Chapter 237:

Now, her supporters were all over the demo of “Glimmer of Love,” holding it up in comparison to “Yesterday.”

Many online were now saying Vivian’s “less-than-perfect” performance during the earlier live show had only been due to illness, and that “Glimmer of Love” was every bit as good as “Yesterday.”

Millie didn’t respond to any of it. She simply walked out with Charles.

Not long after, Brandon and Vivian also left the venue.

Inside the Bentley, Brandon glanced at Vivian as she scrolled through her phone.

Then, his voice broke the silence. “What’s going on with the demo?”

A hesitant grin flickered across Vivian’s face as she looked up.

“I just had to do it, Brandon,” she admitted.

Without a word, Brandon regarded her, lines of concern deepening across his forehead.

Vivian explained, “The public already links ‘Glimmer of Love’ to me. If I don’t claim the demo as mine, it puts everything at risk.”

He gave no reply, his expression showing only skepticism.

Trying again, she added, “That fan has been showing up for every live broadcast. Go ahead and check if you don’t believe me, Brandon. Even if I shut him out again this round, he’s not going to give up—he’ll get in one way or another. Remember, we bought that song from Eva for a staggering sum. Usually, even a top composer gets only one million, but you handed her ten, Brandon. That covered everything.”

Though she poured out her reasoning, Brandon kept his gaze locked on her, unmoved.

An uneasy silence settled in the car. Neither looked away.

At last, Vivian exhaled, her shoulders drooping. “Some choices just have to be made, Brandon.”

Barely above a whisper, she added, “I don’t have much time left. If I want to achieve anything, this is the only way. Shouldn’t the end justify the means, if what I’m doing is for the greater good?”

A moment’s hesitation lingered before Vivian lifted her head, forcing a smile. “Isn’t that Millie’s approach too?”

Brandon said nothing, his lips pressed into a thin line as he regarded Vivian, noticing the redness building in her eyes.

Tears welled up as Vivian whispered, “So Millie gets away with it, but I’m not allowed to? Is that what this is, Brandon—do you just favor her?”

Instead of answering, Brandon shifted his focus to the window, turning away from her completely.

Night had already fallen, and the world outside blurred by, bathed in the weak glow of passing streetlights.

All the while, Brandon’s mind argued that Millie was different. Compassion shaped her actions toward others. When Millie was unyielding, it was only with herself.

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