Ch. 251..260
Never Late, Never Away Chapter 251
Sarah sighed. “Finnick and Fabian… As long as one of these two men is in love with me, I would be willing to take the rap just like Vivian.”
Amused, she shook her head and went back to work.
Fabian walked up to the entrance of the washroom and waited for Vivian to come out.
While he was waiting for her, he suddenly remembered the time when they were in university.
Back then, Vivian was innocent and simple, like a dazzling flower.
He still remembered the time when she participated in a long-distance run at a sports event. But she had accidentally twisted her ankle during the run. Worried about her, he urged her to quit the race. However, she was stubborn and insisted on finishing it.
With that, he stayed by her side and accompanied her to complete the race.
The moment she crossed the finishing line, she collapsed to the ground. Fabian quickly carried her and rushed to the infirmary.
At that time, Vivian was so docile in his arms. She could only cling on to him helplessly.
Fabian couldn’t help but sigh at that thought. No matter how happy they were, those days were gone, and there was no turning back.
Goodbye, my youth.
And what about Vivian? Are our good times gone forever too?
Fabian had waited outside the washroom for quite some time when Vivian finally walked out with reddened and swollen eyes.
Seeing her disheveled state, he quickly stepped forward to comfort her. As he carefully supported her, he could feel how cold her body was.
“Vivian, I’m sorry.”
Looking up at Fabian, Vivian noticed that his eyes were filled with adoration.
Vivian answered, “There’s nothing to be sorry about.”
Actually, Fabian was apologizing on behalf of Ashley, but he couldn’t tell her that the person who orchestrated the horrible incident two years ago was her own sister. He was afraid that she would take things too hard.
Had Ashley not started the scandal by drugging her and getting someone to assault her sexually, Vivian would have stood with pride as the wife of a president.
Fabian said, “I’m sorry that I have not protected you well enough. I don’t deserve your love, Vivian.”
“It has nothing to do with you,” Vivian replied weakly. “Do you need anything? Why are you here?”
Fabian came here to comfort Vivian but realized that she had been crying. The scandal must have taken a huge toll on her.
He said, “Oh, are you going to W hotel to give an interview for the opening ceremony? If it’s inconvenient for you, I can arrange for someone else to go. Why don’t you take the day off today?”
So he’s here to comfort me. Vivian knew Fabian so well that she could see through his every move and expression. Her face was filled with gratitude as she looked at him.
Vivian said, “Thank you, but I think I can handle it. It’s better for me to go because it’s already been arranged. Besides, I don’t want there to be any more gossiping in the office.”
“Vivian…”
Vivian lowered her head and walked away slowly.
Fabian wanted to pull her into his arms to make her feel better. But he knew that such a move would only cause further speculations from the people in the office. Gossips and rumors would only traumatize her even more. Hence, he had no choice but to watch her walk away from him.
Upon returning to the office, Vivian applied some make-up to conceal her red-rimmed eyes. Then, she left the office together with Sarah and the others.
Her phone rang, and it was an incoming call from Finnick. After giving it some thought, she chose to ignore the call.
At that moment, she did not know how to face Finnick, and her mind was all over the place.
Everyone was silent throughout the entire journey to the hotel.
Soon, they arrived at the opening ceremony of the W Hotel.
The press and many celebrities were in attendance. Most of them recognized Vivian and gave her dirty looks.
Sarah said, “Ignore them, Vivian. They’re just busybodies.”
Unable to put up any longer, Ken said, “Smile, Vivian. Your smile will drive them mad. You didn’t do anything wrong, so you don’t have to be afraid of them. Who knows? They’re probably the ones with dirty secrets. Hmph!”
Sarah was afraid that Ken’s words would provoke Vivian, so she quickly snapped at him, “Ken, that’s enough. Get on with your work.”
When Ken saw Vivian’s pale face, he quickly kept his mouth shut.
In a listless manner, Vivian walked to the main hall.
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Along the way, she heard many people mocking and jeering her. They deliberately uttered biting remarks within her earshot.
“How dare she show up here? Has she no shame? She’s a disgrace to the Norton family.”
“Oh, look, here comes the infamous Vivian. But she’s famous for the wrong reasons. For sleeping around, that is. She’s so thick-skinned. If I were her, I would have dug a hole and hidden in it.”
“She’s Finnick’s wife. V.M. Fund, haha, what a joke! I wonder how many times has she cuckolded him?”
“Her figure is just average, but it doesn’t stop her from selling her body. Her mother is just as bad, a mistress who seduces men.”
“I heard that she slept around with countless men. What a slut.”
The disdainful looks she received were like daggers stabbing at her heart.
Her feet felt heavy as she walked around the room. Those hurtful words she heard were like whips lashing on her body.
At this point, she felt so useless for putting her mother through all the insults and jeers along with her.
After enduring endless verbal abuse and mockery, the opening ceremony began. In an instant, the hall turned lively as firecrackers exploded and a band started performing.
The sound of joyous music and peals of laughter shot through Vivian’s aching heart. She moved away from the crowd to be alone. As she leaned against the wall in a corner, she looked up at the blue sky and wished she could fly away and disappear like a bird.
Tears rolled down her cheeks once again.
At that moment, she missed Finnick so much and longed for him to be by her side.
She quickly completed her part of the interview and then waited for Sarah and the others to finish taking photographs.
As she stood quietly at the corner, she felt that she had hit rock bottom.
She was wondering if Finnick had heard about the scandalous rumors yet. Would he be angry? Would he ignore me or kick me out of the house? What about Grandpa? If Grandpa knew about the rumors…
While Vivian was lost in her thoughts, something was happening at Finnor Group.
When Finnick arrived at the company early in the morning, a group of reporters suddenly rushed out in front of him. It was as though they had been waiting there for him, desperately wanting to get a few words from him.
Very quickly, there was a crowd at the entrance of Finnor Group.
Finnick did not know what was going on. But based on his intuition, he knew it was not a good thing.
Reporter A asked, “Mr. Norton, what do you think about your wife, Vivian?”
Reporter B asked, “Mr. Norton, do you have any explanations for your wife’s bad reputation? Are you going to continue with V.M. Fund?”
Reporter C asked, “Is Vivian really an illegitimate child? Her days in university… Oh, Mr. Norton, don’t go!”
Seeing that the reporters were all mentioning Vivian, Finnick instantly knew what this was about.
At that moment, Noah leaned closer to Finnick and whispered in his ear. With a grim expression, he informed Finnick about the scandal that was widely shared on the internet.
Immediately, Finnick’s face turned hard and cold.
He was well aware of Vivian’s past. If someone fabricated lies about it and spread them on the Internet, it would be damage Vivian’s reputation immensely.
Furthermore, he had just disclosed Vivian’s identity in such a high-profile manner, and people were able to recognize her. Coupled with the scandal that was going around, it had undoubtedly thrown Vivian into a difficult situation.
The last tinge of warmth in Finnick’s eyes faded away.
Noah turned to deal with the reporters and said, “Please don’t make up false reports. Vivian is Mr. Norton’s wife, and they love each other very much. Please ignore the rumors that are circulating. Thank you for your cooperation.”
Reporter C asked, “Mr. Norton, it’s been reported that Vivian is a sleazy woman. Her mother also has a bad reputation. What do you think about that? Have you been deceived by them?”
Finnick was shocked to realize that there was slanderous news about Vivian. No wonder the reporters had made a mad dash over here just to interview him.
Reporter A asked, “Mr. Norton, what are your thoughts on the matter? Are the things that were posted on the Internet about Vivian true? Is she an illegitimate child? Did she live a fast life in university?”
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Before the reporter could finish, Finnick turned his wheelchair and stared him down like a ravenous beast.
The reporter promptly zipped his mouth.
Everyone was stunned by the intensity of Finnick’s reaction. The flames of his fury were fulminating, and it showed in his eyes. It was absolutely terrifying.
As everyone held their breath, the entire room went silent in his intimidating presence.
The minute he prepared to exit, they exploded again into a flurry of activity as they fired one question after another.
Finnick clenched his teeth and growled, “Enough! Shut up!”
The room fell silent once more as his anger shot through the roof.
Finnick was expressionless as he asserted in an irrefutable tone, “I know Vivian William better than anyone else.”
He was extremely worried about her. Ignoring the barrage of questions bombarding him, he reversed the wheelchair into the private elevator while the press clogged outside.
He had to find out what had happened and who dragged Vivian back into the media’s crosshair. Could it be Ashley? There must be more to this incident than meets the eye.
Noah, who stood beside him, inquired, “Mr. Norton, would you like me to look into this?”
“Yes, but come with me to the office first.”
Finnick made a call to Vivian the moment he stepped into his office. As no one picked up, Finnick’s anxiety heightened.
Revelations about Vivian’s past and the tragedy from two years ago surfaced after a quick search, and commentary on it was rife, mostly scathing ones against Vivian and Rachel.
Vivian was raised by a whore!
The appearance of Mrs. Norton belies the slut underneath. I never did like her.
Like mother, like daughter. What a pair of skanks. One is a prostitute and the other an adulteress. I won’t let them off easily if I run into them!
She’s a trashy peasant to begin with, unfit for Mr. Norton. Best to divorce her posthaste!
Finnick’s face tightened as beads of sweat broke out on his forehead.
Noah was taken aback as he had never seen Finnick this worked up before.
After some consideration, Finnick said, “I want all of these Twitter accounts that have been spreading rumors about Vivian to be shut down!”
“Yes, Mr. Norton!”
He added, “Also see to it that all related negative reports are erased or blocked by news outlets. Those who refuse to comply will be denied access to Finnor Group from here on out.”
“Understood! I’ll be right on it!” Noah nodded profusely.
“Hold up.” Finnick was determined not to let the plotters get away. “Look into Vivian’s drugging incident two years ago. Make this your immediate priority!”
Upon receiving his orders, Noah set off without a moment’s delay.
Meanwhile, at W Hotel.
Vivian was not sure how she got through the interview at the opening ceremony, but she did.
Many attendees were still hanging around, and they cast strange looks at her.
Overwhelmed with sorrow and rage, she let out a sneer.
These people are heinous and detestable! I would love to tear off their masks to see if they are indeed purer than I am.
The darkness of the human soul is more grotesque than its ugly hide.
At that thought, Vivian was repulsed to the point of nausea, and her chest hurt.
Sarah and Ken felt helpless as they didn’t know how to comfort her.
After some hesitation, Sarah said, “Screw them, Vivian. You know we believe you.”
Ken chimed in, “News on the internet is totally unreliable. Who knows if clarifications would be made tomorrow. Let’s employ human flesh search to suss out the perpetrator and sue him!”
Vivian forced a smile and said, “Thanks, guys. I’ll be fine.”
When they returned to the magazine company, Vivian spaced out as she leaned against her desk. She did not want to get on the computer as she could not handle any more of the mud slung at her mother and her.
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Suddenly, Sarah dashed over to her, looking ecstatic. “Vivian, your husband is too cool! He’s awesome!”
Finnick?
Vivian wondered what Finnick did which had Sarah so bowled over.
Sarah was still hyped as she exclaimed, “Come look at this interview clip of Finnick. It’s all over the internet!” She went on to flash Vivian a big thumbs up.
Pulling out her cellphone, Vivian realized that she had eleven missed calls; three from Fabian and eight from Finnick.
She did not need to hear from Finnick to know why he was anxious to reach her. Vivian felt very touched. Still, she did not know how to face him as she felt guilty for putting him through so much trouble.
The video featured an interview that was specifically filmed to address the rumors that revolved around Vivian. The scene was quite rowdy and chaotic.
Vivian saw microphones pressed up against Finnick while Noah desperately tried to hold the reporters back and maintain order. The members of the press were in hot pursuit of Finnick’s response to her news.
Finnick was in the eye of the storm as he sat as still as a statue in his wheelchair. Though he was silent, he projected a powerful presence as he looked unwaveringly into the camera.
One of the reporters was finally able to break through the perimeters of the human barricade and get close enough to direct a question his way. “Mr. Norton, tell us your thoughts!”
Finnick turned slightly and fixated his gaze on that reporter.
The jerky camera work captured his piercing gaze.
Vivian could tell that Finnick was fuming with rage.
Although he did not raise his voice and his expression did not change, that look in his eyes was sufficient to shush the riotous crowd.
Amidst the stillness of silence, Finnick started to speak.
“I know Vivian William better than anyone else.”
His words were simple but weighty. That concise statement had those present holding their breath.
Even Vivian and the others, who were watching the interview on the screen, felt the gravity of his words.
He kept the faith and stood with Vivian even if the entire world turned its back on her.
Vivian felt tears well up in her eyes.
What had she done to deserve this?
All the anger and sorrow she had to endure throughout the day evaporated when she heard what he said.
At that moment, Vivian felt invigorated. With Finnick by her side, she felt like she would be able to weather any storm.
A huge burden had been lifted from her chest, and her heart was filled with warmth.
After a round of finger-pointing, the magazine company called it a day. Vivian briefly sorted out her stuff before she left the office.
She did not want to be subjected to unfair and baseless criticism, but as some things were difficult to explain in short order, she decided to let it go.
My conscience is clear. I have nothing to prove.
When she stepped out of the building, she spotted Finnick’s black Bentley parked by the intersection.
He had come to pick her up.
Was he here because he was concerned that I might be recognized on the subway?
Shackled by a bundle of mixed emotions, Vivian stood rooted to the spot. She was undecided on how to face Finnick.
Right then, he lowered the car window and asked in a deep voice, “You’re not getting in?”
Instantly, Vivian came running to meet his smile with hers before she got in beside him.
Finnick started the moment she hit the cushioned seat. “I’m sorry about what happened at the press conference earlier. I didn’t think through the whole process thoroughly before making the announcement about you.”
Vivian quickly shook her head. “It’s okay since I’m already used to it, but I feel bad for dragging you and the Finnor Group down. I was worried that you would be upset with me and not want anything to do with me anymore.”
“I am upset,” Finnick stated.
That led Vivian to look at him tentatively.
“I’m upset that I wasn’t able to protect you from all this.”
Oh…
She shrugged in relief. “You shouldn’t blame yourself.”
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“I’ve already started looking into what happened two years ago.”
Vivian was taken aback but came around when she understood his intentions.
Uncovering the truth would allow them to put the rumors to rest.
She had often thought long and hard about the incident. But she just could not figure out how it happened.
Vivian was contemplative. “I kept thinking whether it was because I offended someone or I was simply a victim by happenstance. Why else would anyone want to target an unworldly college girl? I had considered the possibility of someone gunning for Fabian, but I don’t think that was the case because we had already parted ways before that.”
Finnick initially shared the same thoughts as Vivian until the perpetrator actively sought to destroy evidence pertaining to the incident. That was when he knew that Vivian was not an unfortunate victim of random criminal violence. Whoever was behind it must have been someone close to either Fabian or her.
Vivian too had once cast her suspicions on Ashley and Emma. But she did not feel like they needed to resort to such extremities as they already lorded over her.
Moreover, she hardly crossed paths with Ashley when she was in college and had no quarrel with her then. There was no probable cause for Ashley to hate her enough to do what she might have done.
As a draft blew chillingly into the vehicle, Vivian drew her body closer to Finnick’s.
It was a difficult day fraught with emotions, but she felt better now that he was with her.
The corner of her lips finally curled up into a smile. Her fortunes were intertwined with that of this man’s, making them inseparable.
Vivian nestled her head onto his shoulders like a kitten and soon fell asleep soundly.
The atmosphere inside the car was peaceful. The tension built up over the course of the day dissipated from the moment Finnick laid eyes on Vivian.
As he lowered his gaze upon the woman’s restful face, he felt something tug at his heartstrings. More significantly, he felt a tenderness overcome him.
Some time passed before a call came through to Noah’s earpiece.
He hung up after a brief exchange and appeared delighted.
In a barely audible voice, Noah said to Finnick, “We have received a very important lead, Mr. Norton. I believe it would be of tremendous benefit to Mrs. Norton’s case.”
Finnick’s eyes lit up. “Have you discovered who was behind everything?”
“We don’t know who the culprit is yet, but we have found someone who was directly involved in the incident two years ago. He was sent overseas, but we’ve managed to bring him back. Our guys have locked him up in the basement to await interrogation,” Noah replied.
Finnick’s lips formed a slight smile.
Excellent news. And timely as well.
The moment has arrived for some payback.
Finnick smirked at that thought.
He wanted everyone who hurt Vivian to beg on their knees for her forgiveness and pay with their lives.
Seeing that the sleeping Vivian was breathing steadily, Finnick decided not to disturb her.
Noah then said, “We are nearly home, Mr. Norton. Shall we wake the missus?”
“That won’t be necessary. I’ll take her. Just help me get the wheelchair inside. Nobody is going to see me in my own garage anyway.”
“Will do.”
Finnick picked Vivian up and carried her into the house.
Meanwhile, Noah pushed the unoccupied wheelchair in tow.
Vivian was then brought up to the bedroom to rest.
As she looked particularly fatigued, Finnick thought that the events of the day must have left her physically and emotionally drained.
He caressed her forehead affectionately and tucked her in before he made his way out.
Soon, Finnick arrived in the basement in the company of Noah.
The culprit from two years ago was bound hand and feet in a squatting position on the floor. The shifty-eyed man did not come across to him as the decent sort.
Finnick wheeled himself over and stopped in front of the man. “What did you do two years ago? Spill it.”
Shifty Eye turned to Finnick and replied gingerly, “You look like you’re the boss. Who’d remember stuff from such a long time ago? Besides, I didn’t do anything…”
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Instead of replying, Finnick simply smiled and swept his icy gaze across the man.
The man couldn’t help but shudder as a chill ran down his spine.
Noah then drove a kick into his side. “Do not lie to us! We’re aware of your involvement, so you’d best come clean now. Otherwise, you will experience a fate worse than death!”
Shifty Eye could tell that these two men in front of him were of considerable means. There was no way he was going to get away unscathed if the rich and powerful duo did not get what they wanted.
He finally caved in and begged. “Alright, alright, gentlemen! Just ask away! I’ll tell you anything you want to know.”
Noah brought himself level with the man on the floor. “Two years ago, were you paid to pimp a drugged woman to an old man?”
“A drugged woman… An old man…” As Shifty Eye tried his best to recall, he seemed to remember something vaguely but was uncertain about it.
Finnick grew impatient. “How could you forget so quickly the reason why you were sent overseas?”
Once again, Noah showed Shifty Eye the bottom of his boot. “Spit it out! I assure you that you do not want to mess with us.”
“Ouch! I’m trying, alright!”
Cowards who fear the strong and trample on the weak. Finnick and Noah had seen too many of these sorts.
“It looks as if you have a long list of bad deeds to go through, so you better think carefully!” Noah scowled.
“Yes! Of course!” the man answered hastily.
He was most intimidated by the gentleman in the wheelchair, who was silently observing him. Although Finnick did not utter a word, the aura that he exuded was terrifying. Shifty Eye knew that if he did not come clean, he might not be able to walk out of there.
He certainly remembered everything that happened back then because it was that woman who sent him away, and he was still pretty ticked off about that.
“Oh, that’s right! I remember now!” the man exclaimed.
He quickly recounted, “Two years ago, this cutie pie came to me. She was gorgeous and dressed real fine. I was thinking, for someone as young and loaded as her, she was pretty bold to come to me all by herself. She wanted me to find her an old fella, as ugly and dirty as I could, and promised me a big pay after the job was done.”
Finnick and Noah exchanged glances. The moment of truth was finally here! To their surprise, the mastermind was a woman!
Shifty Eye continued, “I remember her very well. She was over the moon when I found her a nasty old pervert with a gambling habit. Real generous too. She gave me a lot of money and later paid for me to go overseas. I didn’t want to because I had a wife and kids, but she threatened me. And so I went along with it because I was scared.”
Finnick asked, “What’s her name? Do you have her photo or contact number?”
The man cracked his head again. “I don’t have any photos, but she did mention a name. Like A… No, Miller! That’s it! I’m sure that’s her name because she kept rambling on about what her family does…”
Finnick and Noah echoed, “Ashley Miller!”
“Yeah! Yeah! That’s her!” the man cried.
Ashley Miller again!
This is great!
It’s perfect!
The final hint of warmth faded away from Finnick’s expression. His deep-set eyes became so dark and unfathomable that the sight chilled everyone else to the bone.
Even Noah was taken aback by him.
Shifty Eye shrunk as he averted his gaze, not daring to let out a yelp. It felt like the temperature in the room just dropped below subzero.
He tried to chase away thoughts about whether the head honcho in front of him was going to kill him. Right then, the man looked like he was going to rise from the wheelchair and get medieval on him.
The garage fell deathly silent as the only audible sound came in the form of Finnick’s icy breath.
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Finnick paused for what seemed like ages. It took him a while to quell the fire within him and collect his thoughts. He then turned to Shifty Eye, “Now, go turn yourself in! For your role in an unlawful transaction.”
“What…” The man had no desire to go to prison.
Finnick said, “Don’t worry. You will be well rewarded so long as you do as you are told. Savvy?”
“Yes! Got it!” The look in Finnick’s eyes told him that he was not going to take no for an answer.
Noah then took Shifty Eye away to the police.
Finnick eyed him coldly as they made their exit.
Under any other circumstances, he would have definitely not let anyone who hurt Vivian off. But he needed a way to vindicate her and stave off all the negative publicity she had been receiving.
Shifty Eye should thank his lucky stars to be able to get away with his skin intact.
With that in mind, Finnick dialed a number. “I have a job for you.”
The next day at the Miller residence.
Ashley was still immersed in the bliss of dreaming about her future life together with Fabian when she was rudely awakened. The sight of Emma greeted her when she opened her eyes.
Emma’s expression was a mixture of fear, anxiety, and accusation.
“It’s still early, Mom. What’s this about?” Ashley asked as she rubbed her groggy eyes.
Emma was on edge. “We have a problem, Ashley. Go take a look at the news!”
What about the news? An earthquake elsewhere? A presidential scandal? Or an oil field going up in flames? Surely there’s no need to wake me up so urgently like this and disrupt my beautiful dream! She was still enjoying the warmth that emanated from Fabian’s body as they were making out in her head.
“Come on, girl! Get up! You’re in the headlines!”
“Me?” Ashley shot up when she heard that it was related to her.
Shouldn’t it be Vivian making the news? Ashley was so ecstatic about the way netizens tore Vivian down over the past few days that she went on a shopping spree to commemorate the occasion.
She wondered why she was the one being reported instead. But when she saw Emma close to breaking down, she feared the worst.
“Sweetie, come quickly. The internet has blown up! Our family is ruined!”
That serious? Ashley got dressed before she booted up her laptop.
Besides being reported by all the media outlets, the news was circulating on Twitter and WhatsApp. It was revealed that Vivian did not actually go into escorting two years ago but was set up by her own sister.
The middle man who had pimped her out turned himself in. His testimony had vindicated Vivian and established Ashley’s guilt.
Not only that, sources had uncovered that Vivian’s mother was also forced upon by Harvey in the same vein.
An unflattering photo of Ashley’s mug had been unearthed by internet vigilantes and published on various websites.
The truth had been revealed! The reports also provided scintillating details about how Ashley bullied her sister growing up, arranged for her to be drugged and ravished by a disgusting old man, had lewd photos taken of the heinous deed, and concocted rumors to sully her reputation, causing the maligned Vivian to suffer years of unjust duress.
Ashley felt the air sucked from her lungs as the hand on her mouse trembled.
Who? Who could have done this? Who could have known so much apart from Fabian?
Ashley was certain that this was not Fabian’s doing. Ever since she got pregnant, Fabian had been great to her. When he could not be around, he would still call to check in from time to time. There was no reason for him to do this.
Besides, Fabian had already helped to destroy the evidence for fear that someone might persist in investigating the incident two years ago.
Ashley composed herself before she read on.
Both WhatsApp and Twitter were filled with messages and comments cussing at her family.
Poor Vivian, tortured by her own sister… Ashley Miller is a green-eyed monster! Look at this photo. Ashley is a freak!
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The Millers are just evil! As if it were not enough that they hurt the mother, they wouldn’t let her daughter off too. This is just unforgivable!
What a vile woman to do this to her own sister! She’s worse than an animal. The heavens will punish her! May she burn in hell!
Ashley Miller should go and die! I hope Ashley Miller gets struck by lightning!
The Miller family is so wicked. We should boycott their businesses!
Her heart thumped against her chest as though she was about to keel. How am I supposed to go out and face the world?
According to another report, the stock value of Miller Enterprise plummeted out of the sky after that series of exposé was published. The monumental collapse of their stock resulted in massive losses to their business. Many clients withdrew from their collaborations, which landed the company in a state of crisis.
Ashley trembled uncontrollably as she read the news. Is the Miller family done for? Her body went limp as she slid off the edge of her seat.
Emma came forward quickly to help her up.
“Help me, Mom! Help me!” Ashley clung onto Emma’s sleeves for dear life. Her widened eyes were as hollow as that of a dead fish.
“I don’t wanna die… He! He won’t let me off the hook! Mom! I’m done for! Finished!”
“Who? Who are you referring to?” Emma was puzzled.
“Finnick! Finnick Norton!” He’s gonna get me for this, Mom!” Ashley shrieked.
She knew that even if he were not the one who informed the press, he would surely come after her.
Ashley remembered every one of his threats. In fact, she sometimes jolted awake from nightmares of them. Never had she foreseen that it was all going to come home to roost.
The mere mention of Finnick drove fear into Emma’s heart. With his capabilities, she dreaded to think what he could do to her daughter and herself.
Emma wailed, “My poor girl, what have we done to deserve this? Don’t worry. Mom’s got your back. We will take that skanky mother and daughter down with us!”
The sound of hurried footsteps was heard from the stairs as Harvey made his way toward his daughter’s room. Emma’s cursing, which blared in the corridor, was well within earshot before he reached the door.
That made him even more furious.
When Harvey stepped in, he gave both of them a piece of his mind.
“Slut!” Harvey bellowed at Emma, “I’ve heard everything! Would it have come to this if you had just left them alone? If you still haven’t learned to restrain yourself after all this, you must have grown tired of living!”
He then poured his fury onto Ashley. “You vicious little b****! To think that you did this to your own sister!”
When Emma saw Harvey yell at Ashley over Vivian, she blew up like a volcano.
“You are one to tell us off! If you had kept your grubby hands off Rachel William, would we have to deal with your wretched bastard Vivian? She must be jumping for joy over her sister and the Miller Enterprise’s downfall. She is a jinx! A menace! Our Ashley only wanted to teach her a small lesson. Did you have to make a big fuss over it?”
Ashley started bawling alongside her.
Emma continued her tirade against Harvey. “Ashley is now with child, and she is going to marry Fabian for the good of this family. What has your bastard done for us? She got married to Finnick Norton, who has brought nothing but trouble for us Millers! You should go get Vivian to crawl here on her hands and knees to ask for our forgiveness!”
Overwhelmed by the tongue lashing from Emma and the sight of the distraught Ashley, there was no outlet for his own resentment, so he chose to bottle it up.
Were it not for his own licentiousness, these women would not have turned against one another…
While Harvey sat in the house unawares, a loud boom rang out, and he quickly found himself surrounded by a squad of black ops troopers who had charged in.
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The housemaid tried to stop them but was repelled into a corner.
The men demanded to know where Ashley was, and she pointed in the direction of the bedroom on the second floor.
With that, they proceeded to force their way into the room and seized Ashley.
Harvey and Emma were shoved aside effortlessly, and no amount of frantic kicking and screaming they could muster out of their pampered bodies could stop the troopers from dragging Ashley away.
Meanwhile, Vivian had just awoken.
She slept like a log the night before and felt re-energized. There was no hint of a hangover from the troubles of yesterday.
Finnick had been waiting in the dining room since early in the morning. With a bright smile on her face, Vivian walked over and sat down beside him.
He said, “You look well.”
Vivian took a huge gulp of soy milk before she responded, “Uh-huh, I’m revived! It doesn’t matter what anyone says so long as you believe me.”
Finnick could not mask a smile as he looked at Vivian. “I’ve taken the liberty to apply for leave from the magazine company on your behalf. I would like to take you somewhere.”
Vivian was surprised. What place could it be? Why is it so important to him? Is it going to be another press conference or formal occasion?Would it be appropriate for us to be seen together at this critical juncture?
She declined as she did not want to trouble Finnick.
“I don’t wish to go,” Vivian said.
It was as though Finnick could read her thoughts. “Not to worry. It’s nothing along those lines.”
Vivian was perplexed. She did not know what Finnick was up to, but she followed him into the car after breakfast since he was insistent.
As her phone was switched off the entire time, she had no idea about the storm raging on the internet and how the plot turned against Ashley.
The black Bentley came to an abandoned warehouse. It was an old cold storage facility with things strewn all over the place. Vivian sneezed upon entering the warehouse.
Noticing that, Finnick quickly offered her his coat.
“No, you will get a chill.”
“Put it on.”
Vivian felt much warmer as she obediently pulled the coat over herself.
As they pushed through the doors, she saw a disheveled Ashley prone on the floor, gagged with her hands bound behind her.
Vivian was stunned. “Finnick, what is this?”
Ashley’s eyes widened in surprise. Unable to speak, her heart raced when she saw Finnick and Vivian.
Finnick let out a sneer. The moment he wanted to speak, someone barged into the warehouse.
It turned out to be Fabian and Emma. From the way they were panting, it was evident that they took a lot of effort to find their way here.
Vivian was even more astonished to see them. Was Ashley kidnapped here? Why’re there so many people gathered here? Even Emma has shown up.
What’s going on?
Finnick was just as surprised to see them. But very quickly, he was able to put two and two together.
Fabian and Emma are no fools. They must have figured out that I was behind it after Ashley was taken. When they could not find her anywhere, they kept tabs on me and tailed us here.
But what do they believe could be accomplished by coming here?
Finnick snorted as he ignored them.
By now, Emma’s face was already awash with tears. She continued to cry her eyes out when she fell to her knees before him.
“Mr. Norton, you are a magnanimous man. Please let my daughter go, I beg of you! If revenge is what you want, take it out on me! Please!”
Vivian was dumbfounded. To have a woman as prideful as Emma, who was used to getting her way, humble herself like this was unprecedented.
When Emma saw Vivian from the corner of her eye, she immediately turned to face her.
Vivian panicked and ducked behind her husband.
Emma wept in anguish. “Oh Vivian, no matter what Ashley did, she is still your sister! Please forgive her! I’ll kowtow to you… Just let my daughter go! S-She is innocent. You are all making a mistake!”
Never Late, Never Away Chapter 260
“A mistake? Hmph! I see that both of you are still unrepentant.” Noah, who had been watching from the side, castigated.
Vivian was at a loss as she could not quite make sense of the exchange. What did Ashley do? Did she upset Finnick? Or does it have something to do with me?
Ashley was in tears as she struggled against her restraints in vain. She was only able to let out muffled cries through her gag.
Fabian’s heart ached to see Ashley in this manner.
He approached Finnick. “Finnick, consider yourself doing me a favor. She’s pregnant! Whatever it was that she did wrong, allow me to make it up to you. Just let her go first.”
Fabian’s words had Finnick incensed.
He said mockingly, “Fabian, aren’t you being selfish! For all the atrocities Ashley had done, you want me to let her off just because she’s carrying your child? Don’t forget that you were her victim as well!”
The color fell from Fabian’s face.
That’s right. How could I not hate Ashley? But she is with my child. What choice do I have? What else can I do? The unborn baby is innocent!
Fabian said, “Let’s just forget it, Finnick. She’s carrying another life inside her! There’s nothing that could be done to undo the past. And isn’t Vivian doing just fine right now?”
Vivian was starting to connect the dots between Ashley’s kidnapping, Finnick’s fury, and Emma and Fabian’s pleas. But did we not agree to steer clear of each other?
What unforgivable thing has Ashley done to have Finnick act this way?
It did not cross Vivian’s mind that all of it had to do with what happened to her two years ago.
The oblivious Vivian asked, “Finnick, what has Ashley done?”
Finnick took a glance at Ashley before he turned to Vivian. “The incident two years ago. It was Ashley who instigated it.”
It was Ashley?
Vivian could not believe what she was hearing. In the past two years, she was ostracized, gossiped about, almost taken advantage of by strange men, and had broken up with Fabian all because of that incident.
The realization that her sister was the mastermind behind it hit Vivian like a bolt of lightning.
Noah explained, “I’ve done a thorough investigation. It was Ashley who spiked your drink two years ago. She then hired someone to violate you, took your lewd photos, and distributed them. She was also the one who sent those photos to Fabian and smeared your reputation in school! Ashley was responsible for all of that!”
Dumbstruck, Vivian looked at the ragged Ashley. The bitterness in her half-sister’s eyes confirmed her guilt.
“No! It was not Ashley!” Emma dashed forward to interject. “It was me. Those were my ideas! If you want someone to hold it against, let it be me!”
Fabian and Ashley were stunned. Was Emma out of her mind? Was it motherly love that gave her the courage to sacrifice herself? But what good would that do?
Emma sobbed, “Two years ago, when I saw Vivian dating such an outstanding young man, I sought to mess things up for her. So I came up with the idea of drugging, pimping, and documenting. But that didn’t feel enough, so I went on to spread the photos around the school to ruin her completely… All of this was my doing! Ashley has nothing to do with it!”
However, Finnick knew Emma was lying. She was willing to be her daughter’s scapegoat for the sake of her future happiness as any mother would.
He proclaimed in an icy tone, “Neither one of you should expect to walk away from this scot-!”
At that moment, Ashley struggled with all her might as though she wanted to speak. Fabian came forward and removed the gag from her mouth.
As she choked on her own breath, he rubbed her chest to help her recover.
Emma said, “No! No! It was me! I did all of that! My daughter had nothing to do with it whatsoever! I just couldn’t stand seeing this little b**** happy! I wanted to destroy her completely! She and her mother should both boil in the depths of hellfire!”