Ch. 751..760
Chapter 751
Chapter 751
Rachel nearly broke down in despair seeing how determined Vivian was. How could this happen?
At once, she wailed desperately, “Vivian, don’t leave. You’re my daughter! I feel sorry for Evelyn
because she’s a cripple. That’s why I showed more concern for her.”
Hearing her pleas, Vivian slowed down as bitterness engulfed her. Back then, when Evelyn was still
able to walk, she never showed any concern for me, too.
It’s too late. There’s no use tormenting myself over this unhealthy relationship.
“Tell Evelyn to stay put. Otherwise, she’ll suffer from the consequences,” Vivian declared. With that,
she stalked out of Rachel’s ward, ignoring the latter’s desperate wails.
Vivian quickened her pace until she could no longer hear Rachel’s voice.
In the restroom, she washed the tear stains away and told herself, From now on, Larry and Benedict
are my only family. I should never give in and compromise on anything.
She held the edge of the sink and gathered her thoughts. Immediately, Larry’s adorable figure popped
up in her mind. I need to see him now.
At the hospital’s entrance, Finnick was indeed waiting for her. Vivian recalled how he insisted on
sending her back home. Ugh, I sense a headache coming.
Today’s events had depleted her energy, so she didn’t want to ponder about their relationship right now.
“Are you alright?” Finnick dashed over to her and inquired in concern.
Vivian shook her head silently.
“Let’s go. I’ll give you a ride home,” Finnick told her. She was obviously in a foul mood, so he didn’t say
anything else.
Vivian stood rooted to the spot as she racked her brains, trying to come out with an excuse to reject his
offer. She was too exhausted to be in the same space with this man and discuss their relationship.
“Vivian!” When Vivian was in a dilemma, Hunter’s voice rang out behind her. She turned at her
shoulder and saw the man running over to her.
Hunter came to a stop in front of Vivian and ignored Finnick. He panted, “I couldn’t find you in the
hospital. Luckily, you’re still here. I’ll give you a ride home.”
“Alright,” replied Vivian after a brief hesitation.
“My car is parked there. Let’s go.” Hunter seemed delighted by her answer. She chose me instead of
Finnick. That means I still have a chance, right?
“Alright.” Vivian glanced at Finnick. “You should go home, too. Hunter will give me a ride.” With that,
she turned in the opposite direction and left with Hunter.
Finnick stood still and watched them quietly as his fists balled up. What does she mean? Is she really
dating Hunter?
His expression hardened in fury as he caught up to them and took Vivian’s arm. “I’ll give you a ride
home. I have something to tell you.”
Hunter immediately stopped him. “Let her go. She agreed to let me drive her home.”
“This is a private matter between my wife and I. Stop coming between us!” Finnick was already
simmering in rage, so when Hunter stepped up, he burst out angrily.
Unfazed, Hunter mocked, “Your wife? I believe you are already divorced. She has nothing to do with
you now.”
“That doesn’t mean she is your business now!” Finnick retaliated loudly. “Vivian and I will remarry
sooner or later, so stay away from her!”
“Stop it! I’ll go back on my own.” Vivian shoved Finnick away furiously and strode away. Who do they
think I am?
Chapter 752
Chapter 752
Finnick disentangled himself from Hunter’s clutches and ran after Vivian. “I have something to tell you,
Vivian. Can I send you home?”
“We shall talk some other time. I’ll grab a cab.” In a red rage, Vivian swept past him and stomped
ahead.
“Vivian!” Finnick stood in her way once again and repeated, “I’ll take you home.”
“Can you stop?” Vivian kept her fury in check. “I’m not a child. I can find my way home.”
Sensing Vivian’s anger, Finnick swept her up in his arms without hesitation and dashed to his car.
“Finnick! Let me down!” Vivian struggled and demanded. They were in public, so she dared not yell to
avoid unwanted attraction.
Finnick ignored her pleas and strode ahead confidently. As passers-by were already staring, Vivian
slowly quietened down.
“Put me down. I’ll go with you and you can give me a ride home.”
A grin flitted across Finnick’s face upon hearing her words. He came to a stop and put her down.
Vivian shot him a furious glare and stomped her way to his car. She plonked her butt into the
passenger’s seat and slammed the door shut.
Finnick was amused by her reluctance but he kept the smile and got into the car soon.
Meanwhile, Hunter’s fists balled up as a vein popped out on his neck. He dared not treat Vivian this
impudently, but Finnick dared to do so. Vivian doesn’t seem to despise his advances. Can I really win
over her heart?
Throughout the journey home, Vivian kept her gaze fixed out of the window and refused to talk to
Finnick. Finnick kept stealing glances at her, but he didn’t know how to break the silence.
They were talking amiably in the hospital earlier, so he was confused as to why Vivian returned to her
cold self. It took me a lot of effort to ease the tension between us. Are we back to square one?
After a long hesitation, he asked a question that had been haunting him all the while. “Vivian, I have a
question about our divorce. Can you please tell me the truth?”
Five years had gone by, but Finnick still couldn’t understand why Vivian demanded for a divorce even
though he agreed to let her keep the child.
Indeed, he had no idea that child was his, so he agreed to it quite reluctantly. Yet, it didn’t explain why
she refused to see him and went ahead to send him the divorce agreement using Benedict’s name.
Vivian’s heart jumped to her throat at his question. Are we finally going to talk about that incident?
What will Finnick say? Will he admit that he sent Noah to force me to abort our child? Or was
everything a misunderstanding?
“What is it?” She exhaled shakily as she could feel her heart in her throat.
On the other hand, as both Benedict and Vivian weren’t at home, Larry was having fun painting in his
room.
Ms. Booker, who was taking care of him, couldn’t stop herself from lavishing the little boy with praises.
“Wow, Mr. Larry. You are really good at this. That’s a beautiful painting!”
Indeed, Ms. Booker wasn’t exaggerating or lying to the child. Three months ago, Vivian enrolled Larry
in art classes so he’d stay put and perhaps stop being so naughty.
Larry was the youngest student in class, but that didn’t stop him from becoming the top student there.
Every time Vivian picked him up from class, the teacher would always tell her how talented Larry was
and that his talent shouldn’t be wasted.
Chapter 753
Chapter 753
Vivian did not take Ms. Booker’s comment to heart. She already knew that Larry was smart, and he
learned things very quickly. Of course, he got this trait of his from Finnick. However, as to what job he
would like to take up in the future, that was for him to decide after he grew up. Larry would have his
own path in life, thus she should not interfere when he was still unable to make a decision.
Hearing Ms. Booker’s compliment, Larry did not seem to be pleased. His attention was no longer on
drawing. Instead, his thoughts were filled up by his Daddy and Mommy.
Sometimes when Vivian was not at home, he would beat around the bush and try to learn more about
his father from Benedict. Naturally, Benedict would not disclose anything. And when Larry became too
persistent, he would educate the little boy with a stern face and lecture him that children should not be
too nosy.
Larry did not dare to press on further whenever Uncle Benedict, who usually adores him, became
cross. Nevertheless, from his mother and Uncle Benedict’s reaction, he could easily deduce that they
both disliked his Daddy.
One time he overheard the conversation between his Mommy and Uncle Benedict. He remembered
hearing the latter mention something along the lines of his Daddy abandoning him and Mommy. That
was the reason why they came to live in A Nation.
Although he had only met Finnick a few times, Larry firmly believed that his Daddy was not someone
who would just abandon his own wife and child like what Uncle Benedict had said.
He did not simply come to such a conclusion without rhyme or reason. The last time I saw Daddy, he
did not know that I was his son. He only thought that I was a random lost child. But he was very kind
and gentle to me. Not only did he get someone to help me look for Mommy, but he also spent time
playing with me.
Larry was brought up in a wealthy environment. He himself was smart beyond his years and more
sensible than other children of his age. From an early age, he had already witnessed the arrogance of
the higher-ups in a company – they were all condescending snobs.
His Daddy, on the other hand, could lower his pride and play with a random child. Therefore, he was
not someone who would do such an abominable act. There had to be some misunderstanding between
him and Mommy which led to them separating from each other.
Although Mommy had promised that she would listen to Daddy’s explanation, it seems that their
misunderstanding is still not resolved. Otherwise, Daddy would have already come to see me. Sigh…
Does Daddy even know about my existence?
As he thought of this, Larry felt extremely upset. He missed his Daddy so much. Every day, he yearned
to go and meet him. Yet Daddy didn’t even know who he was, and this was unbearably sad.
No! I must think of a way to reunite them and help them resolve their misunderstanding. Because if this
situation continued, Larry did not know when he would get to see his father. But what is the best and
most effective way?
A frown etched itself upon Larry’s cherubic face. The little boy was considering his options solemnly.
Looking at his focused expression, Ms. Booker thought that he was thinking hard about what to draw
next and did not say anything. She was afraid that she might interrupt the thought process of this little
genius.
Larry held the pencil firmly in his hand for quite some time. Ding! A lightbulb went on his head. I have
an idea!
“Ms. Booker, I am hungry and craving bread. Can you make me some, please?” Larry pleaded
adorably with puppy dog eyes.
Larry was perfectly aware of how to use his cuteness to his own advantage. Ms. Booker was already
especially fond of him since he was a sensible and well-behaved kid. With this look that he was giving
her now, how could she refuse him?
“Okay, you stay here and continue drawing. I’ll go make the bread. I will come to get you when it is
done. Please be a good boy and do not run off on your own, okay?”
“Yes, Ms. Booker! I’ll be a good boy and wait for you here,” Larry responded while nodding.
Ms. Booker gave Larry a light pat on his head and proceeded right away to the kitchen downstairs. This
child was just too loveable!
Larry waited and made sure that Ms. Booker had gone downstairs before he went back to his own
room in a hurry. He packed the things he needed into a light backpack and stealthily snuck downstairs.
When he passed by the kitchen, he was extra cautious and made sure to be light on his feet. He
nervously kept an eye on the busy Ms. Booker, lest he made any sound that would alert her.
Chapter 754
Chapter 754
Just as Ms. Booker had her back turned to him, he scampered across the living room as fast as his
little feet could carry him. Soon, he was out of the door. After he had successfully gone out, he
breathed a sigh of relief and smiled naughtily. Next, he was going to execute his grand master plan.
“Larry, the bread is done! Come and eat. I’ve added in your favorite sweet corn. It smells heavenly,”
Ms. Booker called out to Larry while standing at the bottom of the stairway. Unsurprisingly, she was met
with total silence.
“Larry, come down quickly. The bread will not taste good after it has cooled down,” Ms. Booker said as
she walked up the stairs to the second floor. Alas, Larry was nowhere to be seen as she entered the
playroom.
“Larry? Larry!” shouted Ms. Booker in a panic as she had no idea where he had gone. Her heart was
palpitating with fear. She called out his name loudly. Again, there was no response.
She searched every nook and cranny of the house, and she couldn’t find the young boy who was under
her care. She broke down completely. Could something have happened to Larry? With Larry gone,
what was she supposed to say to Mr. Morrison and Ms. Vivian? She fervently hoped that the young Mr.
Larry was not in any danger.
On the other side, Finnick wanted some answers from Vivian. “Vivian, back then, why did you refuse to
see me? But you let Benedict… “
Bzzz… Bzzz… Bzzz… Finnick didn’t get to finish his query before being interrupted by Vivian’s
vibrating phone. Seeing that it was a call from Ms. Booker who was taking care of Larry, Vivian said to
Finnick apologetically, “I have to take this.”
As soon as she swiped the green button, Ms. Booker’s frantic sobs from the other end could be heard.
“Miss, Mr. Larry… Mr. Larry has gone missing! I couldn’t find him anywhere… “
“What? Tell me what happened!” The moment she heard that Larry was missing, Vivian went into a
panic immediately. Her hand that was holding the phone started shaking uncontrollably.
“Mr. Larry said he wanted bread, so I went to make him some. But when I came back he was gone! I
looked for him everywhere, but I couldn’t find him!” said Ms. Booker who was clearly rattled and scared.
“I’m so sorry, Miss. It’s all my fault. I didn’t keep a close eye on him… “
Listening to Ms. Booker’s intermittent sobs, Vivian forced herself to remain calm. Although she was
worried sick, she could not lose her cool.
“Please don’t cry. Hurry and search the surrounding areas, he might be nearby. I will come home
immediately,” Vivian instructed while trying to convince herself that it was alright at the same time. This
isn’t the first time Larry has gone off on his own. He will be fine, just like the last time! Maybe he has
just gone off somewhere on a whim. He’s just playing somewhere nearby. He’s okay. He’ll be okay. I
need to stay calm…
After she hung up, Vivian turned over to Finnick and said in a hurry, “Something came up. Hurry and
send me back home!”
At her behest, Finnick sped up immediately. He looked over to her with worry and asked, “What’s going
on? What happened at home? Did someone go missing?”
“It’s nothing,” Vivian replied, looking ahead with butterflies in her stomach. She chose not to tell Finnick
anything as she was still unsure of their relationship. Hence, she’d better not let Finnick know about
Larry’s existence.
“Vivian, just what has happened? Please tell me so that I can assist you,” Finnick asked, clearly not
convinced. She was so nervous during the call, how could it be nothing?
“It’s really nothing. Please don’t ask anymore. Just send me home as fast as you can,” Vivian
responded snappily. She was extremely anxious and not in the mood to keep going back and forth with
Finnick.
Seeing as Vivian was vexed, Finnick could only keep his questions to himself. However, his heart
ached. Did she not trust him now? That was why she refused to tell him anything. Without another
word, Finnick stepped hard on the accelerator. Soon, his car sped ahead all of the other vehicles on the
road in the direction of the Morrison residence.
The moment they reached, Vivian unbuckled her seatbelt as fast as lightning and said to Finnick, “You
can go. Thank you for driving me back, and sorry for the trouble.”
Chapter 755
Chapter 755
Finnick grabbed onto Vivian’s arm just as she was about to get off. “Vivian, you look very worried. Are
you sure you don’t need my help?” he asked with a serious face.
Vivian looked into his earnest eyes. Her hesitation lasted just one moment, and she shook her head.
“There is no need. I can handle this on my own. You should just go. If I really need your help, I will call
you.”
“Then I’ll just wait for you here. In the event you need me, it’ll be more convenient,” said Finnick. He
actually felt slightly angry that Vivian insisted on not letting him know what was wrong.
Hearing this, Vivian was even more flustered. What would happen if he found out about Larry while
waiting here? She frowned and tried to urge Finnick to leave. “This is a Morrison family matter. My
brother and I can manage it. You should just go.”
“Then I shall wait for you to resolve it before I go back,” insisted Finnick. If he just went back under
such circumstances, he would be constantly worried about Vivian. It was better to just stick around.
“Suit yourself,” Vivian replied in defeat. Anxious about her son’s safety, she had no energy to keep up
the game of tug-of-war with Finnick. She hurriedly got off the car after her curt reply.
Finnick followed after her. He had intended to go in with her, but he stopped himself when he thought of
all the times that she had refused him. Perhaps she has some unspeakable reasons for doing so.
Considering this, he stopped at the gate. He decided that he would just wait there, so as not to make
matters worse for Vivian.
Just as Vivian stepped into the house, Ms. Booker went up to her and blubbered, “Miss, I’ve looked
everywhere! Mr. Larry is still nowhere to be seen. What should we do now?”
“You need to stop crying now and tell me how Larry went missing. Tell me everything clearly,” Vivian
said. Her stomach knotted uneasily when she heard that Larry was not found. She had to stay calm
and find out what had transpired.
Wiping the tears off her face, Ms. Booker recounted the whole ordeal between sobs. “I was
accompanying Mr. Larry as he was drawing in the playroom. Halfway through, he suddenly said that he
was hungry and craved bread. He requested for me to make it for him. After that, I went to the kitchen.”
As she reached that part, she broke down in tears uncontrollably. “Before I came down, I had reminded
Mr. Larry to wait for me and not run off on his own. He promised me that he would stay put. But when I
came back, he was gone! I’ve looked inside the house and everywhere else, but I just can’t find him
anywhere!”
“Did you hear anything while you were in the kitchen? Did Larry go out on his own, or did someone
take him?” Concerned that Larry could be in danger, she wanted all of the details.
Ms. Booker tearfully shook her head. “No, I did not hear anything out of the norm while in the kitchen. It
was quiet in the house. I didn’t see anyone come in as well,” she said. “I thought that Mr. Larry was
drawing in the room upstairs the whole time. How did he go missing?”
Since no one came in, does this mean that Larry went out on his own? Vivian was at a loss herself.
“Ms. Booker, I need you to call the police and lodge a report. Tell them the whole incident and have
them help search for Larry. I will call Ben and ask him to send people to help with the search.”
“O-Okay,” Ms. Booker replied. She staggered towards the phone and dialed some numbers with
trembling hands. “Hello, is this the police? I need to make a report. A child from my household is
missing… “
At the same time, Vivian whipped out her phone and called Benedict.
“Ben, Larry has gone missing!” she informed quickly in a crackly voice the moment the call went
through. The tears that she was holding back rolled down her cheeks as well. “Please come back now.
We can’t find him anywhere.”
Benedict was alarmed when he heard what Vivian said. “How did Larry go missing? When did this
happen?” he asked anxiously.
“It happened while I was out. I got a call from Ms. Booker all of a sudden. She said that Larry went
missing after she was done cooking in the kitchen, so I came back immediately,” Vivian explained
shakily. Then, she continued, “I’ve asked her to call the police, but I’m still worried that something might
happen to Larry. Ben, please get someone to go search for him.”
Chapter 756
Chapter 756
“Don’t fret, Vivian. I’ll come back right away. Larry could have just gone out to play. You should wait at
home. In case he comes back, at least you are around,” said Benedict.
“Alright, I know what to do. Come back quickly, Ben,” said Vivian chokily.
“I will,” he said. Right after hanging up, Benedict rang up his friend who was a detective and grabbed
his car keys simultaneously. He left his office and headed straight home.
He reached soon and saw Finnick standing at his gate. Anger immediately boiled up in his heart. He
walked over with big strides and questioned loudly, “Why have you come to the Morrison residence?”
Finnick did not seem to mind his hostile attitude and went on to explain, “Vivian was with me just now.
She looked really bothered about something. I thought I’d wait here to see if I could help… “
A heavy punch landed on his face before he could finish speaking. “You heartless scoundrel! It was you
who cruelly tossed aside Vivian five years ago. How dare you act all kind and caring right now?”
The impact from the punch almost made Finnick fall to the ground. He raised a hand to wipe a corner
of his mouth but did not make any move to fight back. He understood that Benedict was aggrieved by
the hardships that Vivian had suffered. Hence, he took the blow that was inflicted on him wordlessly.
Nonetheless, Benedict did not seem to be moved at all by his tolerance.
Enduring the pain on his face, Finnick spoke, “Vivian looked really agitated. I think you had better go
check on her. Just tell me if you need any help.” He diverted his gaze to the house with concern.
“Stop pretending to be helpful!” Benedict’s hostility towards Finnick did not diminish at all upon hearing
his worry. He wanted very badly to teach this a**hole a lesson on behalf of Vivian.
However, he had more pressing matters to attend to at the moment. Larry was still missing so he had
no time to waste on this b*stard. He pointed at Finnick viciously and bellowed, “I’ll deal with you later!”
And with that, he stomped into his house leaving Finnick outside. Finnick laughed bitterly to himself.
Looks like I’ll have to go through big brother Benedict before I can truly get back together with Vivian.
As he entered the living room, Benedict saw Vivian seated rigidly on the sofa. She was crying silently
while clutching her phone tightly in her hands.
“Hey, is there any news of Larry yet?” he marched over apprehensively to check on Vivian.
“Ben,” Vivian hastily stood up and wiped away her tears upon seeing her brother. Worry and fear were
evident on her haggard-looking face. “Ben, do you think something bad has happened to Larry?”
“He should be fine,” Ben comforted, “stop riling yourself up with blind guesses.” He patted her shoulder
to comfort her. He was panic-stricken as well, but he had to force himself to remain calm.
Benedict turned his head over to Ms. Booker and asked sternly, “Just what on earth happened? How
did Larry go missing? You must tell me everything clearly and thoroughly. Don’t miss out any details.”
Ms. Booker repeated what she had said to Vivian once more. “And that was what happened. I didn’t
hear anything while I was in the kitchen, neither did I see anyone enter the house.”
After listening to Ms. Booker, Benedict was deep in thought. In his mind, he was picturing anything that
could have gone amiss. By his side, Vivian began to cry even harder.
“Ben, could it be that somebody has kidnapped Larry? Why isn’t he back yet by now?” Her heart sank
as she considered this possibility. Larry had always been well-mannered and obedient. If he went out
on his own, he would not be this inconsiderate and make everyone else worry. If something happened
to him… What should she do?
“That’s not possible. Larry is smart. He will not be taken away without making a sound. Don’t scare
yourself,” Benedict tried his best to soothe Vivian. “Maybe he was just being playful and didn’t tell Ms.
Booker that he was going out. Think carefully. Where does he like to go usually? We’ll start looking
from there.”
Vivian desperately recalled the conversations that she had with her little pumpkin over the past few
days. Suddenly, she remembered something, and her eyes shone with newfound hope. She frantically
grabbed onto Benedict’s arm and said, “Larry asked me to take him to the ice skating rink in the south
district two days ago. I was too busy and did not agree to his request. Could he have gone there by
himself?”
Chapter 757
Chapter 757
“Come on, let’s go over there and take a look,” Benedict said as he strode towards the door. Vivian
hastily followed.
Just then, the phone in Vivian’s hand rang shrilly with a call from an unknown number. Vivian looked at
Benedict hesitantly as a sudden sense of foreboding rose within her.
“Hello, may I ask who’s calling?” There was a slight tremor in Vivian’s voice as she answered. For
someone to be calling at this moment, could something really have happened to Larry…?
“Your son is with me. If you want him to live, bring 1.5 million in ransom money to Coast Haven,” a
male voice growled over the phone. “Remember, don’t call the police. Or you’ll pay for the
consequences.”
When Vivian heard that Larry had indeed been kidnapped, she immediately collapsed with despair. Her
worst fears had been confirmed. She shrieked into the phone, “Who are you? What have you done to
my son?”
Benedict’s face fell the moment he heard Vivian speak those words. He anxiously stared at the phone
she was gripping in her hand. Has something really happened to Larry?
“Your son’s fine. But if you don’t bring the money over, I can’t promise that he’ll stay in this good shape
for long. I’ll give you until tomorrow morning latest. I need to see the money,” the menacing voice on
the other end said with an air of finality.
“I’ll bring the money immediately! But you have to promise me that nothing will happen to my son,”
Vivian bawled. “Where should I bring the money to? What’s the place called, what Haven? Is my son
there?”
“Coast Haven. Remember, you can only come with the child’s father, Finnick. If I catch sight of anyone
else other than the two of you, your son will be in grave danger,” the voice threatened.
“Where’s Coast Haven? And how do you know that Finnick is his father?” Vivian asked doggedly. She’d
never even heard of Coast Haven before.
No reply came. The kidnapper had abruptly ended the call.
“Hello? Hello?” Vivian stared at the phone in a daze, her heart pounding. When she had calmed down
slightly, she reasoned that for the kidnapper to have selected Larry as his prey, he would have done a
thorough check of Larry’s background. Beyond that, further analysis of how the kidnapper had come by
the information regarding Larry’s father exceeded the current capacity of Vivian’s mind.
As she reflected on this, Vivian couldn’t help but resent Finnick. What if Little Pumpkin is just being
used as bait to trap Finnick? Finnick’s really a jinx!
“What did he say? What happened to Larry?” Benedict tugged at Vivian’s arm, asking urgently.
“Ben, Little Pumpkin’s really been kidnapped,” Vivian said tearily. “They’re asking me to bring 1.5
million to a place called Coast Haven for his ransom, and they said… they said only I could go, or
they’ll kill Little Pumpkin!”
After this hurried explanation, Vivian took out her phone to locate Coast Haven. Its precise position
turned out to be on the fringe of Sunshine City.
With this confirmation, Vivian grabbed her bag and dashed out the door. She had to acquire that money
now. Every moment she frittered away was another moment Larry spent in danger.
Benedict grabbed hold of Vivian and said solemnly, “Vivian, you can’t go alone. What if the kidnapper
doesn’t keep his word and kidnaps you as well?”
“But the kidnapper said that if he saw anyone else but me, he’d kill Little Pumpkin! I can’t take that risk!”
Vivian had worked herself up into a frenzy. Larry was everything, even life itself, to Vivian. She could
not afford to lose him under any circumstances.
Besides, Vivian wasn’t planning on bringing Finnick along. She believed that she could get her hands
on 1.5 million without his help. If Finnick found out that he had a son, he would never be willing to
relinquish his custody of him.
Upon hearing the resolution in Vivian’s tone, Benedict found himself at a loss. Benedict was equally
unwilling to put Larry in danger. However, he was also reluctant to let Vivian put herself in harm’s way
all alone.
There wasn’t much time to think. Vivian had already wrestled herself of Benedict’s grip and continued
her headlong dash out the door. The only thought in her mind was that of saving her son. There was no
room for anything else.
Just as she ran out, Vivian found herself barricaded by Finnick, who had been quietly standing outside
all this while. Observing Vivian’s tear-stained face, Finnick looked at her with concern written all over
his face. “What’s wrong, Vivian? Why are you crying? What on earth happened?”
Chapter 758
Chapter 758
“Move away! I’ve got something urgent to deal with. I don’t have the time to talk to you,” Vivian shoved
Finnick aside and continued sprinting on her way. Finnick, however, caught up with her in a few long
strides. He clutched her arm with an iron grip.
“Let go of me! What are you doing? I have to get to the bank now. Stop wasting my time!” Vivian
howled, flinging Finnick’s hand aside with all her might.
From Vivian’s inconsolable state, Finnick guessed that she indeed had rather dire matters at hand. But
what exactly is going on? Why can’t she tell me?
Unable to get anything else out of her, Finnick decided not to press Vivian any further. He immediately
pulled Vivian over to his car, commanding, “Get on, I’ll send you to the bank right now.”
With her heart set on getting to the bank within the shortest possible time, Vivian thought this option
rather ideal. Besides, it removed the obstacle that was Finnick. She immediately wrenched the door
open.
“Vivian!” A yell came from Benedict, who had finally caught up with them. He was extremely
discomfited by the thought of Vivian heading off to that deserted place all alone to save Larry.
Benedict glanced at Finnick. He knew that Vivian was intent on hiding Larry’s identity from Finnick.
Benedict thus chose his next words with extreme delicacy. “Why don’t you come with me? I’ll follow you
in secret. If anything happens, I’ll still be in time to save you. You can’t go alone,” Benedict offered.
At Benedict’s speech, Finnick felt a growing sense of disquiet. He turned towards Vivian and asked
frantically, “What in the world’s going on? What are you going to do alone? Why would it be
dangerous?”
Disregarding Finnick completely, Vivian replied Benedict in earnest, “Ben, we can’t risk it. It would be
best if you didn’t follow me. I’m afraid that they really will…”
Vivian deliberately paused, omitting the crucial facts of the matter. Her mind raced. She had to
guarantee Larry’s safety no matter what. Vivian suggested, “Ben, why don’t you do a covert
investigation into this matter? See if you can find out more about this guy’s background. We’ll keep in
contact at all times, and if there’s any real danger, I’ll immediately call you to let you know where I am.”
Benedict carefully considered Vivian’s proposal, then nodded. “Fine. Promise me that if there’s just the
tiniest thing amiss, you’ll call me immediately.”
“OK,” Vivian, too, nodded in return. She was just about to enter the car when another shout rang out
from behind them.
“Mr. Norton!”
The three of them turned in tandem to see Noah scurrying over.
Noah had just tried unsuccessfully to give Finnick a call, intending to inform Finnick about the events of
the past. When he heard that Finnick was at the Morrison residence, Noah immediately made up his
mind to present both Vivian and Finnick with the truth simultaneously. It might help to lessen the
misunderstanding between them.
As he surveyed the scene before him, however, Noah was rendered rather speechless. Why do all of
them look so flustered? What’s happening?
“You’re just in time, Noah. Benedict is going to do some research, and you can stay here to help him,”
Finnick said smoothly before Noah could muster a response. Finnick did not know what it was that
Vivian and Benedict were so determined to keep from him. In any case, he was willing to help.
Noah took in Finnick’s words and Vivian’s teary face. Baffled, he couldn’t resist asking, “Mr. Norton,
Mrs. Norton, what in the world just happened? Is everything all right?”
“Stop asking questions, Noah,” Vivian said curtly, then turned to Finnick. “Let’s go to the bank first. I
can’t waste any more time.”
“Noah, please cooperate with Benedict.” Finnick dismissed him before getting into the driver’s seat.
They sped away.
Gazing at the departing car, Noah was just as clueless as he had been when he just arrived. However,
he turned to Benedict and asked politely, “Is there anything I can help with?”
Benedict scoffed. Disdainfully, he said, “No need, I’ll get whatever help I need on my own. I don’t need
your help! When Finnick gets back, tell him that we don’t want hypocrites like him around here. We all
know what he did to Vivian back then! What’s the point of doing such incorrigible acts, then turning
around and putting on a whole show of pretending to care?”
Chapter 759
Chapter 759
“Mr. Norton didn’t do those things to Mrs. Norton! It… it was…” Noah stammered, his voice faltering as
he stared at Benedict’s expression of unbridled fury. Noah agonized over whether he should reveal the
truth.
Evelyn was trapped. With Finnick’s maneuvering, he would ultimately uncover the truth sooner or later.
Most importantly, Noah was unable to bear the weight of his accusing conscience. Any encounter with
Vivian made Noah feel as if his heart would leap out of his chest in consternation.
Noah’s hesitation was mistaken for guilt by Benedict. Scornfully, Benedict rounded upon him, “What
didn’t he do? Didn’t you personally bring a kidnapped Vivian to the hospital? If that wasn’t under
Finnick’s orders, then whose? Tell me, other than Finnick, who would have the right to tell you what to
do? After everything you’ve done, why are you still making excuses for him?”
“I… I…” Even though Noah had been resolved to expose everything before his arrival, he was now
uneasy about confessing to being an accessory. He dithered slightly, not knowing how to begin.
As Noah floundered in his indecision, Benedict gave a derisive snort before walking away. Noah was
left standing there rather helplessly. However, he still had to carry out the orders he had received from
Finnick earlier. Noah quickly started the car and chased after Benedict.
Vivian was evidently in a great hurry. Finnick thus increased his speed from the usual sixty miles an
hour to a hundred accordingly. Their car seemed to skim the surface of the roads.
Nonetheless, the swiftness of the car could not compare to Vivian’s racing thoughts.
When they pulled up at the entrance of the bank, Vivian ran to the counter. Rapidly completing the
necessary administrative procedures, she withdrew every cent from her account. Fortunately, the
Morrisons were Premium VIP Clients with the bank. Vivian was spared several raised eyebrows and
the questions that would have ensued.
“Quick, to Coast Haven,” Vivian declared. She looked at Finnick fearfully, hoping that he would drive
off.
Finnick knew that any questions he confronted Vivian with at the moment would not be met with any
satisfactory answers. He wisely decided to acquiesce in silence.
Finnick would obey Vivian unconditionally for now.
Even though they were already hurtling over at top speed, Vivian found herself unable to take comfort
in the thought that they were traveling at their maximum capacity. What if he’s already doing something
to hurt Little Pumpkin now?
Vivian clenched her fists at the thought. Drops of perspiration ran unchecked and unnoticed down the
sides of her pants.
Her mind was fixed solely on the thought of Larry. He’s all I have! If anything happens to him, what else
would there be to live for?
“Drive faster!” Vivian demanded, translating her panic into anger that she proceeded to vent on Finnick.
It’s all because of you! Vivian fumed, glaring at the man beside her. Five years ago, Finnick had wanted
to get rid of his own child.
Five years on, it was also all thanks to him that Larry had now been kidnapped. Even though they had
long since gone their separate ways, Finnick’s presence still lurked in every corner of Vivian’s life.
Vivian believed that if she had never gotten married to Finnick, she would be leading a less prosperous
life, but a peaceful one, nonetheless.
Whatever the case, her life would definitely not be the emotional rollercoaster that it was now.
“I can’t go any faster. We might get into an accident,” Finnick replied patiently. Their lives might be at
stake, too, if he continued with this reckless driving.
Besides, it was peak hour, and vehicles flooded the road with drivers eager to get home. The
unfortunate timing aside, going at a hundred miles per hour placed them at serious risk of a crash.
Finnick wouldn’t have cared if Vivian hadn’t been on board. But since she was, he had to consider her
safety as well.
Impatiently, Vivian reached over and blared the horn.
To Finnick’s surprise, the cars in front of him placidly gave way. In an orderly fashion, the cars had
opened up a passageway just wide enough for Finnick’s car to pass through.
Without hesitation, Finnick stepped hard onto the accelerator. The car charged forward.
The road ahead was smooth, and they proceeded without much difficulty.
Finnick turned on his GPS navigator and typed in: Coast Haven.
It was located at a rather deserted spot with little traffic.
More importantly, there was still quite a distance between their car and its destination.
We have to go the distance to save Little Pumpkin no matter how far it is! Vivian squared her jaw and
looked at Finnick. Finnick nodded with understanding. He turned onto the highway, and they flew on.
Chapter 760
Chapter 760
As time wore on, Vivian grew increasingly agitated. Noting Vivian’s near-constant frown, Finnick asked
again, “What’s wrong?”
It was as he had predicted. Vivian refused to tell him.
His only reply was from the wind whistling past them outside and Vivian’s pointed silence.
Out of genuine concern, Finnick resolved to break Vivian’s silence. Keeping it bottled up within her
would only be detrimental to her health.
“Vivian, you can tell me anything. I’ll help you in any way I can,” Finnick said gently. His kindly tone
seemed to move Vivian slightly.
She turned to look at him.
However, Vivian considered that telling Finnick anything wouldn’t have an impact on the situation
whatsoever. There was no point, then, in introducing this distraction to their mission.
“Vivian, I was wrong for what I did five years ago. Don’t keep things from me, OK?” Finnick pleaded,
seizing upon the one matter he knew was the stumbling block in their relationship.
Back then, he had neither trusted nor defended Vivian, and in that, Finnick knew he had failed.
He also knew that his apology was five years too late. However, Finnick was anguished at the thought
that Vivian saw him as an outsider and treated him as such.
“Five years ago…” Vivian’s mind seemed preoccupied with these words. She looked at Finnick
thoughtfully.
“Yes. It was five years ago,” she intoned. Finnick felt rather peculiar. What about five years ago?
Finnick searched his mind but remained clueless. What does this affair have anything to do with what
happened five years ago?
“Finnick, you’re an absolute jinx. Why do you have to keep turning up in our lives?” Vivian wailed,
hammering her fists at Finnick madly.
The tears that had gathered in the corners of her eyes slid down her cheeks and landed on her tongue.
She swallowed down a deep breath, together with her salty tears.
“If you’d never appeared, I wouldn’t be in this state right now! Things wouldn’t be so dreadful. You
didn’t trust me five years ago and treated me so horribly. Why are you back to haunt me now?” Vivian
continued, blubbering. “Do you want to hurt me all over again? Or are you back to gloat over the pitiful
state I’m in?”
All at once, Vivian unleashed the torrent of bitterness that she had harbored inside her onto the hapless
Finnick. When she finished, she fainted dead away.
Finnick bit his lip with a grave expression on his face.
Go on and sleep, Vivian. It’s time you take a rest from all your worrying. You’ll need strength to face
what lies ahead.
Finnick reached to the backseat and covered Vivian with a blanket. He then continued speeding on.
As he drove, Vivian’s words clamored in Finnick’s head as he puzzled over what she had said.
‘OUR lives?’ Who else could there be other than Vivian? Was she referring to the person who had
gotten into trouble?
Finnick furrowed his brow. He decided not to devote any more energy to worrying and wondering.
Finnick glanced down at his suit, wrinkled from Vivian’s vehement clutches, and smiled to himself. As
he directed another backward glance to Vivian’s teary face, Finnick’s heart ached for her.
Who could possibly have gotten into trouble? Who was it that Vivian was so prepared to risk life and
limb for?
Turning this over in his mind, Finnick increased slammed down on the accelerator. His curiosity was
now the relentless slave master that drove him on.
They were nearly there.
According to the GPS navigator, they were approximately one mile away.
Half a mile in, Vivian regained consciousness. She immediately spied from the GPS navigator screen
that they had almost arrived at their destination.
Vivian watched the gap between them and Coast Haven narrow, her heart in her throat.
The nearer they drew to Coast Haven, the more jittery Vivian grew. She could barely wait to rescue
Larry and to hold him safe in her arms once more.
This present sense of loss was unendurable.
She had experienced it once, five years ago. That one time had already been more than enough for
her.
We’re here!
Just as Vivian had been occupied with thoughts of Larry, Finnick had already parked the car and
walked across to the passenger seat. He held the door open for her.
Vivian immediately got out. She scanned her surroundings could not even spot a trace of anyone else,
much less that of her Little Pumpkin.
Vivian looked around apprehensively.
“Why isn’t anyone here?” Vivian cursed. This isn’t what I was expecting!
She’d anticipated Coast Haven to be a rural, isolated area full of weeds and tall grass. Far from the
desert in her mind’s eye, Coast Haven was a venerable paradise.