Vivian.
She wore a black ankle-length dress that accentuated her slender figure even more. A small black hat perched on her head, adding a touch of playfulness to her elegant demeanor, and red sunglasses hung from her chest.
Her makeup was light, unlike how she appeared in front of the camera or on the screen. This version of her seemed more approachable and down-to-earth.
The moment she saw Royce, she tilted her head slightly, a faint smile gracing her lips.
At that time, Dorian was whispering something into Royce's ear. When he saw the person in front of him, Dorian paused for a moment.
Royce raised his hand slightly. "You can go now. We'll continue the report later."
"Yes, President Butler." Dorian immediately took the hint and left.
Royce slowly walked forward and asked softly, "What brings you here?"
"Why? Am I not allowed to come?" Vivian smiled lightly, her smile elegant and composed, embodying all the grace a woman should have.
Royce didn't say anything. He opened the office door and walked in, with Vivian following behind him.
Vivian, familiar with the place, sat directly in the chair in front of Royce's desk. Royce also took his seat.
"Royce, it's been a while."
"Yes." Royce sat at his desk and pressed the power button on his computer, simultaneously starting up three monitors.
With just a glance, he noticed the silk scarf on Vivian's wrist, but quickly looked away.
Vivian suddenly felt awkward. She forced a laugh. "I wouldn't come here without a reason. I have something to discuss with you."
"Go ahead," Royce's voice was devoid of any emotion.
He was always like this, keeping people at arm's length, which was due to his unique identity.
He couldn't have too much contact with humans.
Vivian clasped her hands together on the table, remaining silent for a moment before speaking. "You know that Star Sovereign International is not doing well right now. My popularity is plummeting. So, I was wondering..."
In truth, all of this was Vivian's own doing.
She did it on purpose.
Even though she held shares in Star Sovereign International, artists are living beings. Even if their contracts haven't expired, they can still leave. Artis International had extended an olive branch to her multiple times.
But she hadn't left, allowing Star Sovereign International to crumble step by step, and letting her own popularity decline bit by bit.
She wanted to see if this man would stand by and do nothing.
She gambled her career, yet still didn't gain his help. Now, she had no choice but to take a desperate step and come to him.
"Obsidian Empire is involved in many fields, but not much in entertainment. There's nothing I can do," Royce said coldly.
His words instantly cooled the slight hope that had just started to warm Vivian's heart.
She tugged at the corner of her mouth, still unwilling to give up.
"Royce, the truth is, Star Sovereign International is just short on funds right now. Manager Jacob made some bad calls, investing heavily in several big projects that all ended up losing money. A lot of artists pulled their investments and left when they saw the situation. Now, Star Sovereign International's stock price has plummeted, and things are getting worse. This is the perfect time to step in. If you buy it, I'm sure Star Sovereign International can return to its former glory."
Her voice grew softer, as if she was making a desperate plea.
Just help her out, Royce thought. At least it would show he still cared about her.
Royce remained silent for a long time before he finally spoke, "I'll think about it."
Vivian's heart, which had been hanging by a thread, slowly settled. If he said he'd think about it, there was still hope.
"Alright, I won't bother you anymore. I need to get back to Swan City Film Base for filming," Vivian said as she stood up.
"Okay," Royce replied, showing no intention of stopping her.
Vivian slowly walked towards the door. Just as her hand touched the doorknob, she paused.
"Summer is almost here. The weather is getting better, and there will be more full moon nights. Take care of yourself," Vivian said softly.
Royce didn't respond.
Vivian sighed quietly and left.
Summer was almost here. The weather was getting better, and there would be more full moon nights.
Full moon nights were the most painful for him.
Dorian came back in to report on work. When he finished, he noticed that Royce was staring blankly out the window.
Usually, Royce would have started reviewing the reports by now.
"President Butler, President Butler..."
Royce snapped back to reality.
"Assistant Dorian, go to the market and see if you can find a bracelet made of small red agate beads, something delicate that a girl would wear."
"Yes, President Butler."
"Once you find it, send it to Miss Quinn."
"Understood."
"And also, look for a ruby necklace or something similar. Find a few options and send me pictures so I can choose."
"Yes, should I send those to Miss Quinn as well?"
All red items, aren't they supposed to be a set?
"No, those are for my wife," Royce said slowly.
Dorian was taken aback but didn't ask further questions.
"Go ahead. Also, I have another important task for you," Royce beckoned Dorian closer with a finger.
Dorian immediately walked over and leaned in to listen.
***
Swan City Film Base
The historical drama "Crimson Empire" was still being filmed with great enthusiasm.
After wrapping up for the day, Vivian's assistant, Jacqueline, excitedly ran up to her. Vivian was exhausted from a full day of shooting, her eyes barely staying open.
"Vivian, great news! Great news!"
Jacqueline shouted excitedly.
"What good news?" Vivian covered her mouth and let out a gentle yawn.
"President Butler has acquired Star Sovereign International!"
Vivian's eyes widened in surprise. "What did you say?"
"While you were filming, agent Maya called to say that someone had signed a contract with manager Jacob, purchasing Star Sovereign International for three billion dollars. But this person is quite mysterious and hasn't revealed their identity."
"Oh, then how do you know it's him?" A hint of joy appeared in Vivian's eyes.
"Who else but President Butler could pull off such a grand gesture?"
Vivian finally smiled. Indeed, who else in this place could casually shell out three billion dollars without batting an eye?
Seeing Vivian smile, Jacqueline quickly pulled out a beautifully wrapped box from behind her. "The surprise isn't over yet! Look at this!"
"What is it?"
"This was sent by President Butler through someone. They said President Butler personally chose it, and it's worth over ten million dollars!" Jacqueline didn't dare to open it herself and handed it to Vivian.
Vivian opened the box to reveal a red agate bracelet with a delicate jade Buddha hanging from it, exquisitely crafted.
"Wow! President Butler really knows how to make a grand gesture! It seems he still cares about you, Vivian. He's just a bit reserved."
Vivian's lips curled into a smile, her heart brimming with joy.
Julia, returning from a three-day vacation, also received a piece of fantastic news.