Ch. 31..40
Chapter 31
Chapter 31
In the dining room, it was completely silent except for the clanging of Vivian and Finnick’s cutleries.
“Um…” Unable to bear such an awkward silence, Vivian took the initiative to speak, “About that
night…”
“I’m sorry.”
While Vivian was still hesitating on how to bring it up, Finnick unexpectedly interrupted her.
“What?” Vivian was still stunned.
Is Finnick apologizing to me?
“I was too rash that night,” said Finnick softly. By then, Finnick had already finished his meal. He
elegantly lifted the napkin and wiped his mouth.
“I was at fault too.” Since he had already apologized, Vivian naturally had to be gracious about it too. “It
was rude of me to leave the family dinner. When I’m free, I’ll apologize to your grandpa.”
With regards to that night, Vivian had been thinking about it recently.
It was indeed an act of discourtesy to leave the dinner just like that, especially in front of Finnick’s
grandpa. It was very unbecoming of her.
As for Fabian, although it made her slightly uneasy that Finnick investigated her background, Finnick
was right too. It was impossible for him to marry a woman with an unknown past.
As for what happened afterward…
When Vivian recalled that night, the images of Finnick’s muscular body and masculine scent caused
her to blush.
Vivian knew about what men and women did in bed. Since she was legally married to Finnick, she had
the obligation to do it with him too.
However, she just could not bring herself to do it. Due to her reluctance, Finnick did not continue either.
Hence, there was nothing for her to be angry over.
After hearing Vivian’s apology, Finnick pursed his lips. Not wanting to dwell on this topic anymore, he
asked, “Vivian, is there nothing that you want to ask me?”
Stunned, Vivian suddenly remembered something.
Indeed, other than the unhappy incident that happened between her and Finnick a few days ago, many
events also took place.
Gazing at Finnick, Vivian’s mind was full of queries. Not knowing how to bring them up, she could only
utter, “Your leg?”
That night, she personally witnessed Finnick standing up before her. Evidently, he was not crippled.
“Just like what you saw.” Finnick did not seem surprised to hear Vivian’s question. “My legs aren’t
crippled.”
“Then, why…”
“There are many reasons for it.” Finnick gave a vague reply. “But remember, you must not tell anyone
about this.”
Vivian’s heart skipped a beat.
Naturally, she understood that Finnick had his own reasons for faking this. Although she did not know
the details about it, she would certainly keep her lips sealed since Finnick told her to keep it a secret.
Hence, she nodded.
Finnick glanced at Vivian, satisfied with her thoughtfulness. Suddenly, he recalled something and a
dangerous glint flashed across his eyes. He asked in a deep voice, “Other than that, is there anything
else that you’d like to ask me?”
He paused before adding, “Or rather, is there anything that you’d like to tell me?”
Vivian’s body shuddered and her face paled.
“You know about what happened two years ago, right?”
If Finnick really did investigate her background, it was impossible for him to be unaware of the incident
two years ago.
Looking at Vivian’s ashen face, he replied, “Vaguely.”
Although he knew about what happened two years ago, it was the version that most people talked
about. He never conducted a thorough investigation to find out the truth.
Initially, it was because he did not care. Now, it was because he hoped that Vivian would tell him
herself.
The color drained from Vivian’s cheeks. Forcing a smile, she said, “Since you know about it, why did
you still marry me?”
“At first, it was because I didn’t mind at all.” Finnick stared straight into Vivian’s eyes, looking like he
had no intention to hide anything. “I just needed a wife in name. A gold-digger would be easy for me to
manipulate.”
Hearing Finnick’s brutally honest response, Vivian could not help but smile bitterly.
So, right from the start, he had always thought that I was a woman who would sell my body for money?
For some reason, when this thought surfaced in her mind, she felt extremely despondent.
“However.” Just when Vivian was biting on her lip, she suddenly heard Finnick speak again. “I want to
hear you tell me the truth behind what happened.”
Chapter 32
Chapter 32
Vivian’s body quivered. “The truth?”
Finnick nodded.
With a trembling voice, Vivian asked, “You don’t think that the version you’ve found out is the truth?”
Vivian gazed straight into Finnick’s dark eyes as if she were seeking something in his unreadable gaze.
Finnick also met her gaze. After a while, he said slowly, “I don’t think that you’re a woman who will
betray your body for money.”
I don’t think that you’re a woman who’ll betray your body for money.
Those simple words were like a magical spell, causing Vivian to freeze in shock.
Observing Vivian’s reaction, Finnick thought that her dazed look was quite adorable. A smile played on
his lips. “What’s wrong?”
Only then did Vivian realize her embarrassing reaction. Averting her gaze quickly, she said, “It’s
nothing. I’m just a bit surprised.”
As he stared at her, his voice became a few notches deeper. “So? Are you willing to tell me, Vivian?”
When she recalled what happened that year, Vivian’s face paled.
Noticing her ashen face and trembling eyebrows, Finnick’s heart suddenly ached. He said, “If you don’t
want to, it’s okay.”
“No, I want to tell you.” Vivian took a deep breath, raised her head and stared at him with bright eyes.
“Two years ago, I attended a banquet at the company I was interning at. For some reason, I became
drunk after just one glass of champagne. Someone then brought me to a hotel room and… And…”
When she reached that point, she could not utter a single word.
Noticing her reaction, Finnick’s gaze turned solemn. “What happened?”
A stern tone crept into Finnick’s voice. Seeing how Vivian still kept her silence, he repeated seriously,
“Vivian, you must learn how to face it.”
Vivian’s body shuddered. Biting her lip, she managed to finish her story. “Someone spiked the
champagne. That was how an old man who was over sixty years old took my virginity.”
After saying that, Vivian slumped on the sofa as if all the strength had left her body.
Looking at her ashen face, Finnick could not bear it anymore. He stood up from his wheelchair, sat
down beside her and gently pulled her into his arms.
“It’s alright now.” His deep voice had its way of calming others down. “It’s all in the past. If you want to
cry, just cry.”
When Vivian leaned against his warm and broad shoulders, she felt like her soul had left her. Instead of
crying, she merely shook her head blankly. “There’s nothing to cry about. It’s all in the past.”
However, Vivian’s reaction caused Finnick’s heart to ache even more than if she had burst into tears.
Gazing at her pale face, he could not help but ask, “How do you know that he was an old man who was
over sixty years old?”
Vivian’s eyelashes fluttered. “As I was drugged, I don’t really remember what happened that night, not
even the man. When I woke up, he was already gone. There was ten thousand in cash left on the
bedside table. I asked the concierge and they told me that the man who stayed there for the night was
an old man who was over sixty years old. That wasn’t the end yet. Someone then reported me to the
school, accusing me of giving out sexual favors.”
The scenes of having insults hurled at her by everyone returned to her. Even now, she still did not dare
to meet her college classmates as they would all scold her for being shameless.
Vivian thought that she would not have any courage to talk about this incident again. However, for
some reason, she had the strength to narrate everything when she was snugly in Finnick’s arms.
Listening to Vivian’s words, a hostile look crept into Finnick’s eyes. He asked in a deep voice, “Which
hotel was it?”
Chapter 33
Chapter 33
“Century Hotel,” replied Vivian instinctively. However, she immediately looked at Finnick in surprise.
“Why did you ask that?”
“Nothing.” Finnick’s expression was calm. “Have you never wondered who sabotaged you?”
First, her drink was spiked. Then, she was sent to the hotel room, while the scandal was reported to the
school. It was evident that someone had deliberately sabotaged her.
“I don’t know either. I tried investigating too, but I didn’t discover anything,” said Vivian. Suddenly, she
realized something and stared at Finnick. “Finnick, do you truly believe what I say?”
Finnick turned to the side to look at her. When he saw that she was leaning against his shoulder and
looking dependent on him, his mood inexplicably improved. He replied in a deep voice, “You’re my wife.
Why wouldn’t I believe you?”
He said those simple words so matter-of-factly. Yet, it struck Vivian like a sledgehammer.
He believes me.
Despite having spent so many years with Fabian, he had never believed her. Yet, Finnick did.
“So?” Vivian’s voice trembled. “Are you disgusted by me?”
This incident that happened two years ago was like a thorn in Vivian’s heart. In the past, she had
wallowed in despair, thinking that she would never marry.
“No.” Finnick frowned. “This isn’t your fault, so why should you blame yourself?”
Instead, you should let the true culprit pay the price.
However, Finnick did not say that. He merely made a silent decision.
After Vivian relayed the entire incident to him, she was so exhausted that she went to sleep.
With Finnick staying by her side for the entire night, Vivian fell asleep faster than usual.
In her sleep, she was still furrowing her pretty brows. Standing beside the bed, Finnick could not help
but smoothen her brows out.
As he listened to Vivian’s steady breathing, he whipped out his phone and called Noah.
“Hello, Noah.” He lowered his volume, afraid of waking Vivian up. “Help me thoroughly investigate what
happened to Vivian two years ago.”
After he hung up, he mulled over what Vivian told him. Suddenly, he frowned.
Century Hotel?
Why does the hotel sound so familiar?
The next morning, Vivian was eating breakfast with Finnick in the dining room. Glancing at her, he
suddenly asked, “How was your sleep yesterday?”
“Not bad.” Vivian raised her head. “Why are you asking this?”
“I’m afraid that you’ll not have a good sleep with me beside you.” Finnick sipped his coffee calmly. “If
you want, I can move to the guest room.”
Vivian was slightly taken aback. Then, she realized that Finnick was referring to that particular night.
Blushing, she said, “Since we’re married, we should sleep in the same room.”
Finnick shot a glance at Vivian. “So, you’re not mad at me for what I did that night?”
He still remembered how terrified Vivian was when he approached her that night. Her resistance made
him very uncomfortable.
Looking at Finnick embarrassedly, she said, “I don’t blame you. What you did was reasonable,
anyway.”
“Reasonable?” Finnick suddenly raised his eyebrow. “Why?”
“Huh?” Not expecting Finnick to persistently ask her, she became more embarrassed. However, under
Finnick’s intense gaze, she steeled herself and answered, “It’s because I made you feel humiliated that
night. There’s also the matter about Fabian… It’s normal that you’ll get angry. After all, I’m your wife.”
Finnick was even more surprised.
Although Vivian’s answer was vague, he still understood what she meant.
So Vivian thinks that I did that to her because of my possessiveness?
Finnick could not help but chuckle.
“Why? What’s so funny?” asked Vivian embarrassedly, thinking that she had said something wrong.
Finnick gazed at her thoughtfully.
He was never a man who cared to deny things. Both his concern for Vivian and the jealousy he felt
when he learned about Fabian led him to a realization.
Chapter 34
Chapter 34
He was starting to developing feelings for this wife, whom he had married on a whim.
For so many years, he thought that he would never fall in love with anyone again. However, the fated
woman appeared just like that.
Fortunately, that woman was his wife.
Unfortunately, she was so obtuse that she had not noticed it yet.
Should I directly tell her my feelings and conquer her, or should I slowly make her fall for me?
Finnick smiled bitterly.
It’s been too long since I’ve liked a woman. Now, I even feel like Vivian is even harder to deal with than
those business deals worth billions.
I should just take things slow.
Finnick stared at Vivian with a faint smile playing on his lips. “Think about it that way, then.”
Puzzled over what Finnick meant, Vivian could only nod blankly.
Looking at her dazed look, Finnick’s grin widened as he asked, “Are you free tomorrow? A friend of
mine is visiting us for a meal.”
“A friend?” Vivian was stunned.
“Yeah.” Finnick nodded. “What’s wrong? Even if you’re unwilling to meet my family, you can’t possibly
refuse to meet my friend too, right?”
Vivian chuckled embarrassedly. “Stop teasing me. I’m free tomorrow.”
The next day, Vivian and Molly spent the entire morning in the kitchen. The guest finally turned up at
noon.
“Hey, Finnick! Your house looks much more homely after marrying a wife.”
Before the person appeared, his voice rang out first. His tone was arrogant and proud.
Vivian briskly walked into the living room just to see a man, who was wearing a pink shirt, enter.
He was around the same age as Vivian. Although he was quite handsome, he did not share Finnick’s
calm composure. Undoubtedly, he was a flamboyant man.
“Hi, Vivian. My sister-in-law, huh?” When the man spotted Vivian, he quickly headed toward her. He
even glared at Finnick, who was sitting in the wheelchair at the side. “Finnick, you rascal. You didn’t
even tell me that your wife is so pretty!”
Still looking calm, Finnick ignored him and merely introduced them to each other. “Xavier, this is Vivian
William. Vivian, this is Xavier Jackson.”
Xavier Jackson?
Due to her journalism background, she was quite familiar with this name. After thinking for a while, she
suddenly recalled. “Oh! Xavier Jackson from the Jackson family?”
There were three major families in Sunshine City.
The most powerful was the Norton family, who ran the largest conglomerate. Next up was the Jackson
family who was very influential in the entertainment industry. Lastly, there was the Morrison family, who
was starting to go into a decline in these recent years.
Xavier Jackson was the only son and heir of the Jackson family.
“Hello.” Vivian was a little nervous, but she still smiled politely. “I’m Vivian.”
“My pleasure to finally meet you.” Xavier had a pair of charming eyes. Holding Vivian’s hand like a
gentleman, he raised it to his lips, preparing to kiss it.
However, Finnick suddenly raised his hand and snatched Vivian’s hand away.
“Don’t touch her,” snapped Finnick expressionlessly.
Stunned, Xavier’s eyes lit up.
Oh my! Is Finnick being jealous right now? This is getting interesting.
Feeling intrigued, Xavier smirked. He clung onto Vivian and whispered mysteriously, “Vivian, Finnick is
so thick sometimes. Don’t worry about it. If you’re bored, come and chat with me. I’m a much more
interesting person than him.”
Shuddering, Vivian laughed awkwardly. “Xavier, you jest.”
Finnick’s expression was completely dark now. He grabbed Vivian’s hand and walked toward the dining
room.
After preparing the dishes, Molly and Liam went out due to family commitments. Only Vivian, Finnick
and Xavier were left in the villa.
Crossing one leg over the other, Xavier demanded, “Hey, why aren’t there any alcohol? Finnick, go get
some. There are no outsiders here anyway. Why are you still sitting on that stupid wheelchair?”
Vivian was shocked when she heard him. Finnick stood up from the wheelchair, poured a bowl of soup
and passed it to her. He said in a nonchalant tone, “Drink this.”
Then, he turned and headed to the cellar.
Only then did Vivian realize how close Xavier was to Finnick. He even told Xavier that he was not
actually crippled.
Xavier’s eyes followed Finnick as he left. Only then did he turn around and look at Vivian. The playful
smirk on his lips was no longer there.
“Thank you, Vivian.”
Vivian felt uneasy by his sudden formal attitude. “Why are you thanking me?”
“Thank you for marrying Finnick.” Xavier leaned against the chair and grinned. This time, it was a
genuine smile. “You’re the second person who knows the truth about Finnick’s legs. This proves that he
really trusts you.”
Chapter 35
Chapter 35
When Vivian recalled why Finnick suddenly stood up that night, she blushed. Yet, she said with a smile,
“A couple should trust each other.”
Xavier’s eyes sparkled as he looked at Vivian. He asked, “Vivian, did Finnick ever tell you why he
pretends to be crippled?”
Taken aback, Vivian shook her head.
Finnick had said that it was better if she remained oblivious to certain things. Hence, she never
pestered him for the answer.
“Ten years ago, a car accident happened to Finnick.” On the other hand, Xavier did not seem to have
any reservations and told her outright. “Everyone thought that Finnick became crippled due to that
accident. In reality, he only got injured and was fully healed after going to A Nation.”
Vivian searched her memories. She seemed to have read about his car accident in the news.
Back then, at barely 20 years old, Finnick had just started college. However, someone kidnapped him
and demanded an exorbitant ransom. This created a huge commotion then as the news dominated the
headlines for a long time.
According to the news, after the kidnappers received the ransom, they wanted to leave with the second
son of the Norton family as their hostage. Unexpectedly, they got into a car accident mid-way. The
kidnappers died on the spot, while the son of the Norton family got severely injured.
However, as most of the details were strictly withheld from the public, no one knew that his legs were
injured. They only knew that he flew to A Nation for his medical treatment and he became really weak
after the incident.
“I’ve heard about it vaguely,” muttered Vivian. “So, after being healed at A Nation, he still pretends to
be crippled?”
“Yes.” Xavier tilted his head to the side. “But can you guess why?”
Vivian was amused.
Xavier is completely different from Finnick. With a personality like that, he’s probably very popular with
the ladies, right?
“I have to guess?” Vivian pretended to contemplate it. “Does he want the Norton family to drop their
guard against him?”
Actually, Vivian had wondered why Finnick pretended to be crippled. Hence, she had her own guesses
already.
After all, she worked in the journalism industry. Although she was not so knowledgeable about these
elite families, she was not completely clueless either. She could guess that the Norton family had a role
to play in why Finnick went to such lengths to fake his condition.
She had not seen Mark, Finnick’s older brother and Fabian’s father, before. However, the rumors said
that Mark was an extremely ambitious and ruthless man. Now that the elder Mr. Norton was getting old,
Mark was the one running the family business.
On the other hand, Finnick went down a completely different route that had nothing to do with the
Norton family. He started a business on his own probably to avoid a conflict with his older brother.
Hence, Vivian wondered if Finnick pretended to be crippled because he was wary about Mark.
This was just Vivian’s wild guess. However, after listening to her explanation, a hint of admiration crept
into Xavier’s eyes as he gazed at her. “Not bad, Vivian. You’re quite smart.”
Vivian chuckled embarrassedly. “I watch too many soap operas.”
Xavier stifled a laugh. “Actually, the Norton family’s business is very huge. So the family drama is
probably as complex as those soap operas. Anyway, although Finnick is a successful man now, he has
led a tough life.”
Vivian was momentarily stunned before she returned to her senses and nodded.
For ten years, he had to sit in a wheelchair despite being perfectly fine. He even had to guard against
his own family. It must have been a tough feat.
“So,” continued Xavier. This time, his smile had faded and a serious expression took its place. “Vivian,
you must make him happy.”
Shocked, Vivian did not expect Xavier to suddenly say this.
Make him happy?
But what happiness can I give him?
Before Vivian could reply, she suddenly heard the sound of steady footsteps approaching them. A cold
voice rang out, “What are both of you talking about?”
Chapter 36
Chapter 36
Vivian turned around and saw that Finnick had returned.
Finnick was standing there. His figure was lean and his legs were long and slender. His light blue shirt
outlined his perfectly sculpted body.
A solemn look flashed across Vivian’s eyes.
He’s such an exceptional man, but he’s forced to sit in a wheelchair. How does that even feel like?
“I’m telling Vivian that I’ve fallen in love with her at first sight and is planning to steal her away from
you.” The moment Xavier saw Finnick, a frivolous smile appeared on his lips again. “Finnick, you know
how charming I am. I’ve got so many women fawning over me. You must be careful!”
“Don’t think that Vivian’s the same as those women around you,” rebuked Finnick calmly. He walked to
the dining table and opened the bottle of red wine. “She won’t ever like you.”
“Hmph! How confident!” Xavier snorted in disdain.
With the lively Xavier around, there was not a single moment of boredom during the meal. Vivian was
laughing from start to finish because of him. Only after they finished dessert did Xavier wipe his mouth
and reluctantly stand up.
“Alright, Vivian. I have a date today, so I won’t disturb you and Finnick anymore. I’ll visit you again.”
Vivian stood up with Finnick to send Xavier off. They only returned to the dining room after Xavier’s
ostentatiously red sports car sped away.
Finnick was bringing the plates on the dining table back to the kitchen.
“Let me do it,” offered Vivian immediately, wanting to take the plates away from Finnick’s hands.
However, he raised his hand and stopped her.
“I can do simple things like this,” replied Finnick in a deep voice.
Left with no choice, Vivian could only clear the table with him.
As Finnick placed the plates in the dishwasher, he abruptly asked, “What did Xavier tell you just now?”
Vivian was taken aback. However, she still replied honestly, “He told me why you’re pretending to be
crippled.”
“I see.” Finnick nodded, not surprised at all.
Vivian expected it too. Since Finnick and Xavier shared so many years of friendship, Finnick definitely
could guess what Xavier told her.
“Do you blame me?” Finnick suddenly asked again as he shot a brooding glance at Vivian.
Surprised, Vivian didn’t understand what he meant. “Blame you for what?”
“I should be the one telling all these things to you,” mumbled Finnick as he placed the last plate into the
dishwasher.
Vivian burst out laughing. “There’s no difference. Without your permission, Xavier wouldn’t have dared
to tell it to me, right?”
Finnick could not help but steal another glance at her.
Although she’s never nosy, she’s actually very observant.
This is the woman I chose!
“Yeah.” Vivian and Finnick walked out of the kitchen, hand in hand. “Xavier’s better at talking than me.”
In other words, he was saying that Xavier could probably explain it clearer than he could.
“As for the specific reason…” Finnick hesitated for a while before adding, “I still can’t tell you. The more
you know, the more danger you’ll be in. I hope that you’ll understand.”
Vivian nodded. “I know. You’re trying to protect me.”
Vivian uttered those words very softly and light-heartedly. Yet, when Finnick heard her, he felt a flutter
in his heart. He unknowingly tightened his grip on Vivian’s soft hand.
Sensing Finnick’s grip on her hand, Vivian started to blush. She was about to say something when her
phone in the living room rang.
“Um… I’ll go pick up the call.” With her head lowered, Vivian mumbled, withdrew her hand and walked
to the living room.
When she grabbed the phone on the table and saw the incoming call, her brows furrowed.
She accepted the call and asked expressionlessly, “Ashley, why are you calling me?”
Ashley and Vivian shared the same father, but different mothers. Although they were related by blood,
they grew up in completely different environments and barely saw each other. Hence, there was no
sisterly bond between them.
Especially after what happened with Fabian, Vivian felt like there was no need for them to feign
friendliness with each other anymore. Hence, she did not know why Ashley called her.
“Vivian.” Ashley’s sickeningly sweet voice sounded on the phone. “You seem unhappy to receive my
call.”
“There’s nothing to be happy about.” Vivian could not be bothered to keep up the act with her. With an
impatient tone, she snapped, “Cut the crap. What do you want?”
“Of course I’m calling you to report good news,” said Ashley in a cutesy voice. “I heard that Ms.
William’s condition is improving, right?”
Chapter 37
Chapter 37
Vivian’s heart sank.
Why does she have such detailed information about my Mom?
“What about it?” Her voice became colder.
“Don’t be like this, darling sister. After all, I’m very concerned about Ms. William too.” Ashley’s friendly
tone was as fake as ever. “Hence, when I heard that Ms. William’s hospital fees are going to increase, I
was worried sick. I keep thinking about how I can help you.”
Ashley wants to help me?
Vivian coldly scoffed, “How do you want to help me?”
“I know a friend who runs a magazine company. They’re in need of manpower now. Also, they have
really attractive employee benefits.” Ashley finally revealed her objective in calling Vivian. “Since you’re
so talented, you’ll definitely be treated better if you join her company instead.”
Vivian finally understood.
After beating around the bush, Ashley simply wanted her out of Glamour Magazine.
The reason was obvious—it was because of Fabian.
Having figured out Ashley’s intentions, Vivian could not help but mock, “Ashley, are you so concerned
about me and Fabian?”
Vivian’s words were so brutally straightforward that Ashley paled.
Biting her rosy lip, she still replied in a sweet voice, “What are you talking about, Vivian? Why should I
be worried about you? You’re just a married woman who has sold her body for money.”
Vivian’s face stiffened.
She’s saying such cruel and harsh words in such a disgustingly sweet tone. This is totally like Ashley.
Vivian’s voice turned frosty. “Ashley, regardless of what your intentions in introducing this job to me are,
I will not accept the job.”
She understood Ashley all too well. If she actually joined the new magazine company, she would not be
treated well at all. In fact, she would fall right into Ashley’s grasp and be tormented by her.
Upon hearing Vivian’s firm rejection, Ashley started to feel humiliated. A hint of fury finally crept into her
voice as she yelled, “Vivian! You ungrateful and rude b*tch!”
“Oh my! Your embarrassment has morphed into anger so quickly!” scoffed Vivian. “Don’t worry. I’m not
interested in Fabian at all, so you don’t need to be so paranoid.”
Ashley was so furious that she wanted to scream out loud!
What do you mean you’re not interested?
Vivian, you b*tch! You’re very skilled at playing hard to get, huh?
“Vivian!” Now that things had come to this, Ashley could not be bothered to put on an act anymore. “I’m
warning you. Leave the magazine company! Otherwise, I’ll teach you a lesson!”
Vivian scoffed in contempt. “Teach me a lesson? Ashley, what can you even do to me?”
What can I do to you?
On the other side, Ashley’s lips suddenly curved into a ruthless smirk. “I can make you suffer so badly
that you wish for death.”
Ashley’s voice was extremely sweet, yet there was a vicious note in it. Vivian could not help but feel a
chill run down her spine.
However, she impatiently snapped, “Do what you want! Anyway, I need my job. Also, I am completely
uninterested in your fiancé!”
With that, she hung up the call, not wanting to entertain Ashley anymore.
When Ashley heard the busy tone on the phone, her pretty face twisted in fury.
Vivian!
I gave you a chance to save yourself! Since it’s your fault for not taking it, don’t blame me for this.
Ashley quickly picked up her phone and dialed a number.
“Hi, it’s me.” Ashley’s voice was laced with menace. “Send all the photos. Yes, send them to Fabian. Be
careful. Don’t let anyone find out where they’re sent from.”
Chapter 38
Chapter 38
After hanging up the call, Ashley was still fuming as she painted her nails red. In her anger, she
jammed the brush against her nail.
Even till now, she could still remember the first time she met Fabian.
Fabian always assumed that their first encounter was during the banquet half a year ago. Yet, he was
oblivious to the fact that she had already met him three years ago.
It was at Z College. Back then, she and her friends had visited H City for fun. Her father instructed her
to bring some things for Vivian. Although she was reluctant to do so, she still obeyed him as she
needed to seem like an obedient daughter.
It was then that she coincidentally saw Vivian together with Fabian.
She could recall clearly that it was a beautiful, sunny day. Fabian was riding a bicycle, while Vivian sat
behind him. He was wearing a white blouse, looking like a prince who had come straight out of the fairy
tales.
The moment she laid eyes on him, she was attracted by him.
Although that encounter was brief, and both Vivian and Fabian probably had no impression of it, but
that was deeply engraved in her mind.
After returning home, she specially hired someone to investigate her sister’s boyfriend. Only then did
she get a huge shock.
Surprisingly, Vivian’s boyfriend, whom she described as a poor student relying on financial aid to attend
college, was actually the grandson of the Norton family!
After discovering this, Ashley was over the moon!
She knew that with her taste in men, it was impossible for her to fall in love with a poor bloke. Certainly,
the person she liked must be an extraordinary man!
From then on, she was determined to marry Fabian and no one else.
Unfortunately, Fabian only had eyes for Vivian.
She still recalled the occasional times Vivian visited the Millers. When she received Fabian’s call, there
was always this sickeningly blissful expression on her face.
Similarly, she had also snuck to Z College to steal a glimpse of Fabian. She could never forget Fabian’s
affectionate face whenever he looked at Vivian.
Indeed, she must admit that she was overcome by jealousy.
She was actually jealous of Vivian—that crude, unrefined and illegitimate daughter of the Millers!
Although she despised Vivian since young, it mostly stemmed out of disdain. It was because she never
thought that Vivian could compare up to her.
Yet, never in a million years would she imagine herself being jealous of Vivian.
This marked the start of her hatred for Vivian.
Hence, she orchestrated the incident two years ago. Her aim was to force Fabian to never love this
dirty, illegitimate daughter again.
She always thought that she had succeeded. Fabian broke up with Vivian, returned to the Norton family
and went abroad to A Nation—just like what someone from a wealthy family should do. As planned,
she met him there, started dating him and even got engaged.
Everything was going according to her plan. However, when they returned to Sunshine City, everything
changed.
Fabian actually became Vivian’s direct superior. Was it a coincidence or a deliberate move by Fabian?
After the few encounters and the business trip, she was truly afraid.
Hence, she had no choice but to unleash her trump card.
Vivian, I’ll make it impossible for you to ever be with Fabian!
Monday arrived. After Vivian woke up and was prepared to go downstairs for breakfast, she received
an unexpected call from the hospital.
“What?” Vivian stopped in the middle of the staircase. “Ten thousand? Do you need it urgently? No, it’s
not that I can’t afford it. Just prescribe the medicine. I’ll go retrieve the money today.”
Vivian hung up the call and sighed.
After her mom’s health condition improved, she started to take imported medicine. Most of them were
not covered by insurance, so Vivian was struggling to afford them.
However, as it concerned her mom’s life, she had no choice but to steel herself and call the Human
Resource Department.
“I’m sorry, but I’ll need to collect my salary in advance.” Even Vivian felt embarrassed at her request.
“But my mother… Okay, I understand. I’ll wait for your update.”
After hanging up the call, Vivian sighed again before heading to the dining room.
Finnick was eating porridge there. When he spotted Vivian, he asked calmly, “What’s wrong?”
Chapter 39
Chapter 39
Vivian guessed that he probably saw her calling at the staircase. However, as she could not think of an
explanation on the spot, she merely replied, “Well, it’s just some stuff at work. It’s not anything
important.”
Vivian was not deliberately trying to conceal her mother’s condition from Finnick. It was because she
really did not know how to bring it up.
If she said that her mother was severely ill and she was in dire need of money for her treatment, it
would sound like she was demanding money from Finnick.
Although they were married and she was starting to develop some reliance on Finnick, she was still
unwilling to reveal her vulnerabilities to others.
Perhaps, this was a habit she had cultivated since young. Her mother always reminded her that even if
everyone mocked her for not having a father and for being an illegitimate child, she must never display
any weaknesses. She must never let someone else make a joke out of her.
When Finnick noticed that Vivian’s gaze flitted, he pondered for a while and decided against asking
further.
Naturally, he knew about her mother’s condition.
However, he did not plan on taking the initiative to offer her help. As he knew how sensitive and
stubborn she was, he was afraid of affecting the fragile trust between them.
Let’s take it slow. I don’t want to scare her.
Gazing at Vivian, who was preoccupied with her thoughts, Finnick silently mocked himself.
He never imagined himself, who had always been so decisive during business negotiations, to become
so hesitant just because of Vivian.
“Let’s eat.” In the end, he merely said, “After the meal, I’ll send you to the train station.”
Vivian nodded, heaving a sigh of relief that Finnick did not insist on sending her to her office.
Does this mean that he’s starting to think from my perspective?
Vivian took the train to the magazine company. Before she could sit at her desk, the secretary informed
her that Fabian had summoned her.
Vivian’s heart sank.
After returning from Q City, Fabian stopped giving her a rough time. Why is he calling for me now?
With that puzzling thought, she walked towards Fabian’s office.
“Mr. Norton, how may I help you?”
“Vivian.” Fabian stared at Vivian coldly and went straight to the point. “I heard that you’re collecting
your salary in advance for this month again?”
Vivian’s heart sank. “Yes, I need money.”
“You need money?” Fabian scoffed coldly. “What for?”
Vivian could feel her fingertips trembling. Her voice turned frostily as well as she rebuked, “That’s the
Finance Department’s business. As the Chief Editor, aren’t you being excessively concerned?”
“Why? Is it for something shady?” When Fabian saw that Vivian was avoiding the question, his
mocking tone intensified.
Vivian shot a glare at him. She took a deep breath and smirked. “I want to buy a bag that’s just been
released. It’s a limited edition. If I don’t collect my salary in advance, I won’t be able to snatch it in
time.”
Since Fabian already thinks that I’m a gold-digger, I’ll just let it be.
Anyway, I don’t care anymore.
When Fabian heard her nonchalant tone, he could not help but clench his fists. Smirking coldly, he
scoffed, “Huh? It’s just a bag. Those men refused to buy it for you?”
Those men?
Vivian thought that she had already become immune to all these attacks. Even though Fabian insulted
her like that, she didn’t feel a thing at all.
“Vivian, why aren’t you saying anything?” Fabian abruptly stood up and raised his voice. “I’m asking
you a question. What about those men? Or did they dump you after getting what they want from you?”
Frowning, Vivian was starting to lose her cool.
Is Fabian nuts? Why is he acting up again?
“Mr. Norton, if I can’t collect my salary in advance, forget it.” Vivian had lost her patience. “If there’s
nothing else, I’ll take my leave now.”
Vivian was about to leave when Fabian suddenly strode forward and flung something directly on her
face.
“Vivian, can you explain to me what these are?”
Chapter 40
Chapter 40
Stunned, Vivian lowered her head to take a closer look at what he just threw at her. Suddenly, all the
color drained from her cheeks as her body shivered uncontrollably.
They were photos. The images was blurry and unfocused, so it was evident that they had been taken in
secret. However, the person in the photos was clearly recognizable.
It was none other than herself!
She was lying on the bed with her clothes disheveled and her cheeks flushed.
Although the photos were blurry, it was evident what she was doing.
Vivian’s mind went blank.
She quickly recognized when the photos were taken—two years ago.
“Where did you get these photos from?” Clutching the photos, Vivian glared at Fabian and demanded
in a sharp voice.
What happened two years ago was a nightmare to Vivian. However, after all this time, she was starting
to put her past behind her.
Never in a million years did she imagine that someone actually snapped photos of her! With that, the
horrible incident would become an irremovable taint that would stay with her forever in her life.
“What’s wrong, Vivian? Are you scared?” Staring at Vivian’s ashen face, Fabian could not help but scoff
coldly. “If you’re scared now, why did you even do such dirty things back then?”
Vivian’s emotions were getting out of control. Fabian’s mockery only made her feel frustrated.
“Fabian, I have nothing to do with you! Stop poking your nose into my business!” Vivian’s voice was
extremely cold. “Just tell me where you got those photos. Who took them? Who gave them to you?”
When Fabian saw how pale Vivian was, his heart could not help but ache. However, when his gaze
landed on those revealing pictures, his fury rose again.
“Don’t you know very well who took them? Why are you asking me instead?” Fabian looked at Vivian
mockingly, his eyes filled with disdain. “Or did you mess around with so many different guys that you
can’t even remember when is this from, or which man took these photos?”
Vivian’s body shuddered uncontrollably.
Evidently, Fabian could not tell that this was a photo from two years ago.
Indeed, Vivian always had long hair for these two years. It was hard to see any difference.
Hence, due to the deep misunderstanding he already harbored of Vivian, he naturally assumed that
those photos had been recently taken by some random man.
Vivian bit her lips. Knowing that she would not be able to get any information from this madman, she
turned around and left, not wanting to talk to him anymore.
“Vivian, stop right there!”
Fabian’s furious voice sounded behind Vivian. However, she dashed out of the office without looking
back.
After leaving the office, Vivian ignored everyone’s curious stares and ran straight to the toilet.
She closed the cubicle door, slumped on the toilet seat and panted heavily.
Photos?
Those photos?
Who took those photos and sent them to Fabian? Is it the person who sabotaged me that year?
What is the culprit’s objective? It’s already been two years. Is the person still not satisfied after ruining
my reputation? Is that why he or she revealed these photos now?
While Vivian was on the verge of breaking down, Fabian was not exactly feeling happy either.
He sat on the sofa furiously and tugged on his tie which was suffocating him.
He still remembered receiving a picture of Vivian on the bed two years ago. It was what forced him to
believe that Vivian had really betrayed him.
Two years had passed since then. He expected that he would have given up completely on this
shameless woman by now, but when he saw those pictures, he was still overcome with fury!
Is this a new photo with another man? Who’s the man this time? Finnick? Or someone else?
Fabian was so frustrated that his chest felt like exploding. He must do something about this, otherwise
he might go mad!
He suddenly grabbed his phone and dialed a number.
After the person picked it up, Fabian squeezed out a fake smile.
“Hello, Uncle Finnick. It’s me, Fabian. I haven’t met you after I returned, right? Yeah, you left during the
family dinner because you had something on. I’m going to pass by your company today. Why don’t we
grab a cup of coffee together?”
After half an hour, he arrived at the café nearby Finnor Group.
Finnick was sitting on a wheelchair beside the window. When he lowered his head and spotted the
envelope on the table, his eyes narrowed. “Fabian, what’s this?”
Fabian was sitting on the other side of the table. Although he was slightly intimidated by Finnick’s
overpowering aura, he said stoically, “I think that you should know about some things, Uncle Finnick.”