Chapter 202

The moment Vivian Lockhart heard Victoria Chen would return to Newport City by 8 PM, her pulse quickened.

She'd been anticipating this meeting for months.

As Julian Montgomery had explained, when it came to corporate litigation on an international scale, Victoria ranked among the top five attorneys worldwide - possibly even top three.

Vivian desperately needed Victoria's expertise for her management rights lawsuit.

Winning this case would secure financial freedom for Vivian and her children forever.

That's why she'd settled for just a small law firm during her divorce from Nathaniel.

Julian mentioned Victoria had spent the last six months in Berlin handling a complex inheritance dispute.

Fatefully, that case bore striking similarities to Vivian's current legal battle.

With Victoria's triumphant return, Vivian could almost taste victory herself.

Assuming, of course, Victoria would agree to help like Julian had.

"Julian, I'm meeting Ms. Chen tonight. What flowers does she prefer? I want to bring her a welcoming gift."

Excitement erased all traces of Briar Desrosiers' earlier unpleasantness from Vivian's expression.

"If I recall correctly, she favors carnations. Purple ones especially."

Julian sighed, making one last attempt to temper expectations. "Boss, Victoria's notoriously difficult. You won me over with gaming sessions, but she's different. She's probably returning just to terminate her contract with Blackwood Legal. You're walking into rejection."

"Even if she takes your case, our odds remain slim."

Julian wasn't trying to dampen Vivian's spirits, but her goals bordered on impossible.

"I have to try. Remember my Electronic Technology Association campaign? No one believed in me then either, but..."

Vivian's voice swelled with pride at the memory, strengthening her resolve.

She never abandoned her decisions lightly.

"True enough!"

Julian's admiration shone through as he nodded. "Our boss defies expectations. Go for it!"

By 6 PM, Vivian waited at the airport arrivals gate.

Clutching a lavish bouquet of purple carnations, she stood conspicuously near the VIP exit holding a "Victoria Chen" sign - the picture of an eager fan awaiting her idol.

Two hours later, Victoria's flight finally landed.

A petite woman emerged from the VIP lane - khaki silk blouse, white tailored slacks, black sunglasses - radiating confidence with every step.

Vivian instantly recognized the legendary attorney.

"Ms. Chen! Over here!"

She waved the bouquet enthusiastically, ignoring curious glances from passersby.

The sunglasses turned toward Vivian, emitting a frosty aura that felt eerily familiar.

It mirrored Nathaniel Blackwood's signature chill.

Were all extraordinary people carved from ice?

That only made Vivian more determined to melt through.

"At last we meet, Ms. Chen! I've waited so long for this moment. These are for you!"

Vivian thrust the flowers forward eagerly.

"Vivian Lockhart?"

The woman stopped coldly.

"Yes. Your new employer."

Victoria slid her sunglasses down slightly, appraising Vivian with disdain. "I despise carnations."