Chapter 154

Rain drummed against the makeshift canopy with urgent intensity.

A reporter shoved his microphone toward Vivian Laurent's face. "Reliable sources claim Triple Six Realty was established less than three months ago, snatching this project from Valrose Realty. With insufficient capital, how can you guarantee construction quality?"

"If not for this storm, how long would you have hidden these jerry-built projects?" another journalist demanded.

Vivian's fingertips turned cold. "We'll conduct comprehensive inspections on all ongoing constructions. No homeowner will move into unsafe properties."

She silently thanked fate for exposing the flaws early. Discovering them after completion would have been catastrophic.

"Liar!" A furious shout erupted from the crowd. "You just want to scam our hard-earned money!"

"Refund! Now!" More voices joined the outcry.

Vivian noticed the loudest protesters had shifty eyes—nothing like genuine homebuyers.

"I personally guarantee all problematic buildings will be demolished and rebuilt without delay," she declared firmly.

Her words were met with jeers.

"Women shouldn't run businesses!" A thug with a pockmarked face spat. "No refund today? We'll smash this pathetic company!"

Several burly men shoved past security onto the stage.

Vivian retreated until her back hit the cold display board.

"Stop."

The command sliced through chaos like a blade.

Silence fell instantly.

"It's Ethan Roscente!" Someone gasped.

Whispers rippled through the crowd. "Why would the Roscente Group CEO come here?"

Under his black umbrella, Ethan's leather shoes stepped through puddles, each footfall syncing with the crowd's held breaths.

Vivian tightened her grip on the document folder. Meeting him during her most humiliating moment was the last thing she wanted.

Ethan paused at the steps. As his umbrella tilted up, those fathomless eyes locked onto hers.

The entire crowd froze.

He spoke slowly...