Ch. 261..270

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 261

But Finnick was not about to let Emma take the bullet for Ashley, and he was quickly losing his patience. It was evident from his expression that he did not want to deal with the likes of Emma anymore.

When Emma saw that her pleas were falling on deaf ears, she emboldened herself and raised an accusing finger toward Vivian.

Emma screeched, “Vivian William, you slut! Had I known things would turn out this way, I would have gotten ten men to have their way with you! This is all your fault, yet you still have the cheek to stand there and watch us get humiliated! You shameless woman, bringing harm upon your own sister! May you die a million deaths! You…”

At that point, Finnick was past his tolerance threshold. Before Emma was done cussing, Noah broke away from Finnick’s side and pinned her onto the ground until she could cuss no more.

Vivian felt her heart ze over.

As if it was not enough that they treated her unkindly on a daily basis, they even went as far as to taint her chastity, rob her of her happiness, and condemn her to the depths of infernal damnation.

What have I done to deserve a family like this?

As Vivian glared at Emma, she said in a quivering voice. “Do you two really hate me this much? What have I done to you that you have to treat me this way? No matter what, I am still part of the Miller family! You… Both of you…”

She choked up at this point.

Abruptly, Ashley let out a sinister laugh that sent chills down everyone’s spines.

All her plans had failed. Not only was Vivian standing there in one piece, she had the adoration of Finnick and had also uncovered the truth behind the plot against her.

On the other hand, Ashley fell into a trap of her own making. Now she was akin to a sacrificial lamb, disgraced and left begging for mercy. She felt like she would be better off dead.

It was not clear when exactly Ashley got cut, but she bled profusely from a deep gash on her arm. Her sleeve was dyed crimson as she lay in a pool of her own blood.

Ashley knew that she could no longer keep things under wraps, so she hollered, “What did you do to deserve this? You stole Fabian! When I saw both of you being so intimate, I was jealous and wanted to break both of you up! Fabian is mine and only someone like me is fit for him! You are only a bastard! Who the hell do you think you are to steal him from me?”

Vivian and Fabian were both stunned. Did Ashley already know Fabian back then? So Ashley had her eye on Fabian since two years ago?

Vivian did not understand. “Fabian? How? How could you have known him?”

Fabian was equally confounded as he did not recall having met Ashley before.

Ashley gritted her teeth as she reminisced about that unforgettable day.

It was that day when she fell for Fabian.

Two years ago, she went to Vivian’s college to run an errand and by chance, caught a glimpse of her riding pillion.

The rider in front was Fabian, and Ashley still remembered how he looked to this day. Looking like a prince charming in his white tank top, he smiled dazzlingly in the sun, and his eyes were focused yet emotive.

But at that time, he only had eyes for Vivian!

At that thought, her deep-seated hatred surfaced. “Because I had already seen Fabian at your school two years ago! That’s right. I fell for him right away! That’s why I must ruin you, you shameless woman! Because you are not good enough for Fabian!”

Fabian finally understood why Ashley looked at him that way when they first met.

Vivian was astonished as well. Suddenly, she remembered that when they were both little, although Ashley had many lovely and expensive dolls, she insisted on taking her ragged one. Vivian wailed helplessly as she watched Ashley snatch away the only doll she had. In fact, she cried over it for a few days.

Now that they were both adults, Ashley had gravitated to snatching her lover and destroying her sole happiness.

As Vivian stared Ashley down, her eyes and her voice turned cold. “Two years ago, Fabian was already my boyfriend. What right did you have to come between us?”

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 262

“Who am I?” Ashley asked her viciously, “And who do you think you are? Fabian is such a handsome and outstanding man. Does a bastard child like you deserve to be with him?”

After falling for Fabian at first sight, Ashley used her connections to find out that he wasn’t an impulsive guy but a young man from a wealthy and noble family. That fact alone made it impossible for her to resist her excitement and desire to possess him.

“So, that’s why you schemed against me and made us break up?” Vivian found it hard to believe that Ashley would do such a terrible thing. “I’m your sister. Even if you hate me and want Fabian badly, you shouldn’t scheme against me with such a despicable method. Ashley, are you aware of how much I had been hurt because of what you did?”

At the same time, Fabian’s face darkened as he stared at Ashley. If it wasn’t for Ashley, Vivian would’ve already become my wife long ago. Instead, I have to call her Aunt Vivian now.

Ashley sneered, “That’s right, I did it! Hahaha, you are now filthy to the core because another man violated you. It’s too late to say anything now!”

The crowd looked horrified at her words.

Is Ashley trying to kill herself? She will only enrage Finnick and Vivian even more if she goes on!

Fabian immediately tried to stop her. “Ashley, you should stop talking! Keep your mouth shut!”

Meanwhile, Finnick’s expression turned even colder as he tried to tamp his anger and he sneered, “Filthy? Ashley, I’m sorry to disappoint you. But the man who stayed with Vivian that night two years ago was me.”

Although Ashley was afraid, a malicious look was plastered on her face. However, upon hearing the man’s words, her face turned ghastly pale almost immediately.

“No! That’s impossible!” She then blurted, “It was obviously an old man then…”

As much as she wanted to finish her sentence, the moment when she looked into his eyes, however, she could tell that he wasn’t lying.

She was flummoxed and thunderstruck.

She never thought that not only did she fail to harm Vivian, but she ruined her own life in the process.

Meanwhile, Fabian who was standing aside was completely dumbstruck when he heard Finnick’s revelation.

But when he thought about the fact that Ashley was bearing his child, he pleaded, “Uncle Finnick, since nothing unfortunate happened two years ago, please let Ashley go.”

Finnick sneered and didn’t utter a word. But Fabian knew then that his uncle had no intention of letting Ashley go.

When Ashley heard how Fabian was pleading with Finnick for her sake, she couldn’t help but feel a slant of light appeared from the pit of despair that she was in. Tears began to stream down her face as she said, “Fabian, are you standing up for me? You can’t bear to watch me die, right?”

Since the truth was already revealed, she didn’t feel the need to disguise herself anymore in front of Fabian. Besides, she was touched to know that he treated her and her child sincerely and never thought about abandoning her.

After a while, she said, “Fabian, I really love you. In fact, I was mesmerized by you the moment I met you! I have fallen in love and am obsessed with you since then. Fabian, I will do anything for you. You have to be mine!”

At the same time, Emma also tried to help her and said, “Fabian! It’s true! Ashley suffered a lot ever since she fell in love with you! When she realized that you love Vivian, she would always hide in the house and cry all day. She’s not an evil woman, it’s just that she loves you too much that she overstepped the limits. Please forgive her!”

Although the mastermind who planned the scheme two years ago stood right before her, Vivian didn’t have to heart to vent her hatred. Instead, she felt that the truth was a ridiculous and absurd farce.

No one cared about my life and feelings for the past two years. I was humiliated, abandoned, and judged by others… No one could even begin to understand how hurtful and depressed I was.

She had to bear the mental torture all by herself as everyone around her perceived her as a slut and an inauspicious person, causing them to stay far away from her. Every man she met would either tease or loathe her.

Moreover, her heart was completely shattered because of the tragedy. If it weren’t because Finnick was willing to believe her, she dared not imagine what would happen to her in the future.

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 263

Vivian felt that what Emma and Ashley done were unforgivable.

Just then, Fabian wriggled from Emma’s grip, he came up to Vivian and begged sincerely, “Vivian, considering that we used to love each other two years ago, please let Ashley go. My kid is innocent and shouldn’t be punished for what the previous generation did. Besides, regardless of her unforgivable wrongdoings, she is still your sister. You can’t change the fact that both of you are related by blood.”

Related by blood? How ridiculous. If Vivian could choose, she would rather not be born into this world. She hated the fact that they were related. She hated Harvey for taking away her mother’s happiness forcefully. Because of that, her mother was impregnated and had to give birth to her.

She had no choice but to stay alive because she was part of the Miller family. Not to mention she had to live with her merciless stepmother and half-sister as a family. For all her years as a Miller, Vivian had always hated the fact that she was related to them by blood.

Recalling back to the first time when she met Emma and Ashley, she was still young then and she wished that she could live with them harmoniously and happily when she found out they were her stepmother and half-sister. Even though she tolerated and forgave them for so many years, they never stopped envying, framing, and harming her. As such, she was completely disappointed by them now.

When she was drugged two years ago, it was fortunate that Finnick coincidentally rescued her, or else she would have been violated. Why should I ever care if I’m related to them by blood?

In their mind, they had always perceived me as an enemy, a stranger, and even a lowly woman who deserves to be violated by any man on the streets!

Vivian didn’t want to utter any word because she was tired of being betrayed and schemed against by the two wicked women.

She simply turned around and didn’t respond to Fabian.

Finnick sneered, “That’s enough. As they say, an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. We must pay them back for what they did today!” He then turned and muttered, “Noah.”

“Yes, Mr. Norton.” After answering him, Noah led several sturdy men, who had been waiting outside, into the room.

Noah pointed at Ashley and Emma, he instructed the men, “Take them away and drug them. You may do anything to them afterward.”

He paused for a while and added, “But remember to record it.”

Once the men heard his instruction, they rushed forward and surrounded Ashley and Emma with an excited look on their faces.

Scared out of their wits, Ashley and Emma screamed. Fabian tried to stop them, but he was pushed aside to the wall and could do nothing.

“Mom! Save me! Don’t do this! No!” Ashley shrieked and cried frantically. “Fabian! Save me! Let go of me…”

Fabian grabbed Finnick and begged pitifully, “Uncle! Please, I’m begging you! You’ll kill my child if you do this! Finnick, you can’t be that cruel. The child is a part of the Norton family!”

Meanwhile, Vivian gnashed her teeth and shut her eyes.

Finnick sneered, “Fabian, I suggest that you stay out of this.”

With sinister smiles on their faces, the men began to pour ecstasy drugs into Emma and Ashley’s mouths.

Vivian was a little afraid and dared not look at them. As she leaned against Finnick’s chest, she felt that her hands were icy cold. For a moment, she could feel her resolve weakened.

However, Emma and Ashley didn’t regret what they did to her at all. Instead, they were hurling obscenities at her and accusing her of being an evil wench.

And here I am almost pitying them… Fine, I’ll let Finnick handle everything. I can take this as me avenging my mother as well.

As kind-hearted as Vivian was, she wasn’t a saint who could tolerate all kinds of torture. Since Ashley was cruel enough to treat me like an animal, there’s no need for me to pity her.

Just when Ashley and Emma were about to be violated, however, Noah suddenly received a phone call. In the next moment, his face paled.

Why… Why is this happening?

Considering the gravity of the situation, he decided to stop Finnick and the men immediately.

He rushed toward Finnick and whispered in his ears.

Upon hearing his words, Finnick turned pale too and raised his hand as a sign to stop the men.

“Stop! Stop now!” Noah came up and stopped them.

The men had almost poured the drugged drinks into Ashley and Emma’s mouths. The sudden command caused them to jolt in shock and they spilled the drinks all over Ashley and Emma.

After that, Noah asked the men to leave the room.

Ashley and Emma went weak at the knees and were petrified.

On the other hand, Fabian was surprised but doubtful at the same time. Why did Finnick suddenly order them to stop?

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 264

However, he didn’t spare much time to ponder over it. Since Finnick had asked the men to stop, Fabian took the chance to untie Ashley and helped her and Emma up from the floor.

“Fabian!” Ashley rushed into Fabian’s arms and cried uncontrollably, thinking that she was safe now.

Emma couldn’t help but sob as well. Her life had flashed before her eyes when she was almost drugged earlier. The humiliation would be too much for her to bear if everyone knew that she was drugged and raped at such an old age. If that happens, Harvey might even abandon me and drive me out of the Miller family!

At the same time, Vivian was startled by the sudden turn of events. What’s going on? Why did Finnick suddenly change his mind? Did something happen? Or could it be that he didn’t have the heart to do it?

As Finnick looked stone-faced, no one could ascertain his emotions. After a while, he glanced at Vivian and said in a low and seemingly apologetic voice, “I’m sorry. I’m afraid that I can’t punish Ashley anymore.”

Is Finnick saying that he’ll let Ashley and Emma off the hook?

Vivian was rather confused. Why did Finnick look completely different right after Noah answered a phone call?

On the other hand, Finnick also noticed the changes on Vivian’s face. Despite that, he really couldn’t torture Ashley anymore.

He held her hand gently and added, “Vivian, I’ll explain to you later.”

When Noah told Finnick the news earlier, Finnick couldn’t believe his ears. He never expected that it was actually her.

Turning towards Noah, Finnick instructed him, “Let them go. You’ll stay here to take care of Mrs. Norton, send her home, and come meet me after.”

The moment Fabian heard Finnick’s words, he immediately brought Ashley and Emma to leave the place.

Finnick also left the room hurriedly.

It was rather cold in the storage room. However, Vivian felt that the temperature seemed to drop sharply the moment Finnick left with Ashley and the rest.

She couldn’t believe that Finnick abandoned her and left with Ashley.

Just as she was lost in thought, Noah came over and said to Vivian, “Let’s go, Mrs. Norton. I’ll send you home.”

Vivian finally snapped out of her daze and nodded in response.

On their way home, she couldn’t help but ask, “Noah, why did Finnick’s attitude change all of a sudden and decided to let go of Ashley and Emma?”

“Well…” Stammering, Noah gave her a vague answer. “Mrs. Norton, please don’t put me in a tight spot. You should ask Mr. Norton once he comes home.”

Since Noah didn’t want to talk about it, Vivian reckoned that things were not so simple and that it may involve Finnick’s privacy.

Even though she didn’t really wish to see Ashley being tortured, she was curious about what happened to Finnick. She was stumped by Finnick’s actions and she felt increasingly anxious about the possible turn of events.

Will Finnick abandon me just like how Fabian did to me?

As much as she understood that her thought was ridiculous, she really cared about Finnick. Given that she had lost Fabian, she would never allow someone else to take Finnick away from her.

With so many questions in her mind, Vivian waited impatiently at home alone. However, because Finnick didn’t call her, she had no idea when he would be back.

At night, after the housemaid prepared dinner, Vivian permitted her to leave.

When she browsed the internet, she realized that news and headlines about Ashley’s scandals were widely circulated online. Given that no one in Sunshine City could instruct every media to report about Ashley’s scandals, she believed Finnick was behind this.

She felt fortunate that Finnick was able to find out the truth behind the incident two years ago, or else she would have been the scapegoat forever. Even so, she was still hurt badly since the truth was revealed late.

When the clock on the wall showed that it was already eleven o ‘clock at night, there was still no news about Finnick. Despite her anxiousness, Vivian didn’t call him but waited alone lest she disturbed and annoyed him.

Since she felt too bored, she began to scroll on her Twitter.

Seeing that most of the comments made by netizens were to berate Ashley and Emma, she decided to log off from Twitter. Vivian felt that they had received the punishment they deserved.

Before she logged off, however, she realized that the Twitter user named “Back to the Past” read and liked her page. She decided to follow the user back because she felt that the user was rather mysterious.

Vivian then continued to surf the internet for a long time while waiting for Finnick’s return. However, after waiting through the night, Finnick was nowhere to be seen. As the entire house was empty and silent, she couldn’t help but ponder over a lot of questions.

She kept checking her phone from time to time, yet there was no WhatsApp or text message.

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 265

Vivian kept picking up and putting down her phone many times, wondering if she should call Finnick. She was rather worried about him. It’s so late now, did he have his dinner on time? Did he face any danger?

As Vivian was tired, she eventually fell asleep. It was already morning when she opened her eyes again.

The first thing she did was checking her phone. To her disappointment, there was still no message or news about Finnick.

Since Finnick wasn’t at home that morning, Vivian went to the magazine company early. Besides, she would have a lot of tasks to finish that day because she took a leave on the previous day.

Coincidentally, she met Fabian as soon as she arrived at the magazine company. He looked rather tired when he stepped into the building.

When Fabian saw her, he asked, “Are you alright? Did you not sleep well last night?” He could clearly see that she looked pale with dark circles under her eyes.

Vivian smiled and replied politely, “Well, I could ask the same about you.”

They fell silent for a few seconds before suddenly mentioning different names at the same time. Both of them chuckled awkwardly.

“Finnick…”

“Ashley…”

Seeing that Vivian seemed like she wanted to say something, Fabian said, “Why don’t you come to my office for a while?”

She agreed and followed him to his office.

When they arrived at his office, he made her a cup of latte, which was her favorite.

He handed the cup of coffee over to her and said, “I remember that you like this type of coffee the most.”

Vivian nodded and answered, “I’m surprised that you still remember about it.”

“Well, I have never forgotten about it.”

Vivian recalled that Fabian used to bring her to a café back then. Since coffee was rather expensive for them as students, they only ordered a cup of coffee. Nevertheless, Fabian didn’t take a sip at all but only watched her finish the cup of coffee.

He used to say, “Vivian, I will build a large café for you in the future and collect different types of coffee around the world so that you’ll be able to drink to your heart’s content. Do you like my idea?”

Back then, she merely thought that the man was joking and wasn’t aware that Fabian was actually capable of doing it.

To stop herself from reminiscing the sorrowful past, Vivian immediately changed the subject and cut straight to the point. “By the way, how’s Ashley? Where did they go? And where is Finnick?”

Fabian replied calmly, “Why the rush? Enjoy the coffee first, and I’ll explain it to you slowly. Besides, since you have a series of questions, which one should I answer first?”

Vivian was actually not in the mood to enjoy the coffee. However, since Fabian offered it to her sincerely, she decided to sit down and take a sip of it.

After a while, Fabian began to explain, “Finnick sent Emma overseas, probably to an underdeveloped and shabby country. Well, this way, she’d be able to stay away from you and she won’t be able to hurt you ever again. I think Emma got what she deserves, and all she could now is to pray that she wouldn’t have a miserable life ahead! Rest assured that since Finnick sent her overseas, he definitely won’t let her live the rest of her life in peace.”

That being said, Vivian actually didn’t care where Emma was and what she was doing. Instead, she only wanted to know what happened to Finnick. She was anxious as to why he didn’t come home nor give her a phone call.

She continued to ask, “How about Ashley? Is she alright? Is the child in her belly fine?”

He answered, “Once she left the storage room, Finnick sent her to the hospital for a medical check-up and treatment. She is fine now after taking care of her wounds. For now… Finnick is accompanying her.”

As soon as Fabian finished, Vivian snapped her head up and thought she misheard him. Finnick is taking care of Ashley? Doesn’t he hate her and want to torture her?

Vivian paled and she could feel her mouth began to dry. She lowered her head and continued to listen to him. Why would the overbearing Finnick take care of Ashley? This is not how he usually behaves.

She couldn’t help but feel slightly jealous.

On the other hand, Fabian was also clueless about Finnick’s action.

He added, “I don’t know the reason behind the dramatic change. But Finnick is treating Ashley with care and is rather meticulous about it.”

How is it possible that Finnick is taking care of Ashley in the hospital? Vivian was completely dumbfounded.

Irritation surged within her whenever she imagined how Finnick was staying by Ashley’s side now.

Nonetheless, she had faith in Finnick that he wouldn’t betray her. However, her heart still wrenched when she thought of how Finnick was being overly nice to Ashley. She recalled that she had a similar feeling when she was a kid when someone took her favorite doll away forcefully.

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When Fabian noticed the changes on Vivian’s face, he asked with concern, “Vivian, are you alright? Don’t overthink it. Even though I’m not sure about the exact reason, I don’t think Finnick will ever fall for Ashley.”

“What? Of course he won’t. I have faith in Finnick. I’m just… a little jealous.”

So she’s jealous… Fabian could feel that Vivian truly loved Finnick now.

Staring at her, Fabian fell into a trance. Vivian was still as beautiful with her black hair, thin red lips, a small but tall nose, as well as a pair of sparkling and affectionate-looking eyes.

Meanwhile, Vivian felt a little uneasy when she noticed that Fabian kept staring at her. She stood up and said, “Alright, it’s time to start working, and everyone should already be outside now. I should leave and start working too.”

“Vivian.” Fabian stood up as well and apologized, “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry that I didn’t protect you two years ago when the incident happened.”

Vivian was stunned because she never expected Fabian to apologize to her sincerely. After listening to his apology, she couldn’t help but heave a long sigh to let go of her sorrows and feelings for Fabian for good. At that moment, she felt like a load had been lifted from her chest. She was finally able to let go of her buried feelings.

With her back against Fabian, she simply remained silent and continued walking out of his office, with each step that she took, she felt she was finally walking out of his life.

Fabian also heaved a long sigh when he thought about the baby in Ashley’s belly and that he would soon marry her.

Meanwhile, in the hospital, Finnick was sitting next to Ashley, accompanying her.

Although she lay on the hospital bed, her complexion was looking better than yesterday and she was calm and alert.

She went through a lot yesterday, including being kidnapped, almost being drugged by some sturdy men, and suddenly rescued… When she recalled back, Ashley shuddered in fear and broke out in cold sweat, she felt as if she were trapped in a nightmare from which she couldn’t wake up.

Finnick sat next to her and was looking at his phone attentively.

Sensing movement, he looked up at once and saw that Ashley was staring at him with a frightened look. He said nicely, “Ashley, you’re awake.”

She was petrified and dared not utter a word.

Finnick quickly asked a nurse to enter the ward and check up on her. Ashley was actually in a semi coma state when he sent her to the hospital yesterday.

Everyone, including Finnick, was in a rush to send her to the hospital and look for the best doctor. As such, he was busy and didn’t have time to go home. Is Vivian in the magazine company now? Will she be mad at me because I didn’t go home last night?

The nurse dressed and bandaged Ashley’s wound, took her blood pressure, and took a sample of her blood to be tested. After that, she explained that if the blood test results were fine, Ashley would be able to discharge from the hospital.

Finnick thanked the nurse for her help while she flashed him a sweet smile.

The woman on the bed must be his girlfriend. What a lucky woman she is!

Ever since Ashley was admitted to the hospital, she was in a muddled state and wasn’t sure what happened until now.

She couldn’t help but guess what would happen next because of how abnormal Finnick was behaving. Is he thinking about torturing me? Why would he suddenly take good care of me and accompany me the whole night?

She was curious about the reason why Finnick didn’t leave after taking care of her. She tried to sound him out. “Why did you let me go? And why are you treating me so nicely all of a sudden?”

“I have my own reasons.” Just as Ashley expected, Finnick wouldn’t let go of her easily.

Since Finnick had always been cold and indifferent, she was a little afraid to see that the man changed so much and was kind to her. After a while, she said, “Mr. Norton, I dare not do it again… I didn’t know that my mom did something wrong two years ago, and I…”

“Ashley.” Finnick continued, “Even though your wounds are fine, the doctor suggests that you should get enough rest.”

He doesn’t want to mention the incident that happened two years ago anymore. Since he failed to avenge Vivian, all he could do now was to punish Emma even more.

“In that case, can I… go home?”

“As long as the nurse agrees to it, sure, you can go home.”

Ashley was finally relieved. I guess Finnick really gave up on the idea of punishing me. But why? She still had some questions in her mind.

Ashley decided to voice out her concerns, “Mr. Norton, why did you…”

 

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 267

Ashley paused. She was worried that if she pressed on, Finnick might change his mind and not let her off.

Likewise, Finnick also ignored her question. Instead, he pulled out a photo from his pocket. The photo was a little yellowish, but one could see a girl in a princess dress. The girl seemed familiar, but she could not tell for sure as the photo was quite blurry.

Finnick asked, “Do you recognize the girl in this photo? Is this you?”

Ashley’s eyes sparkled for she instantly knew that the photo had something to do with Finnick’s decision. If I said no, would Finnick treat me differently? And if I said yes, would this lead to more terrible things?

After all, I have done many hurtful things towards Vivian… I should be careful with my answer.

She decided to not answer him and instead questioned, “So what if I say I am or not? Why does it matter?”

“Do you remember on a night ten years ago, you unintentionally saved a boy with injured legs? You walked a long way and took him to the hospital. In the end, he was saved.” Finnick paused, “That boy was me.”

“You?” Ashley had no impression and could not recall the incident. But she knew that it was her only chance to escape punishment from Finnick. This is my lucky day!

“Ashley, thank you for saving me. If it weren’t for you, I would have died that night.” Finnick said in a low voice. His tone was steady but filled with gratitude.

Yesterday, when Noah received a call, the caller claimed that they had found the buyer’s list of the limited edition princess dress of that year. Funnily enough, Ashley’s name was on the list. In addition, the location of the photo taken was nearby Miller Residence. After comparison, the girl was indeed Ashley. She was the girl Finnick had been searching for all these years.

So, it turned that the girl in the photo was his savior. no wonder he reacted in this way. Ashley finally understood the reason behind the situation and an idea came to mind.

She was silent for a moment as she did not want to talk too much about the photo and the past.

She was suddenly reminded of Emma. I haven’t seen her since last night. Did she return to the Miller Residence?

Ashley asked timidly, “What about my mom? Where is she? I haven’t seen her all day, has she gone back home?”

Finnick sneered, “Here’s the deal, I can let you off, but not your mom. Especially since she was the mastermind behind Vivian’s incident two years ago.”

Finnick was being tactful with words.

Obviously, he knew that the mastermind behind the incident was not Emma, but Ashley. However, Ashley was just a college student then. Surely Emma must have known what her daughter was doing behind her back, not to mention how Ashley had used the Miller family to perform her nefarious scheme. Emma must have hated Vivian and her mother thus decided to help Ashley in the dark.

Unfortunately, Finnick couldn’t bring himself to punish Ashley when he thought of the kindness he had received from her ten years ago. But for Emma, she will not be forgiven.

Ashley instantly understood Finnick’s implication. She knew that Finnick letting her off was already a huge compromise on his part. Fearing that he would change his mind at any time, she swallowed her request of letting Emma go.

“If so, may I see my Mom then, Mr. Norton?” Ashley begged pitifully.

“I’m afraid not, I’ve sent her abroad. This is the only way I can guarantee Vivian’s safety,” Finnick replied coldly.

Chills went down Ashley’s spine. What a ruthless man.

She knew what Emma would face once she was sent abroad. My Mom won’t be able to live the rest of her life in peace…

She asked, “Is she alright, Mr. Norton? She’s old, so please go easy on her. I really want to see her. Could you please let her come back?”

Finnick could feel nothing but disgust at the mention of Emma. However, he was reminded of the kindness ten years ago and he said, “I shall allow you to say a few words to her through video call, and nothing more.”

Ashley wanted to ask for more, but when she caught sight of Finnick’s cold expression, she could only concede. I’ll think of something to bring Mom back myself. So hang in there, Mom!

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Turning on her charms, Ashley thanked Finnick sweetly, “Thank you, Mr. Norton,”

However, Finnick was immune towards other woman and their tricks, except for Vivian. “Have a good rest,” He replied emotionlessly.

Finnick kept his promise as he ordered Noah to arrange the call for Ashley and Emma to meet before he left.

In the afternoon, after Ashley was discharged, Noah drove her to a house in the outer suburbs to let her have her video call with Emma.

In the video, Emma was sitting in a shabby-looking house. With its mottled walls and dirty floors, the house looked to be in poor condition. Aside from that, the room was poorly insulated due to the broken windows.

Emma was relieved when she saw Ashley in good condition. However, she couldn’t help but burst into tears at the thought of her current situation.

She looked filthy and skinny. She also looked haggard, as if she had been working tirelessly without rest.

Ashley cried as her heart felt like it was sliced into half at the sight of her mother’s misery.

As the saying goes, a mother’s heart aches at the sight of her child’s injury. The same could be said when a child was forced to see how their mother was suffering.

Emma had always been treated like a queen. She lived in a villa with housemaids to serve her. For her to experience such suffering… I couldn’t imagine how terrible she must have felt! Ashley thought to herself as her heart ached in pain.

Noah closed the door behind as he left the room.

Once he was gone, Ashley cried while asking, “Mom, a-are you alright?”

“Yes… I’m fine…” Emma covered her mouth as tears streamed down her face.

How could I possibly say that I’m being severely punished? My days here are like hell! I’m forced to work like a slave, and the meals are horrible. There’s no meat like fish and chicken, and instead, I’d be considered lucky to have leftovers.

I was also bullied by a bunch of rude country folks. They’d spit and throw punches at me. Emma’s body was covered with bruises and wounds. However, she hid them away from Ashley with her clothes.

Tears streamed down Ashley’s face as she said, “Mom, you’ve lost weight. Please take good care of yourself. W-Wait for Fabian, dad, and I. We’ll come for you. Please hang in there, Mom!”

“Alright, I’ll wait for you,” Emma replied weakly, her arrogant and domineering attitude from the past had all but disappeared.

“I don’t know what happened to your Dad but please get him to save me! I can’t stand it here anymore, Ashley!” Emma pleaded.

Ashley nodded repeatedly.

She then looked around to ensure no one was eavesdropping before asking softly, “Mom, why did you own up to Vivian’s incident two years ago? It was me who did it. If you didn’t admit to it, perhaps you could have saved yourself from all this suffering. This is all my fault!”

Emma was a mother, after all. And as a mother, she wouldn’t be able to bring herself to let her daughter suffer such a cruel fate.

Emma replied, “Silly kid, of course I knew you were the one behind what happened two years ago. Yet, I didn’t stop you, right? Listen to me, never admit to it, and just put the blame on me, do you understand? Finnick is too powerful for you to go against him.”

Ashley was deeply touched.

“All I wanted is for you to be safe and sound. It doesn’t matter if I’m suffering a little. You should blame Vivian for this. If she hadn’t brought this up to Finnick, he wouldn’t have investigated this incident in the first place. It’s her fault! The world would have been a better place without Vivian and her mother! Ashley, please look after yourself and live a good life with Fabian, alright?” Emma comforted her daughter.

Ashley felt extremely guilty towards Emma. Mom has sacrificed so much for me to be happy.

Mom’s right! This is all Vivian’s fault. She’s the cause of my Mom’s suffering!

Ashley replied, “Mom, don’t worry, I’ll avenge you one day! Both Vivian and Rachel will pay the price for the suffering they’ve caused us! I hereby swear that I won’t go easy on them! Mom, please take care of yourself!”

“I will, don’t worry,” Emma promised.

Emma had always been Ashley’s pillar of support and her guardian angel. Now that they were separated, Ashley felt isolated and helpless without her mother by her side.

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 269

Everyone is on Vivian’s side, no one is willing to stand by me and support me.

Emma suddenly remembered something and asked softly, “Ashley, is your…”

Before she could ask further, however, she heard footsteps.

Emma hinted at Ashley, “You have to protect your baby… The baby’s your only leverage against them!”

Before Ashley could assure Emma, the video call was cut off.

I didn’t even get to have a good look at Mom’s face before it ended abruptly. I wonder when will I see her again…

Ashley sat quietly as she wiped the tears off her face and secretly made a decision.

Finnick arrived moments later, He decided to drop by since it was on his way.

According to Noah’s report, Ashley had ended the call with Emma in the house moments ago, and Noah was waiting for Finnick’s order on the next course of action.

Finnick thought it was necessary to negotiate terms with Ashley. He planned to repay her kindness and be done with her once and for all.

In the house, Ashley was sitting on a chair, lost in her thoughts as she gazed out the window.

Finnick couldn’t help but think to himself, Where did the pure and kind-hearted girl from ten years ago go? How did she become such a vicious woman?

Was jealousy such a powerful influence?

Ashley still had tears on her face, but she was calm. She watched as Finnick arrived in his wheelchair.

Finnick asked, “Have you met Emma?”

“Yes, Mr. Norton. But, I don’t know if I should thank you or resent you. I’m afraid my mom can’t bear such suffering. She had never lived like a peasant before. She won’t be able to cope with it.”

Finnick thought Ashley was right. My intention wasn’t for Emma to live a comfortable life. She will not realize her mistakes if she doesn’t suffer. However, I still believe that my punishment was too lenient on her.

Ashley assumed that Finnick must have made a firm decision to send Emma away. She reckoned that Finnick would despise her if she begged him to let Emma go now. She was not a silly girl, thus, she decided to hold her tongue for now as the current situation was not in her favor.

She said to Finnick, “You claimed that I have shown you kindness and you intend to repay me. How do you plan to do that?”

“You can ask for anything you’d like, as long as it is within my abilities,” Finnick answered contemptuously as he expected her to ask for money or shares.

Anything?

Is Finnick truly sincere in trying to repay me? Did he think I would ask for something simple and he could be done with me just like that?

To his surprise, Ashley sneered and replied, “My request is for you to leave Vivian. Can you do that?”

Leave Vivian?

Finnick’s expression hardened.

“That’s impossible, Ashley. You know I won’t promise you this, so think of something more practical,” Finnick answered in a cold voice.

“Why? You can’t accept this term?”

Finnick slowly shook his head, indicating there was no possibility of him changing his mind.

“I’m surprised at how much you loved her.” Ashley joked.

“Try something else, Ashley.” Finnick was starting to get impatient.

Ashley wasn’t ready to give up just yet because it was her only chance to turn things around. Hence, she had to consider the terms carefully. If Finnick thought she could be appeased with a few million, he would be sorely mistaken.

She would have chosen money in the past, however, the circumstances were different now. She desired something apart from money.

Ashley shrugged. “Forget it then. Since you won’t leave Vivian, promise me this, Finnick, help me revive the Miller family and let me marry Fabian. All I want is to live a care life.”

Finnick nodded in agreement as he was capable of doing what she requested.

Ashley slowly got up from the chair, she raised her head to meet Finnick’s gaze and said, “Now take me home. I want to go home.”

Finnick nodded before wheeling himself out. He ordered Noah to get the car and they sent Ashley back to Miller Residence.

Meanwhile, Vivian who was working in the magazine company, found that she was upset and could not concentrate on her task at hand. Her mind was filled with thoughts of Finnick…

She wondered when did Finnick become the center of her life. Without Finnick, she seemed to lose her direction in life. She felt that she had no plans, dreams, or anything that she could grasp onto in life.

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 270

Vivian laughed at how pathetic she had become. She did not want to call Finnick as she felt that it would make her look like a controlling person.

Just when she was wallowing in despair, the office was suddenly buzzing.

Vivian heard Jenny and Sarah discussing the news. She decided to join in as a way to get Finnick off her mind.

“What are you guys talking about?” Vivian asked.

Sarah answered, “We’re discussing about investments,”

Vivian frowned, “Investments? What are you planning to invest in?”

“Haha, in stocks of course. I’m talking about the stocks from the Miller family company.”

It turned out that they were discussing the stock recovery of the Miller family and considered buying it. They predicted the Miller family might be a dark horse in the market.

Ken chimed in, “What do you guys think? Is this a new investment strategy? The stocks were in sharp decline yesterday, but they suddenly shoot back to the top today! One of my buddies felt miserable because he turned in all of his stocks yesterday when he noticed that they were declining.”

Another colleague said, “So why did the Miller family’s stock rose tremendously today? Isn’t that weird?”

“The Miller family’s stock isn’t reliable so don’t waste your money on them. Finnor Group’s stocks are much more stable, I have never lost money from investing in them. Besides, I have also invested tons in the V.M. Fund.”

While everyone was deep in discussion, Jenny pulled Vivian aside and asked, “Vivian, you came just in time. Is there any insider news you could share with us? I heard Finnor Group had invested a large amount of capital into the Miller family’s stock. Is that true?”

Feeling rather awkward, Vivian quickly recomposed herself.

She replied, “I never asked Finnick about his business, so I’m sorry, but I can’t help you.”

Jenny seemed to have noticed something and she said, “That’s fine, there’s nothing to be sorry about as long as you’re okay.”

Jenny’s comforting words made Vivian felt uneasy.

What are you trying to do, Finnick? Vivian wondered.

Not only did you stay all day at the hospital to accompany Ashley, but now you’re actually helping the Miller family recover their losses? Why are you doing all this to help Ashley? Does Ashley have anything that’s holding against you?

Forget it, I’ll call Finnick and ask him myself. Vivian could no longer resist the urge.

To her surprise, she received elder Mr. Norton’s call the moment she picked up her cellphone.

“Vivian, I’m celebrating my birthday today. Usually, the boys would plan my birthday, but I’ve refused. I’m planning to use this occasion to gather everyone together. I have called Finnick and he agreed to come, so I hope you’d come too!” elder Mr. Norton said to Vivian.

Vivian smiled, “Of course, grandpa. We’ll throw you the best birthday celebration ever! See you later.”

Vivian hung up after she had a small talk with the older man.

Vivian was very surprised. How did no one know about grandpa’s birthday? Besides, why is he only telling me now?

Vivian quickly checked her schedule and noticed she had no interviews lined up. Hence, she decided to visit a nearby mall to pick out a birthday gift for elder Mr. Norton.

The moment she stepped into the mall, Vivian began perusing for gifts. However, her hesitant attitude made her gift shopping very difficult.

After looking at many different gift options, she was still unable to decide on a gift. As the time to elder Mr. Norton’s birthday celebration drew nearer, Vivian became increasingly anxious.

She walked into a branded men’s clothing store and considered buying the older man a wallet. I don’t think elder Mr. Norton would fancy such tacky things. Vivian thought to herself and she placed the wallet back on its shelf after much consideration.

She then looked around and noticed a store that sold massagers. She walked into the store and bought a massager that could be placed on the neck and waist area.

Although she knew that elder Mr. Norton was a veteran and had a strong body, it was no doubt that he would still suffer old injuries from the past. Thus, she believed that a massager could bring him some comfort.

While Vivian was busy choosing a massager, Fabian was also at the mall and he was window shopping. Without noticing Vivian, he went straight into a store.

Moments later, Vivian was finally done with her shopping and she went to the side of the road to hail a taxi.

To her despair, it was hard to get a taxi during peak hours. Most of the taxis’ had either been taken or booked.