Ch. 541..550
Chapter 541
Chapter 541
“There was no one by her side back then, and I was the one who led to her demise. Hence, when she
asked me to stay with her, I was in no position to refuse. I had no choice but to bring her home and
take care of her.”
Not expecting this backstory at all, Vivian’s resolve was wavering. From Finnick’s explanation, it
seemed understandable that he chose to stay with Evelyn back then.
Realising that her resolve was wavering, Vivian quickly gathered her wandering thoughts. So what?
When Finnick chose to divorce me, it’s because I’m not as important to him as Evelyn.
Furthermore, since he’s already made up his mind to take care of Eve, and has been doing so for five
years; why is he saying that he wants to pursue me again? What is he trying to do?
Upon that thought, Vivian started to struggle again. “Then, you should take good care of her forever.
What are you doing now? Do you want to be a two-timer? Let me tell you this, Finnick. You can dream
on!”
Finnick grabbed the railings tightly, not letting her escape.
“That thought has never crossed my mind before. I’ve always loved you, Vivian. The only reason why I
took care of Evelyn for five years is that I feel guilty. I swear, I only see her as a friend. I initially planned
to look for you at A Nation after Evelyn could accept the fact that she was crippled and could live
independently again. However, I discovered that I couldn’t wait any longer.”
After a slight pause, he continued, “Vivian, I love you and no one else. In these five years, I have been
missing you so much that I’m going crazy. Now, you’ve finally returned. Let’s get back together again,
okay?”
From Vivian’s memory, Finnick was not someone who would be willing to confess his love so directly.
With a personality like his, it was already good that he would smile at you.
Yet, she heard Finnick, who was bad at expressing his own feelings, declaring his love for her over and
over again. To be honest, she was a bit touched.
Furthermore, she felt like Finnick’s gaze was brimming with passion, almost overwhelming her. There
was a look of love, regret, determination and pleading in his eyes.
Even though they were at the peak of their relationship five years ago, he had never looked at her in
such a manner, as if he wanted to look into her soul.
This complex and emotional look in his eyes moved Vivian greatly. She had an urge to hug Finnick and
lean against his chest, one from which she sought solace.
When Finnick noticed that familiar loving look in Vivian’s eyes, he could not help but feel delighted. He
wanted to kiss her rosy lips and express his longing for her.
Yet, he reminded himself not to be too hasty. Hence, he said gently, “Vivian, your miscarriage is all my
fault. I’m sorry.”
A hurt look flashed across Finnick’s eyes. When Vivian lost her child, the pain she felt was probably
comparable to Evelyn’s. However, he was absent from her side.
Furthermore, it was partly his fault too. If he had protected her child well instead of feeling repulsed, the
child could’ve been safely born into the world.
Unexpectedly, when Vivian heard him mention her child, the heartwarming feeling she felt earlier
disappeared in an instant. A bitter feeling rose within her instead. She could not help but mock herself
silently. The fact that the pain is gone doesn’t mean that I’ve forgotten my lesson.
When she recalled the scene of the doctor walking towards her slowly with a speculum, a shiver ran
down her spine. The feeling of helplessness, as if she was a lamb waiting to be slain, overwhelmed her
again.
“No!” Vivian clutched her head in agony. She would never want to experience something like that
again.
“What’s wrong, Vivian?” asked Finnick anxiously as he grabbed her.
At that moment, he looked like the devil to Vivian. When he stretched out his arms, it looked like he
was going to snatch her child away from her.
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Chapter 542
“Get lost! Don’t touch me!”
She shoved Finnick away so forcefully that he staggered backwards before regaining his balance. On
the other hand, Vivian took the opportunity to escape and run toward the cabin.
Little pumpkin! I want to see him now!
When she returned to the cabin, she saw Larry sitting on the sofa and watching cartoons on the
television. Larry, who had always thought that cartoons were childish, was doubling over in laughter at
a funny scene.
It was only then that Vivian’s heart stopped pounding so frantically. She would only be fine if Larry was
safe and sound.
At that thought, Vivian hated herself for almost falling back in love for Finnick. He almost made her lose
Larry, so she would never forgive him, no matter what!
“You’re back, Mommy!” When Larry turned around and saw Vivian standing at the entrance, he ran
over to her excitedly.
When she carried him up, her heart melted. “Did you behave in the cabin? You weren’t mischievous,
right?”
An exasperated look flashed across Larry’s eyes, making him look adorable. Whenever Mommy leaves
my side for more than five minutes, the first thing she asks me is whether I’ve been mischievous.
“Mommy, I’m a good boy, okay?” protested Larry as he pouted.
“Okay, you’re the best.” Noticing Larry’s gloomy expression, Vivian’s heart ached and she quickly
consoled him.
“I’m fine, Mommy. I’m not blaming you. I love you the most!” A bright grin spread Larry’s cheeks,
shocking Vivian with his rapid change in mood.
“What did you do just now, Mommy?”
Actually, Larry wanted to ask whether she had met his father.
Not wanting Larry to insist on looking for Finnick if he knew he was there, Vivian flicked his nose and
smiled affectionately. “I was at the dining room. After eating, I came back to keep you company.”
“Did you see Daddy?” As he was a child, he did not know how to conceal his emotions. When he gazed
at Vivian, his eyes were filled with excitement. “I saw Daddy at the dining room just now. Did you see
him?”
Upon the mention of Finnick, a cold expression spread across Vivian’s face. “Really? I didn’t see him.”
“But he was right opposite us. Did you really not see him?” asked Larry anxiously. Did my plan fail?
The only reason why I agreed that annoying Mr. Yates to come to this cruise is to create a chance for
Daddy and Mommy to meet!
“I really didn’t see him.” Not wanting to discuss Finnick with Larry, Vivian quickly changed the topic.
Although Larry was still young, he could sense that Vivian did not really like his father. As he did not
want to make her unhappy, he answered her questions obediently and stopped mentioning Finnick.
However, thoughts raced in his mind. Looks like there must be a misunderstanding between Mommy
and Daddy. I must think of a way to solve it for them.
To prevent Finnick from seeing Larry the next morning, Vivian ordered a children’s set meal and asked
for it to be delivered to their cabin. After watching Larry finish his breakfast, Vivian left him with a couple
of reminders.
“Larry, wait for me in the cabin like a good boy. I’ll be back soon to accompany you. Promise me that
you won’t roam around, okay? Otherwise, I’ll be worried.”
“Okay, Mommy. I’ll wait for you in the cabin and not go anywhere else.”
“Good boy!” Smiling and stroking Larry’s head, Vivian could not help but hug him again. Sometimes,
her son was so sensible that her heart ached.
“Go quickly, Mommy.” Larry raised his head in Vivian’s arms and hurried her. Perhaps, she’ll meet
Daddy today!
“Okay, I’ll leave now.” After kissing Larry longingly, she stood up and left the room.
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Chapter 543
When Vivian reached the dining room, she could not help but feel glad for her foresight. As expected,
she bumped into Finnick again. When Vivian saw Evelyn, who was sitting opposite him with a bright
smile, a cold smirk played on her lips.
Yesterday, he promised with such confidence that he had nothing to do with Evelyn. Yet, they were now
sitting together and having breakfast so intimately. Looks like a man’s words cannot be trusted, huh?
After scanning her surroundings, she spotted Hunter, who was waving at her. Hence, she walked
toward him.
“Why isn’t Larry here with you?” asked Hunter, feeling concerned.
“He’s already eaten breakfast and is now in the cabin.” She lowered her head, drank the corn soup,
and ate the dishes which Hunter had ordered for her. It was the first time she felt that he really
understood her preference in food well.
“Vivian, are you interested in taking a yacht out to the sea today? It seems quite interesting,” invited
Hunter. After what happened yesterday, he had decided to pursue her more aggressively.
“I have to go back and accompany Larry later, so I might not be able to make it.” Vivian rejected him as
usual.
“You can ask someone to take care of him on your behalf. Nothing bad will happen.” Hunter was as
insistent like before. “It’s so rare for us to have a chance to have fun outside. It’ll be a huge pity if we
don’t go out to sea at least once, right?”
Vivian, who was planning to reject him again, raised her head. However, she coincidentally saw Evelyn
wipe Finnick’s lips with a napkin. As Finnick’s back was facing Vivian, she could not see how his
expression was like.
For some reason, fury started to rise within her and she had an urge to be reckless.
“Sure, when should we set off?”
Although she did not know why she agreed to Hunter’s invitation, that was what she wanted to do. In
fact, she felt thrilled that she could take revenge.
“What about ten? I’ll see you at your cabin.” Hunter was delighted.
“Alright,” mumbled Vivian before returning to her food. The corn soup which she had enjoyed so much
earlier suddenly tasted slightly strange, although she did not know why.
She finished breakfast emotionlessly before bidding Hunter farewell and returning to her cabin.
After telling Larry that she was going out to sea, she reminded him to wait for her obediently. When it
was time, Hunter knocked on Vivian’s door. Still feeling worried, she reminded Larry over and over
again.
Although she was starting to regret her rash decision, she could not bring herself to reject Hunter when
she saw his bright grin. Hence, she could only steel herself and get onto the speedboat with him.
“How’s the view?” Hunter deliberately moved closer to Vivian and whispered into her ear.
Feeling repulsed by their intimacy, Vivian frowned and inched away from him. “It’s not bad.”
“What about me?” Hunter moved closer to her again.
“What do you mean?” A hint of impatience appeared in Vivian’s eyes.
“Vivian, why don’t you be my girlfriend?” Hunter cut straight to the point and took a step forward. He
was so close to her that if he lowered his head, he could kiss Vivian’s lips.
Sensing Hunter’s breath puffing on her cheeks, she could not endure it anymore. She pushed him
further away and took a few steps back. With a cold expression, she glared at him.
“Hunter, what benefits did Evelyn offer to you to make you help her?”
Larry had constantly been on Vivian’s mind. She was blaming herself for acting so rashly and leaving
him all alone on the cruise ship. Now that Hunter was behaving like that to her, she was in no mood to
continue acting with him. Hence, she decided to be honest and upfront with him.
“You knew?” Hunter was taken aback when he heard her.
“Yeah,” snapped Vivian impatiently. “So, stop acting and tell me directly. What do you want to do? Or in
other words, what does Evelyn want you to do?”
Hunter quickly regained his composure after hearing his words. It’s good that she knows. Anyway, I
was planning to admit it to her a few days later.
Chapter 544
In the beginning, Hunter had agreed to help Evelyn on account of their long-time friendship. More
importantly, when he first laid eyes on Vivian, he found that her sophisticated air appealed to him
greatly. Since the stars have aligned thus perfectly, why not?
When Hunter had really gotten to know Vivian, he felt his curious attraction toward her growing
exponentially. No other woman had managed to ignite such a feeling of warmth within him as she did.
His attraction to Vivian quickly evolved into affection. Hunter had thus already resolved to be honest
with Vivian about his intensifying feelings.
Now that she had found out about it of her own accord, it was a relief for him in some sense. He no
longer had to fret over how best to confess his love for her.
“Yes, it was Evelyn who first asked me to pursue you. She wanted to stop you from getting back
together with your ex-husband.” Hunter admitted honestly.
“So I reckoned,” Vivian replied coldly.
Vivian knew that Evelyn surely had her own motives for introducing other men to her. And it had turned
out to be exactly as Vivian guessed.
“Vivian, are you angry with me?” Hunter asked cautiously. This was why he had agonized over
confessing the truth of the entire matter to Vivian. He was terrified that in her fury, she’d cut off all ties
with him, and he’d lose her for good.
However, Vivian’s sense of fairness prevented her from heaping all the blame on Hunter. He was
clearly only a pawn in this entire operation. She shook her head.
“There’s no reason for me to be angry with you. You did nothing wrong, after all. This is between
Evelyn and me. It has nothing to do with you,” Vivian replied shortly.
“As long as you don’t blame me,” Hunter said, heaving a long sigh of relief. He turned a beaming face
towards her. “It would have been most dreadful if you decided to cut off all ties with me because of this.
If you did, I’d be crying in a corner right now.”
Vivian did not return Hunter’s smile. Her face remained blank.
She certainly wasn’t planning on doing anything to Hunter, but that didn’t mean that she didn’t find him
despicable. In fact, Vivian had always found playboys like him to be rather loathsome.
Even though she was determined not to have anything to do with him, Vivian couldn’t resist saying
scornfully, “Have you ever heard of the word ‘revenge’? Aren’t you afraid of getting your comeuppance
when you toy with women’s feelings like this?”
Hunter merely smiled.
Strictly speaking, he hadn’t led anyone on. Relationships required the cooperation of both parties
involved, after all. Hunter had never bullied any woman into doing anything they weren’t willing to do.
His relationships were mostly a cooperative effort, with both parties reaping individual benefits.
He could never explain that to Vivian, of course. She would detest him even more and assume that he
was making up more excuses for himself.
Looking at Hunter’s hapless smile, Vivian felt a tinge of guilt for sticking her fingers into matters that
were not hers to interfere with. As long as she didn’t get entangled into one, Hunter’s messy affairs
were his own business.
“Don’t waste any more time on me. Nothing can happen between us,” Vivian declared. “You can decide
if you want to tell Evelyn what transpired between us today. Also, please tell her that she doesn’t have
to resort to such underhanded tricks in the future. No one else thinks as highly of the man she likes as
Evelyn herself does!”
Wasn’t Finnick the one Evelyn wanted? What a joke! Did she think that anyone else would be
interested in a phony like that?
“Sorry, perhaps you should tell Evelyn that yourself. I don’t plan on telling her about what happened
here today,” Hunter said, shrugging casually.
He was secretly pleased. From what Vivian had resentfully spat out, Hunter gathered that she had no
intention of rekindling any romance with her ex-husband. Hunter was yet another step closer to his
conquest. He had no plans of giving up on Vivian just like that.
“Why not?” Vivian regarded Hunter with suspicion. Hunter had been co-conspirators with Evelyn. There
was no way that Vivian would believe anything he said in its entirety.
Looking at Vivian’s defensive posture, Hunter sighed helplessly.
“Vivian, I swear that everything I say is the truth. I admit that I got closer to you in the beginning
because of Evelyn. But after getting to know you, I realized that I’d genuinely fallen for you. Why else
would I have confessed everything? I hope you can find it in your heart to believe me.”
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Chapter 545
“Is that the truth?” Vivian asked warily.
“I’ll swear on my honor,” Hunter replied, raising his right hand in the air as if preparing to take an oath.
His face was unusually solemn.
Looking at his serious expression, Vivian recalled the tenderness he had shown her all this time. She
decided to take a leap of faith. After all, it’s still better to have one more person on my side than against
me.
Vivian then flashed hunter a sunny smile. “Thank you.”
It was for the best that Evelyn wasn’t aware of her scheme’s collapse. Otherwise, her devious nature
would have resorted to other machinations.
From day one, Vivian had always treated him rather brusquely. This was the first time that she’d
actually smiled at Hunter. He was momentarily transfixed by it.
Thump! Thump! Thump! The throbbing of his heart echoed thunderously in Hunter’s ears.
With Hunter gaping at her thus, Vivian felt slightly discomfited. Her smile quickly vanished. “Little
Pumpkin’s waiting for me. I’ve got to head back soon,” she hurriedly said.
“Oh, sure!” The spell was broken when Vivian spoke, and Hunter could feel his face flush from
embarrassment.
As he crossed over to the captain’s seat, Hunter was inwardly cursing himself for his foolishness.
Hunter thrived in surroundings full of women. He’d therefore never anticipated that a single smile from
Vivian would set his heart aflutter.
At the same time, he was delighted. Hunter couldn’t even remember the last time he had felt moved by
any woman. It felt both novel and exciting.
The speedboat hadn’t traveled far, and they were back at the cruise ship in no time.
As they approached the cruise ship, however, Vivian felt a growing sense of uneasiness. Something
was amiss. It was noon, and there should have been all sorts of noise and laughter coming from the
deck. Instead, not a single person was in sight. The entire cruise ship was blanketed in unusual
silence.
“Do you feel that something’s off?” Vivian turned towards Hunter, asking doubtfully.
“What’s wrong?” Hunter stopped the speedboat and examined the cruise ship. “It seems…”
Before he could finish his sentence, an ear-splitting bang sounded from the cruise ship.
“Ahhh!” This was followed by countless shrill screams.
Hunter and Vivian looked at each other with a mix of panic and fear. What on earth’s happening on
board?
“Good heavens! Have they run into pirates?” Hunter recovered his wits quickly.
Hunter had heard that pirates targeted cruise ships for the sheer number of rich and wealthy people
that were bound to be gathered on board. However, he never expected to have the misfortune of
running into them that day.
Hunter’s first instinct was to turn the speedboat around and steer off in the opposite direction, engines
blazing. However, Vivian clung to him doggedly, refusing to let him do so. “Little Pumpkin’s on that ship!
I can’t leave him. Let me board!” she begged.
“It’s too dangerous now. We have to leave quickly and get the police over here,” Hunter seized Vivian,
who was trying to board the cruise ship. “If you go up like this recklessly, you might not even be able to
avoid being killed, much less save Little Pumpkin!”
“But I can’t abandon him just like that!” Vivian’s face was etched with distress and fright. “Let me go up
first. You can call the police afterward.”
Hunter felt torn upon hearing Vivian’s declaration. He hesitated.
“Get us over there now! I’m definitely going to board. Stop wasting time!” Vivian had worked herself up
into a frenzy, her voice breaking into a sob. What if Little Pumpkin is already in danger right now?
“I’ll go with you,” Hunter said firmly. How could he, as a man, allow Vivian to risk danger all alone?
Hunter carefully moored the speedboat and tentatively boarded the cruise ship with Vivian.
The sight that rose before their eyes was not unexpected. The passengers were all kneeling in the
main atrium, hands on their heads. A gunman stood before them menacingly, waving his pistol in the
air to accentuate his threats.
However, Vivian could clearly see that the hand he was gripping the gun with was trembling. The
pirate’s fierce expression had not quite managed to mask the fear in his eyes. Clearly, this was no
seasoned veteran.
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Chapter 546
Besides, he was the only one in sight. Vivian did not identify any other allies in the crowd. Everyone,
however, was shaken by the sight of the gun. No one dared make a false move in his presence.
Vivian was unable to locate Larry in her brief scan of the present crowd. She let out a small sigh of
temporary relief. Little Pumpkin should still be in the cabin then, Vivian concluded. Hopefully, none of
the pirates have managed to find him!
Vivian turned to Hunter and gestured at the deck, indicating that they could sneakily access the cabins
through it.
Hunter understood. He flanked Vivian from the outside to shield her as they made their way in. Their
hearts beating wildly, Hunter and Vivian finally arrived at the cabins. They’d managed to successfully
evade the pirate’s shifting eyes.
The moment she pushed open the door, Vivian darted in to search for Larry. He was nowhere to be
found. As her search grew increasingly futile, Vivian became distraught.
“Little Pumpkin, are you here?” Vivian cried, already on the verge of weeping. All she had for solace
was this single thought that she repeated to herself over and over again. Little Pumpkin’s a clever little
guy! He’ll be all right!
But she couldn’t shake the nagging fact that no matter how intelligent Larry was, he was still only five
years old. Vivian couldn’t help herself. Tears came and flowed uncontrollably. “Little Pumpkin! Are you
in here? Answer Mommy, please!” Vivian cried in desperation.
“Mommy, I’m here!” Just as Vivian was about to collapse from sheer grief, Larry’s voice piped out from
the closet.
Delirious with joy, Vivian rushed over. Larry was indeed curled up inside, looking up at Vivian with joy.
“Are you all right, Little Pumpkin?” Vivian asked anxiously, scooping him up into her arms. She
examined him closely all over to check for signs of possible harm.
“I’m fine, Mommy! Why did you come back only now?” Larry asked.
After his joy at seeing his mother had faded somewhat, Larry felt slightly indignant at having been left
behind. Tears welled up in his eyes. It had been so scary being left all alone just now!
Vivian’s heart ached for her child. She squeezed him in a tight hug and babbled, “I’m sorry Little
Pumpkin! It’s all Mommy’s fault; Mommy shouldn’t have left you all alone just now.”
“I’m fine, Mommy. Don’t cry,” Larry said obediently, wiping at the tears cascading down Vivian’s face. “I
was playing here when I heard people shouting outside about pirates, so I quickly ran into the closet
and hid.”
“OK,” Vivian said, patting Larry’s head tenderly. “You’re really smart, Little Pumpkin!”
“Vivian, now that we’ve found Little Pumpkin, we should leave quickly. If that pirate discovers us, we
won’t be able to get away,” Hunter reminded her urgently.
“All right,” Vivian submitted, wiping away the rest of her tears. They had to leave as fast as they could.
Hunter and Vivian retraced the route they had taken through the deck. Just as they were about to
board the speedboat, they heard a vicious shout from the main atrium.
“Bring Finnick here!”
Vivian stopped immediately in her tracks. She couldn’t suppress the worry that automatically
accompanied the mention of that name. What does the pirate want with Finnick? Is Finnick his ultimate
prize?
Even though the thought of Finnick still repulsed Vivian, he was still Larry’s Dad and someone she has
once shared tremendous intimacy with. Vivian could not bring herself to walk away in cold blood.
Vivian thus crept back towards the main atrium. She crouched in a corner that largely afforded her
invisibility and tried to overhear what the commotion was about.
“Vivian, what are you doing? Let’s go!” Hunter was clearly dismayed by Vivian’s incomprehensible
behavior. He lunged forward and whispered frantically, “We have to leave right now!”
“Shh.” Vivian turned to him with a finger pressed against her lips, requiring his silence. It would be
disastrous if the pirate discovered them.
Larry followed suit, echoing, “Shh.” His adorable face was similarly filled with alarm. That bad guy
shouted Daddy’s name! Is Daddy going to get hurt?
Hunter was helpless before mother and son. He could only stand by and watch anxiously. Wasn’t that
enough excitement for the two of them? We’re clearly in great danger! Why are we still messing around
here?
All the same, Hunter couldn’t just leave them behind and escape by himself. He had no choice but to
stay by their side in this ridiculous situation.
Chapter 547
In the main atrium of the cruise ship, a tall figure stood facing the pirate.
When she recognized who he was, Vivian felt a sudden surge of emotion rise up in her throat.
It was Finnick! It truly was him.
Finnick stood proud and tall, looking utterly fearless. Scowling, he demanded, “Was this entire circus
just for me? Why?”
The pirate hadn’t bothered to hide his face. He looked like an ordinary middle-aged man, except for the
gun that he wielded in his hand.
When the pirate heard Finnick’s question, he erupted angrily, yelling, “Why? That’s a good question!
Don’t ask me; ask yourself that! Don’t you know what you did five years ago?”
Five years ago?
Vivian stood stock still.
Wasn’t I still with Finnick five years ago?
“Five years ago?” Finnick sounded as clueless as Vivian was. He muttered to himself, saying, “But I
don’t even know who you are! How can I possibly remember what I did to offend you five years ago?”
“You may not know who I am, but I know exactly who you are!” The pirate’s impassioned voice rang out
in the stillness. “I’m looking for you, Finnick, president of the Finnor Group! What did you promise us,
stockholders, back then? You said that we had to trust you and that you wouldn’t let our hard-earned
money go to waste! Why don’t you ask your conscience what you did?”
“Finnor Group revealed trade secrets, causing its stocks to plummet. I lost my principal entirely! My
wife took our child and left, leaving me to wander alone all these years. I’ve been living a desolate life!
All this happened because of you, b*stard! But look at you. You’re still living a care life without
consequence. You don’t even deserve to live! Hell was created for people like you!”
So this was all because of the fund!
Immediately after the speech ended, Vivian heard shrieks coming from the passengers. Amid the
tumult rose the sound of the pirate’s sinister laugh, as well as Finnick’s grunts of pain.
Fearing for his safety, Vivian was prepared to stand up and creep closer to get a better view of the
atrium. Hunter, however, held her back.
“What are you doing? Even if you don’t care about your own safety, think of Little Pumpkin! We should
leave now and get the police. We can’t get caught up in all this!” he said with a hiss.
Hunter was clutching Vivian’s arm, evidently perturbed. Every minute they lingered was another minute
spent in danger. He had no plans to die a hero for now, at least.
Besides, Hunter was primarily concerned for Vivian and Larry’s safety. He didn’t much care whether the
other passengers lived or died. He was even less prepared to sacrifice his own life for any of theirs.
“This is important!” Larry said crossly as he glowered at Hunter. He turned to Vivian with tears in his
eyes. “Mommy, can we go in and save Daddy?”
It was the sight of Larry’s vulnerability that finally convinced Vivian that they had to leave. No matter
what, she couldn’t place Larry in harm’s way. It was just too bad for Finnick. He was no longer a part of
her life, after all.
Vivian hardened her heart and was ready to leave with Larry and Hunter. However, the next sentence
turned her blood to ice.
“Weren’t you the one that was responsible for exposing Finnor Group’s client data back then?”
Vivian was utterly taken aback. When that scandal broke out, Vivian had just been rescued from
Evelyn’s kidnapping plot. Vivian recalled that she had been recuperating in the hospital.
At that time, Finnick had been occupied with this business. He hadn’t even been able to spare enough
time to visit Vivian in the hospital. How could Finnick possibly have been able to expose their clients’
data then?
Vivian slowed down as she pondered this, only to hear the pirate continue shouting, “Wasn’t it utter
nonsense when you announced to everyone that you had been hacked? I did my own investigation and
found out that you did it all for your wife!”
Chapter 548
“When your wife was kidnapped, you promised all of Finnor Group’s client data to them in exchange.
Tell me if this wasn’t the case!” the pirate challenged.
Vivian’s hand flew to her mouth. Her eyes widened in shock. How could that be? Did Finnick really
expose all of Finnor Group’s client data because of me?
Vivian stood where she was holding her breath; her body quivering slightly, her ears keenly tuned for
Finnick’s reply. Vivian was in shock. How is this possible? However, Finnick’s reply never came. The
pirate’s voice, on the other hand, increased in volume and rage.
“Your silence speaks for itself. You’re really something, Finnick. Your wife’s life is important, but what
about the rest of the stockholders? Did you think about anyone else? Did you think about the
consequences that your actions would have on all of us?
I’m a firm believer in retribution. An eye for an eye! You should have expected some kind of payback
for your heinous deed. Today on behalf of everyone who suffered because of you, I’m going to give you
b*stard the punishment you deserve…”
Vivian was now persuaded that in order to rescue her five years ago, Finnick had readily sacrificed his
own business and future.
She grappled with the feelings that were bubbling up within her. They left her feeling bewildered. The
memory of Finnick caressing her as she slept in the hospital bed rose unbidden to Vivian’s mind.
He must have been exhausted from everything that he was dealing with at work. Then, he had to go to
the hospital to care for me. Yet Finnick had never breathed a word of this to Vivian. Was he afraid that
I’d feel guilty because of that?
Tears sparkled in Vivian’s eyes and threatened to spill over. She was undeniably moved. Finnick had
given up so much for her! So he was sincere, after all…
“Vivian, let’s go! Otherwise, it’ll really be too late,” Hunter urged. He felt an overwhelming instinct to
knock her unconscious and haul her along with him at the rate she was holding them back. We’re on
the brink of death! What else is there to think about?
Although Vivian still couldn’t quite forgive Finnick for what he had done to herself and Larry, neither
could she steel herself to walk away without intervening in Finnick’s time of trouble.
She thrust Larry towards Hunter. With a solemn look, Vivian said quickly, “Take Little Pumpkin with you
and go! I have to stay here.”
After all, Finnick was in this mess partly because of her. She couldn’t possibly leave him now.
“You’re crazy!” Hunter threw himself before Vivian, barricading her way forward with Larry in his arms.
“Don’t be stupid! Now’s not the time to behave recklessly. Leave with me right now!”
Hunter struggled to grab Vivian and pull her away, but she had long since made up her mind. Vivian
knew that if she left now, she would never be able to live with herself.
“I’ve made up my mind. Take Little Pumpkin away with you quickly! Please take care of him,” Vivian
begged, casting one last longing glance at Larry. She broke of Hunter’s grip and pushed them aside,
storming towards the atrium.
Hunter barely stopped himself from calling after her, afraid that he would draw the pirate’s attention to
himself and Larry. He could only watch as Vivian marched towards certain danger.
However, something was stopping Hunter from fleeing for his life and taking Larry along with him. He
froze on the spot not knowing what to do.
As she entered the atrium, Vivian was greeted by the sight of the pirate pointing the barrel of his gun
directly at Finnick’s head. Finnick was usually terribly fastidious about his appearance. At the moment,
however, he was half-kneeling on the floor, his clothes wrinkled with a giant shoe print on his chest.
He remained remarkably calm despite the circumstances. The only indication of his suffering was the
scrunching up of his features. A thin trickle of blood ran from the corner of his mouth.
Vivian anxiously looked Finnick up and down, taking consolation in the fact that there were no other
visible injuries on his body.
Chapter 549
“Help!”
“Someone please help us!”
“Get us out of here!”
Everyone in the hall was desperately calling out to Vivian for help when they noticed her. They
assumed she was the police coming to their rescue.
However, their cries for help agitated the robber, so he fired a warning shot towards the sky. “Everyone
shut the f*** up!”
Bang! The anxious hostages screamed as soon as they heard the gunshot but immediately silenced
themselves right after, allowing quietness to ensue once again. All the hostages were crouching with
their hands on their heads, shivering for fear that the robber might point the gun at them.
Seeing that crowd was under control again, the robber pointed his gun towards Vivian with a restless
look on his face. “Stay there and don’t move! Don’t come any closer!” His voice was clearly trembling.
At the same time, as soon as Vivian saw the gun pointing at her, she immediately became weak at the
knees, barely holding herself up with those legs of hers. She swallowed hard and just stood there,
afraid to move even an inch forward.
“Who are you! Why are you here!” The robber’s heart was racing. All he could think of at that moment
was how he should escape if the police had actually arrived.
Before Vivian could say anything, Finnick roared at her, “What are you doing here! Leave!”
The man who wore a straight face even at gunpoint was currently covered in a cold sweat. No one
knew how terrified he was just now when Vivian suddenly appeared.
“Stay quiet!” The robber pulled his hand back and bashed Finnick on the head with the handle of the
gun. As blood flowed down the side of Finnick’s face, the gun was once again pointing back at him.
He was secretly relieved when he felt the gun pressed on his temple. A moment ago, Finnick was
going insane when the gun was pointing towards Vivian. She was the only one on his mind, and he
could not stand seeing her in such a dangerous situation.
“Who the hell are you!” Even though the gun was pointing at Finnick, the robber’s attention was still on
Vivian.
Vivian kept her cool and shifted her worried gaze away from Finnick. She took a deep breath before
trying her best to act tough.
“I’m Finnick’s wife, the one that you mentioned. The Finnor Group publicized those client data because
of me, so I’m the real culprit, not him. Let him go.”
“What are you talking about! Just run!” Finnick shouted at her maddeningly. What Vivian said made him
extremely frustrated because he had no idea what was going on in her head.
This is not something that you can take on all the blame for! Your life is at stake here!
Having said that, Finnick still felt a little touched as tears wet his eyes. Does this mean she still loves
me? She wouldn’t have risked her life for me like this if she doesn’t, right?
Nevertheless, Vivian ignored Finnick and continued, “Let Finnick go. If you want revenge, I’m right
here. I was the one responsible for ruining your life.”
Meanwhile, Evelyn, who was among the hostages, kept her eyes on the blood on Finnick’s head,
concerned to the point of tears. When she heard what Vivian said, an extreme amount of rage welled
up inside her as she shifted her gaze towards Vivian and gave her a death stare.
This is all because of her! Finnick wouldn’t have gotten into this situation and got hurt because of her!
In Evelyn’s mind, Finnick should be placed on a pedestal and be respected by all. He should never be
taking hits from a bunch of goons.
“Yes! That’s her! She was the one that ruined your family! Finnick had nothing to do with it. Just shoot
her!” Evelyn bellowed.
Just die, Vivian! Why don’t you die!
Evelyn currently had a menacing look on her face as her hatred for Vivian filled up her mind. She had
totally forgotten that nothing would have happened if she did not kidnap Vivian back then.
“Shut up!” Finnick roared at Evelyn angrily. He did not expect that she would be fanning the flame of
the situation.
But he was too late. Evelyn’s words had given the robber a final nudge into insanity. Slowly, he raised
his arm and pointed the gun at Vivian.
Chapter 550
“So it’s you! It’s all your fault!” The robber exclaimed.
My business, my family, everything I had is gone because of this woman. She should die! Both of them
should die! I had a good life ahead of me, but it’s all ruined because of this couple. I’ll make them pay!
You should both suffer in hell!
The hatred in his eyes was burning furiously as the robber slowly approached Vivian. He was ready to
pull the trigger at any moment.
“Mommy, no!” Larry saw what was going on from the deck through the window and was about to rush
to the hall to save Vivian. Please! Don’t let anything bad happen to Mommy!
However, Hunter immediately gave Larry a bear hug, locking him in place as Hunter did all he could to
suppress Larry’s struggling and stop him from going in. Hunter was currently in disbelief.
When he first started learning the language, he learned something about love that transcended life and
death. He refused the notion thinking that no one would ever do something so stupid.
To him, besides the parents, there was nothing more important than one’s own life. Love was just a
way to have fun and kill time. There was no point in getting hurt over it.
Nevertheless, that day, he finally realized that something like that did, in fact, exist. A feeling so strong
that one would forfeit their life for another.
Does Vivian actually hate Finnick like how she acts?
Back in the hall, Vivian’s senses intensified from the tension. She could clearly feel the beads of sweat
slipping down the back of her ears while the beating of her heart pummeled at her eardrum. Vivian
closed her eyes when she realized the gun was getting really close.
Sorry, Little pumpkin. I won’t be able to watch you grow up, watch you get married, and have kids. I’m
so sorry…
Her tears flowed down her cheeks as she waited hopelessly for the sound of gunfire. But it never came.
What she heard instead was the robber’s painful cry. So, she opened her eyes.
In front of Vivian, the robber was lying down on his back with one hand on his shoulder. He was
moaning in pain while Finnick wiped away the blood at the corner of his mouth and pointed the gun at
the robber.
When Finnick saw the robber approach Vivian, he was anxious to the point where he felt like his heart
was about to explode. As he could not stay still any longer, Finnick blindsided the robber while he was
not looking. He closed in on him and immediately grabbed the arm holding the gun, twisting it backward
with all his might.
Crack! There was a crisp crackling sound as the robber’s arm was dislocated from his shoulder,
followed by the man’s painful cry.
After that, Finnick snapped out a kick towards the robber’s chest, knocking him down. Finnick
proceeded to pick up the gun and pointed it at the robber.
Ever since he was kidnapped with Vivian fifteen years ago, Finnick had put in some work and picked
up quite a few self-defense and martial art techniques. When he subdued the robber, he felt glad that
he did not let up on honing those skills.
On the other hand, Vivian realized that she was safe, so she let out a deep sigh of relief and allowed
herself to slump to the ground. She was trying to calm herself down as the fear sank in.
When the hostages saw that Finnick had taken the gun away from the robber, everyone stood up with
no more concern on their minds. They surrounded the criminal as some even gave him a few more
kicks.
The man on the floor was struggling to get up, wanting to escape. Nonetheless, no one there would
ever let him go. Someone ordered a server to find some rope and tied the robber up before they started
reprimanding the man for his actions and releasing the pent-up frustration and anger they accumulated.
Those people were very much accustomed to the high life, so the terror and indignant they felt from the
incident had brought out the worst in them as they disregarded all the etiquette that they once
emphasized.
“You really thought you had all the power in the world with that tiny gun, huh?”
“A solo mission to rob a cruise ship? You’re brave if nothing else.”
“Call the police already! Illegal possession of a firearm, kidnap and blackmail. I reckon he would be in
jail for the rest of his life with these charges.”
“You shouldn’t have gotten into stocks if you can’t take the hit. If everyone were like you, none of us
here would be able to do any business!”
“Call the police, quick! I’ll put a word in with you at the police station. I want this man dead in the prison
cell! Goddammit! I thought I could have some fun on this cruise. Why did this have to happen to me!”