CHAPTER 57: CHAPTER 57: EUGENE VAUGHN’S WRATH – EXPELLING THE MAN AND TEA FROM THE CAR

On the bustling avenue, vehicles move steadily.

Vivian Miller is still sobbing, accusingly, "We’re all women; I really didn’t expect them to slander me like this. Can’t they just say it to my face? All pretense on the surface, yet a different story behind my back..."

Eugene Vaughn’s hand grips the steering wheel tightly, veins bulging, "Vivian Miller, are you going to keep this up?"

Vivian Miller looks at him with wide, aggrieved eyes, "How am I going overboard? I suffered such injustice, and you’re still losing your temper at me?"

Eugene Vaughn, in a fit of rage, says, "If I didn’t take you away, would you set up a stage at Victoria Sinclair’s exhibition and continue your theatrics, making everyone think they bullied you and causing their exhibition to fail? Is that what you want?"

Vivian defiantly says, "They are bullying me; what do I have to fear by making a scene? I’m a single woman, and they’re spreading scandalous rumors, saying I indirectly kissed you. Aren’t they wrong?"

Eugene lets out a snort, his expression cold as ice, "Why did you drink my water?"

"I’ve explained it to your wife—it was a mistake, and she didn’t care. How was I supposed to know her friends would freak out?"

"Didn’t care!" Eugene’s breath deepens as he repeats those words, tinged with bitterness and self-mockery.

Suddenly, he turns the steering wheel and parks the car by the roadside.

He slumps weakly against the seatback, exhaling deeply.

Vivian nervously swallows and leans over, "What’s wrong?"

"If you mistakenly drank the wrong water, why would Angela Austin act so oddly towards me?" Eugene lifts his head, glaring at Vivian through the rearview mirror, his eyes simmering with anger.

"How would I know?" Vivian responds, feeling wronged, "Maybe she doesn’t like you!"

"And what’s the reason for her dislike?"

"Ask her yourself!" Vivian snaps, "Why ask me?"

"What did you say in front of Victoria Sinclair to make them misunderstand?"

Vivian is startled, feeling anxious, "With so many people watching, I didn’t say a thing."

Eugene enunciates each word, "Angela doesn’t mention you, but you’re crying hysterically, playing the victim—what are you afraid of?"

"I..." Vivian struggles to find a better explanation.

Assistant Chen timidly murmurs, "I guess she might have told your wife that you share everything and don’t mind drinking from the same cup."

Vivian instantly becomes furious, punching Chen forcefully, "Are you crazy? I never said that! How dare you slander me? Do you have proof? Did you hear it or see it?"

Chen retreats into the corner, hugging his head and curling up.

"I’m sorry, Secretary Wu, I... I was wrong... I was just guessing..."

Vivian, exhausted from hitting him, sits back, panting.

Chen timidly adjusts his suit, nervously leaning toward the car door, continuing to apologize cautiously, "I was just speculating, I’m sorry for speaking out of turn."

Vivian bites her lip, breathing heavily.

The car is engulfed in a deathly silence, a chilling atmosphere accumulating, freezing the air to an unbearable degree.

This quiet is even more terrifying than a storm.

Vivian understands Eugene.

Eugene’s anger isn’t scary; it’s easy to calm him down.

The most terrifying thing is when he becomes completely cold, making one’s heart shiver.

The colder Eugene grows, the more frightened Vivian becomes, stiffly continuing to explain, "I didn’t say anything like that to your wife, truly didn’t. She doesn’t care about your affairs; I would never talk to her like that."

Eugene sits at the driver’s seat, unmoving, speaking with a light, icy tone, "Get out."

Assistant Chen promptly opens the door and exits.

"Eugene..." Vivian’s face turns pale, not planning to leave, "I really..."

"Get out!" Eugene snaps, his voice as chilling as an ice pick, lingering a second longer would feel like an erupting snow mountain, causing heavens and earth to collapse.

Vivian, startled, quickly opens the door and exits.

The instant both doors close, the vehicle speeds away.

Chen walks to the roadside, pulling out his phone to call a cab.

Vivian suddenly rushes over, her sharp heels vehemently kicking Chen’s shin bone.

"Ah!" Chen crouches, clutching his fractured shin, trembling in pain, tears streaming down.

A hard-pressed working man, neither daring to cry nor fight back, can only suffer silently.

"You deserve that for spouting your nonsense," Vivian says with hands on hips, glaring at him harshly.

——

Victoria Sinclair was busy until nine at night before returning home.

Eugene was nowhere to be found.

Feeling exhausted, she showers and prepares for a restful state for the next day’s pharmaceutical expo by taking a packet of sleep-inducing jujube granules before sleeping.

The next day, she skips breakfast and rushes out.

The expo is crowded, leaving a professor working on research at the company, while everyone else is deployed.

Handing out flyers, attracting clients, making introductions, signing deals.

Victoria isn’t adept at sales, but with Angela Austin beside her, many people come over to inquire and understand.

Even with a plain hall and a secluded booth, the men are unwaveringly enthusiastic.

But men, as a species, are rarely impulsive.

Thoughts of romance and business are clearly separated.

If they find women aren’t giving opportunities, they won’t rashly waste money.

So, while the booth appears bustling with patrons, the transaction rate is very low.

Kyanite Pharma is different.

Despite being a new company, their transaction rate is exceptionally high, and the hall is bustling with people.

Angela marvels, "People rely on clothes and horses rely on saddles. Are new companies this formidable today?"

Victoria hands Angela Kyanite Pharma’s promotional booklet, "Take a look."

"I have. We’re using flyers; they have brochures made as exquisite as books."

"Look at the first Chapter."

Angela takes it, opens it, and reads.

The first Chapter is the company introduction, which also includes a profile of the big boss, Eugene Vaughn.

Angela suddenly understands, "I get it. Kyanite Pharma’s success is largely due to Eugene Vaughn’s influence in the business world."

Victoria nods in agreement, walking alongside Angela around the venue, handing out brochures.

"Was Eugene very angry last night?" Angela asks curiously.

Victoria squeezes out a smile while handing flyers to passersby, "I didn’t see him."

"Will he lose his temper with you?"

"Since we met, rarely."

Angela sighs in relief, "That’s good."

"Not exactly." Victoria smiles bitterly, "Actually, arguing in a marriage improves the relationship. If you always handle things coldly, it really hurts and easily leads to problems."

"You probably can’t argue given your personality."

Is it all her fault? Victoria wonders, feeling heavy-hearted.

The two continue to walk, handing out flyers, passing by Kyanite Pharma’s exhibition hall, seeing the busy salesmen.

Both feel envious.

Angela leans close to Victoria’s ear, whispering, "Are you still considering divorcing him?"