately?"

Adrian waved at the camera."Hi, Ansel!"Ansel's pouty face turned enthusiastic. "Is Daddy on a date with Mommy?"Evelina choked. Then she turned off the rear camera so her face was back on the screen."No, Sweetheart!""Just a regular lunch."Ansel answered, "If Mommy is having lunch with Daddy Adrian, I'll allow it!""But..."Ansel's words trailed off."But what, Ansel?" asked Evelina."Later, will Daddy Adrian bring Mommy home?""Because I miss Daddy Adrian."Evelina's cheeks flushed. She didn't say anything but looked toward Adrian.Adrian answered, "Yes, Ansel, later I'll take your mommy home."Although Adrian's face wasn't visible, his voice could be heard.Ansel shouted enthusiastically again, "Yeah!"Evelina spoke again, "See, you heard him, he'll take me home. Now you have lunch with Grandma, okay?"Ansel nodded. "Yes, Mommy!"Not long after, the call ended. Evelina breathed a sigh of relief.Adrian commented, "He really loves you very much."She nodded. "Yes, ever since he wa