Chapter 42
Agent Wang nervously wrung his hands. "The Roscente Group is an industry giant. Offending them would ruin your career."
Julian Cortez glanced at his phone and abruptly interrupted. "I need to return to the hotel immediately."
"What?" Agent Wang's eyes widened. "This is a meeting arranged by Mr. Roscente himself!"
Before he could finish, Ethan Roscente appeared at the end of the hallway with his assistant. Beads of sweat formed on Agent Wang's forehead.
"Mr. Roscente, my apologies. Julian isn't feeling well—"
Ethan's icy gaze swept over them, sending a chill down Agent Wang's spine. Despite his youth, the Roscente heir exuded an intimidating presence.
"For the endorsement deal, I only want Julian." Ethan's voice was frosty.
Agent Wang forced a smile. "But Julian never does endorsements—"
"Tell me which hotel he's staying at." Ethan pulled out his car keys. "I'll speak to him myself."
The hotel corridor was bathed in soft light.
Vivian Laurent leaned against the wall, her eyes brightening when she spotted Julian. "Hey, superstar. Am I interrupting?"
"Vivian!" Julian rushed toward her. "I've been looking for you for three years!"
"What, afraid I was dead?" She laughed and playfully punched his arm.
Julian's eyes grew warm. Years ago, when his depression was at its worst, Vivian had pulled him back from the ledge. Later, she helped him break into the industry, paving the way for his rise to stardom.
"Where have you been all this time?" His voice tightened.
Vivian shrugged. "Got married."
"What?" Julian nearly bit his tongue.
"Divorced now." She waved it off. "Anyway, I started a fragrance studio. I want you to be the face of it."
"Done." His answer came without hesitation.
Vivian raised a brow. "Not even asking about compensation?"
"When have I ever refused you?" He pulled out his phone. "Let's grab dinner."
The elevator dinged as it arrived.
They stepped in, laughing—only to freeze when the doors opened.
Ethan stood in the center of the elevator, his gaze locked onto Vivian.
"Night?"