Chapter 296

Serena wasn't boasting. Aside from losing to Victor a few times, she'd never lost a case against another attorney.

Maxwell smirked at her response. "My dear classmate, I recall you always topped our law school rankings while Victor trailed behind you. I assumed you'd surpass him professionally. Why hasn't that happened?"

During their university days, Serena's razor-sharp wit in mock trials had been legendary.

Victor had been brilliant too, but consistently ranked second to her.

A flicker of emotion crossed Serena's composed face at Maxwell's words before she regained control.

She knew now that Victor had let her win those academic competitions.

He'd understood how much she hated losing - how a second-place finish would darken her mood for days.

At first, she hadn't realized his deliberate concessions.

Only when she entered the real world and faced professional setbacks did she understand how he'd protected her.

Yet no amount of past kindness could erase the pain he'd caused her.

The memory of Victor with another woman made Serena's eyes flash with venom.

Victor Langley would forever remain Serena Delacroix's sworn enemy. If she suffered, she'd ensure he never knew peace again!

Shoving personal feelings aside, Serena resumed her professional demeanor. "Academic and professional success require different skills. Law school was theoretical - reality proved far more complex. Surely you understand that, Maxwell?"

He peeled an orange and offered her a segment.

When she declined, he ate it himself. "I don't care about your feud with Victor. Win this case for me by any means necessary - either defeat him in court or force his withdrawal."

Maxwell considered the second option unlikely.

As T Corporation's retained counsel, Victor obeyed Dominic's every command. If Dominic wanted Victor to destroy Maxwell and Evelyn's relationship, why would he refuse?

Serena's lips twisted into a chilling smile. "Don't worry. You'll get your victory, whatever it takes. Just wait for my good news."

Maxwell smiled at her confidence.

He couldn't wait for the showdown to begin.

Meanwhile, Vivienne was wrapping up the Regal PR crisis at the European branch. Taking a drag from her cigarette, she opened the "Major Scandal" link her department head had sent.

She studied the article carefully.

After hearing the report about Evelyn and the CEO's relationship troubles, she smiled with satisfaction.

Her little scheme had worked perfectly. Any woman would question her partner finding lingerie in his car.

Answering Evelyn's call meant for Dominic had been the cherry on top.

Evelyn must be drowning in suspicion...

The sudden scandalous news served Vivienne's purposes beautifully. Dominic might ignore public opinion to stay with Evelyn, but his family would never accept a divorced woman.

This thought comforted Vivienne.

She resolved to finish her work quickly and return to A City.

After waiting years for Dominic, she wouldn't wait any longer.

Dominic belonged to her - no one else would steal him away!

When Sebastian collected Olivia from The Glitz, her appearance shocked him.

Though he'd seen her mere days ago, the vibrant young woman had vanished. Her once-laughing eyes now stared hollowly. Bruises marred her neck - unmistakable signs of abuse.

Sebastian understood their meaning. Despite Dominic ordering Preston Sr. to release Olivia, Preston Jr. had still brutalized her.

He sighed at Olivia's frail, puppet-like form, as if she might collapse any moment.

Olivia's close friendship with Evelyn meant this incident would devastate Evelyn with guilt.

Sebastian draped his coat over Olivia's trembling shoulders.

"Let me take you shopping first, Ms. Kensington. Going home like this would be..." He trailed off, realizing words were useless.

Olivia shook her head. "Thank you, Mr. Whitmore, but just take me home."

As the car pulled away, Olivia glanced back at The Glitz - the place where she'd lost herself.

Preston Jr. had tormented her for twenty-four hours with unspeakable cruelty.

Closing her eyes, hatred burned within her.

Revenge would come.

When they reached Olivia's apartment, Sebastian stopped her. "One moment, Ms. Kensington."

"Yes?"

He hesitated before handing her a signed check for two million dollars.

Olivia stared at it. "What's this for?"

"From Mr. Blackwood. When he learned Preston Jr. had you, he immediately contacted Preston Sr. We didn't expect... Mr. Blackwood knows you're close with Ms. Sinclair. If she learned what happened because of her, she'd never forgive herself. This compensation comes with his request that you never mention the incident to her."

Olivia suddenly laughed until tears streamed down her face.

Sebastian watched helplessly as she snatched the check, exited without another word, and walked unsteadily toward her building.