My CEO Ex: Let Me Go.-Chapter 61

Alexander froze in place.

“Vivienne.”

I didn’t respond, just turned over and continued to sleep.

Not again.

Was she playing with him?

Before long, the sound of even breathing filled the space beside him.

Alexander: “...”

He lay there next to her, but sleep wouldn’t come. He felt restless, as if he were a prostitute who’d been used for free, and the person beside him was a scumbag who’d gotten dressed and turned his back without a word.

...

The new collection from V&R was nearing a crucial stage.

Isabella’s advertising campaign had been divided into several different series, each being launched in succession and appearing on major platforms and social media front pages.

With Isabella’s makeup scandal still fresh, the media and online users were keeping a close eye on this endorsement.

I had instructed my team to closely monitor the situation and, if necessary, intervene in the direction of public opinion.

In addition to the online ads, the promotional efforts in commercial districts and on billboards were also in full swing.

LED screens in the large squares of Virellia City were already displaying Isabella’s endorsement, and V&R’s promotions were everywhere—on subways, bus stops, airports, and more.

I had been so busy for days that when I finally paused to catch my breath, I found myself scrolling through Twitter and stumbled upon a post about the Empire of Shadows TV series, dated three days ago.

“Director Vivienne,” the assistant rushed in without knocking, “Miss Ava is sick. What should we do?”

Miss Ava, the spokesperson for the V&R brand.

In three days, there was a live-streamed product launch, and every year, Ava was the one to take the stage and give a detailed introduction of the products.

“Sick? What’s wrong with her? Is she going to be okay?” I put down the work in my hands.

“This morning, Miss Ava was rushed to the hospital with severe stomach pains. It turns out she has acute gastritis and needs surgery. The doctor says she’ll need to stay in the hospital for at least three days, but the launch event is...?” The assistant trailed off, clearly worried.

Seeing that I wasn’t speaking, the assistant nervously repeated, “What should we do now? Should we have Director Theodore stand in for her?”

Director Theodore was V&R’s product manager, mostly overseeing the designers and factories.

“Go get Miss Ava’s script and then get back to work. Don’t worry.”

Relieved, the assistant handed me the script and sent me a PDF before leaving.

Before he went, I confirmed, “Has Miss Isabella been contacted in advance?”

“Yes, she’ll take time off from the set to attend.”

“Alright, you can go now.”

...

September 5th was the V&R brand’s launch event.

It was the day many online users had eagerly been waiting for, and the day that many hostile fans had prepared their sarcastic comments.

“Is it true what they’re saying? Vivienne Sinclair isn’t really going to appear herself, is she?”

“According to tradition, Alexander Hawthorne will make the opening speech, and Isabella Blackwood, as the spokesperson, will definitely be there. If Vivienne Sinclair also appears, that’s going to be quite the spectacle.”

“A meeting between the mistress and the real wife, haha.”

Since the rumors started circulating online yesterday, word had it that V&R’s spokesperson, Miss Ava, had fallen ill, and that this year’s product introduction would be led by the brand’s director, Vivienne Sinclair herself.

Normally, this wouldn’t have drawn much attention, but with Vivienne still in the spotlight after her recent controversies, the upcoming launch, with Vivienne, Alexander, and Isabella all involved, had set the internet on fire. People were eagerly waiting for the event, especially for any interactions between Vivienne and Isabella.

Vivienne, as the brand director, and Isabella, as the spokesperson, would most likely interact during the final stages of the event.

The real wife and the mistress on stage together—this was bound to be a moment to remember.

The assistant, looking at the trending topics, muttered anxiously, “Is this really okay?”

A colleague reassured him, “It’ll be fine. Director Vivienne must have her reasons for this.”

Indeed, I had arranged for a few clickbait accounts to spread this rumor, and I was ready to step in personally.

My own popularity hadn’t faded, and even the negative buzz was enough to keep V&R in the public eye.

With the added star power of Alexander and Isabella, the event was already trending before it had even started. The online community was buzzing, eager to see what would unfold.

The day before the press conference, Alexander messaged me before work ended, “Wait for me, we’ll go home together tonight.”

I replied with a simple “Okay.”

After work, I stayed a little longer in the office and sent Alexander a message on WhatsApp, telling him I’d wait for him in the car.

I headed to the basement first and sat in the backseat, scrolling through my phone.

About ten minutes later, Alexander finally appeared in the underground garage.

He opened the backseat door and got in, then told James in the front, “Let’s go.”

James started the car, and we drove out of the garage.

“I heard Miss Ava is ill,” Alexander turned to look at me.

“Yeah, she got sick a couple of days ago and is still in the hospital. I visited her yesterday,” I answered honestly.

Alexander looked at me. “You really plan to attend tomorrow’s press conference by yourself?”

He must have seen the trending topic and immediately recognized it as my work.

I had to admit, the marketing was a success.

I met his gaze. “Is that a problem?”

“No, as long as you’re not scared.”

“There’s nothing to be scared of.” I exhaled.

I didn’t like being in front of the camera or the attention, but that didn’t mean I was scared.

My father, a journalist, could face countless people without hesitation. I could do the same.

“It’s alright. You’ve got me.” Alexander squeezed my hand. In that moment, his concern felt almost fatherly, like a bird worried its chick might not fly.

The press conference was set to go live at 3 PM on September 5th, with two rehearsals scheduled for the morning.

I arrived early at the venue, went over the process with the team, and made sure everything was prepared down to the last detail. I also had to anticipate potential issues and come up with backup plans.

“Director Vivienne, Miss Isabella has arrived. She’s over there,” the assistant said.

I glanced over at Isabella, who was standing by the door, and said, “Have her do the rehearsal.”

Just then, Isabella walked up and handed me a paper bag. “Vivienne, I passed by Silverwood Plaza on my way here, so I brought you a Black Forest cake for the afternoon.”

I looked down at the bag in surprise, silently mocking her in my mind. Isabella was clearly trying to get under my skin.

“Miss Isabella also likes this. I wouldn’t dare steal someone’s favorite,” I said with a smile.

Isabella replied, “I specifically got it for you.”

I didn’t respond, instead turning to the assistant. “Take Miss Isabella to the rehearsal.”

The studio was crowded with people, and Isabella couldn’t say much more. Before following the assistant, she called out, “Vivienne, don’t forget to eat the cake!”

As Isabella was about to follow the assistant, she happened to catch sight of Alexander entering the studio and waved to him. “Alexander, I’m here.”

Alexander looked over, walked toward us without hesitation, and glanced between Isabella and me. “What were you two talking about?”

“Nothing.”

“I brought Vivienne the Black Forest cake she likes on my way here.”

We both spoke at the same time.

Isabella shot me a quick look and bit her lip. “Vivienne, it’s just a small gesture. If you don’t like it, forget it.”

Alexander glanced at the cake bag in my hand. “Just accept it. It’s only a cake. It’s a small gesture from Isabella.”