Chapter 73

The man wore casual clothes and a face mask. His hands moved carefully as he polished each leaf of the office plant, ensuring not a speck of dust remained.

At the sound of Vivian's voice, he glanced up, curiosity flickering in his eyes. "Ah, the new head of Blackwood Legal? The woman Ethan Blackwood is about to discard?"

Vivian suppressed a wince. "The second part wasn't necessary."

Setting down the spray bottle, he removed his mask, revealing the kind, middle-aged face that matched the intel perfectly.

From the dossier Nathaniel had provided, Vivian knew Blackwood Legal had three senior partners—two men and one woman—and Gregory Caldwell was the eldest.

And the most dangerous.

Despite his gentle appearance, Gregory was the sharpest of them all.

"How did you recognize me?" he asked, tilting his head. "We've never met, and I was in disguise."

"Simple." Vivian shrugged. "As your new boss, I did my homework. Gregory Caldwell is known for his obsession with plants. No janitor would polish leaves with that much devotion."

A slow grin spread across his face. "Clever girl. But if you've truly researched us, you'd know we're not an easy bunch to handle. A smart woman would walk away."

Vivian's eyes gleamed. "Lucky for me, I love a challenge."

Her confidence was unshakable, her posture radiating the same indomitable spirit that ran in the Lockhart bloodline.

Gregory chuckled. "Ethan couldn't tame us in three years. You really think you can?"

"I don't need three years," she shot back. "Three days will be enough."

"Bold words. Good luck with that." With a meaningful smirk, he walked away.

Blackwood Legal was a mess.

The partners were rarely present, and the lawyers beneath them were just as defiant. None of them took their new boss seriously—except for one.

Harrison Ford, a junior associate, was the only one who showed her respect.

The conference room remained empty long after the scheduled meeting time.

Harrison hesitated before speaking. "Boss, Mr. Montgomery said there's an important match tonight. He gathered the team to prepare for the livestream, so... they won't be coming in today."

"A match?" Vivian arched a brow. "The LCL Season 7 Grand Finals?"

Harrison's eyes widened. "You know about LCL?"

It was a niche game, beloved only by hardcore enthusiasts. How did a woman like her—supposedly just a wealthy socialite—know about it?

Vivian smiled faintly. "Tell Julian and the others to enjoy the game. I'll send snacks for the watch party."

By 9 PM, the finals were at their peak. Team Raging Storm, trailing 1-2 against Team Victory, staged a stunning comeback, securing the championship. The club erupted in cheers.

Vivian arrived with champagne and sushi.

Julian Montgomery, the youngest but most arrogant of the partners, was celebrating wildly.

"Team Raging Storm won! Let's celebrate!" Vivian announced, raising a bottle.

Julian scoffed. "What do you know about Team Raging Storm? Ever even played the game?"

Vivian smirked. "Not only do I know them—we're old friends."

"Sure you are." He rolled his eyes.

Her grin turned sly. "If I get them to come here tonight, will you promise me one thing?"