Chapter 108

The days passed swiftly as Vivian settled into her newfound independence. Work consumed her daylight hours, but nights belonged to unrestrained joy and liberation. This single life suited her perfectly.

Today marked a milestone - the signing of a new contract with Kingsley Holdings for the upcoming fiscal year.

Leonard Kingsley had agreed to Vivian's bold request: a 500 million investment into Lockhart Enterprises as R&D funding. But the terms were razor-sharp. Lockhart Enterprises had to guarantee first-year profits exceeding 8 billion, or surrender 30% equity to Kingsley Holdings as compensation.

Liam's temper flared instantly.

"That sly fox Leonard! After all his supposed help for his daughter's sake, I expected at least basic decency. This contract is nothing but traps. His intentions couldn't be clearer!"

His confused gaze burned into Vivian. If possible, he'd tear the agreement to shreds. "Boss, this is downright humiliating. Why sign? We could raise 500 million ourselves. Is he mocking us?"

Vivian remained unshaken, a satisfied smile playing on her lips. "If we lose, thirty percent equity. If we win? Five years of continuous investment, minimum 1.5 billion annually. That's more than fair."

"Fair?!" Liam nearly choked. "Lockhart Enterprises is still in its infancy! We don't even have market-ready products yet. Eight billion profit in tech? That's insanity!"

He massaged his temples, stress lines deepening. "The world's top three tech firms average fifteen billion annually. For a startup like ours, eight hundred million would be miraculous. How can we possibly win? We're handing Kingsley Holdings our equity on a silver platter!"

Vivian arched one perfect eyebrow, confidence radiating. "When have I ever lost a bet?"

To others, such bravado might seem arrogant. But on Vivian, it fit like a second skin. Her dazzling self-assurance captivated Liam completely.

"Right. You're my boss. The legal sharks still beg for your counsel. After years of lying low, I almost forgot who you really are. You never lose!"

Liam had worshipped Vivian for years. Then he added with a smirk, "Except for your marriage to Nathaniel, of course."

Vivian's eye twitched. Must he always bring that up?

Annoying as he was, Liam wasn't wrong. Vivian's life had been an unbroken chain of victories - until Nathaniel Blackwood entered it. That particular defeat still stung.

"Regardless, our partnership with Kingsley Holdings will devastate Blackwood Group. I can practically see the Ice King's face turning purple..."

Liam couldn't suppress his glee, imagining Nathaniel's reaction. "Wait until he discovers his despised ex-wife is the mastermind behind Lockhart Enterprises. That explosion will be legendary!"

Meanwhile, tension choked the executive office at Blackwood Group.

Ethan Young stared at the mountain of documents beside Nathaniel, hands trembling. "Mr. Blackwood, we never anticipated Mrs. Blackwood would... She always seemed so gentle... This is... shocking!"