Ch. 41..50

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 41

“What’s it about?” Finnick was extremely calm. Not curious about what was in the envelope, he merely threw a question at Fabian.

Not knowing how to explain, Fabian only gave a vague answer. “I heard that you have a woman now?”

He intended to say it in a light-hearted manner. In reality, when he first heard about it, he was shocked.

He knew that Finnick never displayed any interest in women. His father, Mark, even suspected that the car accident ten years ago had not only robbed him of his legs, but also of his ability in bed.

It was only until Finnick’s marriage that they realized otherwise. What shocked Fabian more was that Finnick was actually involved with Vivian!

When Finnick heard what Fabian said, he raised his eyebrows. “You’re very knowledgeable about my matters, huh?”

Although it was just a casual statement, Finnick’s voice lowered considerably. Feeling pressured, Fabian broke out into a cold sweat.

“It’s a coincidence.” Fabian forced himself to smile. “Previously, my business partner, Mr. Hark, offended your woman. He told me about it afterwards.”

When Fabian mentioned what happened at Q City, a cold glint flashed across Finnick’s eyes. “So?”

Finnick already deduced that Fabian met him today to talk about Vivian.

Although Finnick never deliberately concealed his relationship from Fabian, he seemed to have misunderstood that Vivian was Finnick’s mistress.

“Well…” Fabian was breaking out in cold sweat. However, he steeled himself and pressed on, “That woman is working in my magazine company. Coincidentally, I got my hands on some information on her which I think you ought to know.”

As he spoke, his gaze landed on the envelope on the table.

So the envelope contains something related to Vivian.

After a moment of contemplation, Finnick raised his hand and opened the envelope.

However, when he saw what was inside the envelope, a murderous glint flashed across Finnick’s eyes.

Fabian had been observing Finnick’s face and he was not surprised when he captured that slight change in Finnick’s expression.

Although she’s just Finnick’s mistress, it’s obvious that she’s important to him. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have dealt with Mr. Hark like that.

Speaking of which, Vivian is such an impressive woman, huh? She made me fall heads over heels for her back then. Now, she can even fool Uncle Finnick, who had no interest in women before.

But, after I reveal her true colors today, she won’t be able to pretend anymore!

Fabian was filled with a desire for revenge. However, he was reluctant to admit that actually, he just did not want to see Vivian and Finnick being entangled in a relationship.

Slam!

After seeing what was in the envelope, Finnick slammed it onto the table, whirled around and said to the waiter, “Do have a lighter?”

Fabian was stunned.

A lighter?

But Uncle Finnick doesn’t smoke at all.

The waiter quickly passed him a lighter. Before Fabian could react, Finnick flicked the lighter and burned the envelope.

“Uncle Finnick, what are you doing?” Shocked, Fabian tried to stop him. When he raised his head, his eyes met Finnick’s cold gaze.

Instantly, he felt shivers run down his spine.

What a petrifying gaze.

“Why? Don’t you just want me to take a look at it?” A cold smirk played on Finnick’s lips, while his tone was as frosty as his expression. “Now that I’ve looked at it, there’s no problem if I burn it, right?”

What a joke.

Although the photo didn’t capture any sensitive body parts, she’s still my woman. No one can just look at her like that.

Staring at Finnick, Fabian could not help but swallow his saliva and lower his head. “Nope.”

With the photo enclosed inside, the envelope burnt into ashes.

Finnick tossed the lighter aside and leaned against his wheelchair. His cold gaze landed on Fabian as he interrogated, “Tell me, who gave you this photo?”

Fabian raised his head in surprise. Staring at Finnick, he could barely believe what he just heard. “Uncle Finnick, don’t you want to know who she took the photo with and why such a photo exists?”

Shooting Fabian a brooding look, Finnick replied in a deep voice, “Why must I ask? I know very well what kind of person my woman is.”

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 42

Fabian’s body froze.

He never expected Finnick to react like this after seeing those pictures.

Considering Finnick’s personality, Fabian thought that he would definitely fly into a rage and cut off all connections with Vivian.

However, he looked completely unbothered.

Or rather, he had complete faith in Vivian’s morals.

When this thought flashed across Fabian’s mind, he felt very frustrated.

Why?

Why does Finnick trust Vivian so much? Isn’t their relationship supposed to be a superficial and brief one?

Even though I shared such an intimate relationship with Vivian two years ago, I believed that Vivian is a promiscuous woman after seeing those photos.

Is it because I don’t trust her enough?

This query emerged in Fabian’s mind but he tried desperately to suppress his frustration.

No.

The photos are already there! What kind of misunderstanding can there be?

The only explanation is that Finnick doesn’t even care about Vivian. That’s why he’s unconcerned about what kind of person she is.

“Fabian, you seem very interested in my woman,” Finnick said, interrupting Fabian’s thoughts.

Fabian’s body stiffened.

When he raised his head, he saw Finnick’s cold and calm expression. Fabian suddenly felt like a complete fool for bringing the photos to Finnick.

Although Finnick was sitting on a wheelchair, he exuded an innately dignified and elegant aura. His presence was so great that no one could tear their eyes away from him.

Suddenly, Fabian recalled his father’s occasional remarks about his uncle. Even his father, who was a particularly choosy man, said that if Finnick was not crippled, he would not even stand a chance against Finnick.

Suddenly, Fabian felt very upset.

In the past, he always thought of himself as an exceptional man. Only now did he realize how unworthy he was in comparison to Finnick.

Although he did not understand why he compared himself to Finnick, this sudden discovery filled him with frustration.

Seized with a sudden impulse, he smirked. “Yeah. You might not know this, but we used to be in a relationship when she was still studying.”

Fabian said it in a light-hearted manner, as if he was deliberately trying to anger Finnick.

Admittedly, his words fulfilled their purpose.

Finnick silently tightened his grip on the wheelchair handles. However, soon afterward, he scoffed coldly. “Oh, really?”

Those two words were simple, yet intensely cold. The fury in his voice could send chills down one’s spine.

Fabian realized that he had gone overboard. With his face turning pale, he said in a gentler tone, “Uncle Finnick, don’t be so bothered by it. She’s just a mere woman. I’m asking all these questions because I’m worried that my aunt might feel upset after knowing about it.”

Finnick’s wife was also very mysterious.

Accordingly, Fabian’s grandpa wanted to find Finnick a wife from a wealthy family. Fabian’s father, Mark, was initially worried that such a marriage might accord Finnick with some power. Unexpectedly, Finnick suddenly announced that he got married to an ordinary girl with an average family background.

Despite having returned for a period of time, Fabian still had not seen the rumored wife of Finnick.

Finnick merely eyed Fabian, not responding to him at all.

Realizing that he was being too nosy, an awkward expression crossed his face. In the end, he answered the first question Finnick raised, “I got the photo from an anonymous email.”

“Anonymous?” repeated Finnick, his tone unreadable.

Fabian nodded. Still reluctant to give up, he could not help but add, “Uncle Finnick, don’t blame me for being nosy. But Vivian’s an indecent woman. She has a bad reputation in the office too. So you should…”

“Fabian.” Before Fabian could finish his sentence, Finnick interrupted him. A hint of irritation had already crept into his voice. “Aren’t you sticking your nose too much in my business?”

Only then did Fabian realize that he talked too much. Hence, he glanced down and apologized, “Sorry, Uncle Finnick.”

“Alright, Fabian. If there’s nothing else, I’ll head back first.” Finnick adjusted his tie and added calmly, “My wife is still waiting for me at home.”

With that, he left the café without sparing Fabian a second glance.

Finnick returned to the car. Noah, who was sitting beside the driver’s seat, felt that the car was much colder than usual.

“Noah.” Finnick suddenly called out, “I asked you to look into that matter the other day, right? How’s it going?”

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 43

Noah was stunned for a while before returning to his senses. “Are you talking about what happened to Ms. William two years ago?”

“Yes.”

“Because quite some time has passed since the incident, so it’s taking a while to investigate.”

“Start the investigation from Fabian. He recently received an email that’s related to the incident.”

“Okay, got it.”

Finnick tapped his slender fingers on the wheelchair handle as a thoughtful gaze appeared in his eyes.

I’ll definitely not spare anyone who dares to mess with my woman.

Also…

When Finnick’s gaze landed on Fabian, who was walking out of the café, a cold glint flashed across his eyes.

From what he heard previously, Fabian had already given up on Vivian and was going to get married soon.

However, it seemed like Fabian was excessively concerned about his relationship with Vivian.

Finnick smiled coldly.

I can’t believe that a day would come when I’d compete with my own nephew.

Even Vivian did not know how she managed to sluggishly get through this day.

With much difficulty, she survived until dismissal time before she eagerly left the office.

When she returned home, she was surprised to see Finnick waiting in the living room. The man would usually reach home quite late.

“Where’s Molly and Liam?” Vivian tried her best to conceal her emotions from Finnick. As she took off her shoes, she walked into the living room.

“I gave them a day off today.” As there was no one else in the house, Finnick directly stood up from his wheelchair and took the dishes out from the kitchen. “But dinner’s ready, so let’s eat.”

Rubbing her slightly reddened eyes, Vivian nodded and shuffled to the dining room.

Throughout dinner, Vivian and Finnick were immersed in their own thoughts. Hence, they did not speak much.

Finnick finished his meal first. After mulling over it for a while, he asked, “Vivian, have you considered changing a job?”

Not expecting Finnick to mention this, Vivian was stunned. “Why should I change my job?”

Finnick gazed at Vivian. “Your workplace is too far from home and the employee benefits are average. You can find a better job.”

Actually, Vivian knew that regardless of which profession it was, her salary would rise if she jumped ship to another company. If it were not for her Mom, she might have already done that.

As her Mom’s medical bills were quite high each month, she could not afford to change a job.

However, as she could not tell that to Finnick, she merely pursed her lips and said, “Never mind. I’m enjoying my work a lot and I can’t bear to leave.”

Finnick gripped his spoon tighter.

“You can’t bear to leave?” He looked at Vivian with an unreadable expression.

When Fabian showed him those photos earlier, he looked indifferent on the outside. In reality, however, he was furious.

Extremely furious.

It was evident that the photos were taken by a hidden camera. If he was not wrong, they were taken two years ago.

He knew some details about what happened two years ago and had heard Vivian explain it to him. As he understood that it was not Vivian’s fault, he did not blame her. However, Vivian’s alluring look in the photos enraged him.

When he thought about how another man had shared such a passionate night with Vivian two years ago, he was overwhelmed with such fury that he had an urge to kill someone.

To be exact, if it were not for the immense self-control he developed over these few years, he might not even be able to calmly eat dinner with Vivian right now.

Fabian was also the source for his anger.

Finnick did not know if Fabian was trying to take revenge for Vivian’s betrayal two years ago or break up his relationship with Vivian.

Regardless of which one it was, it was still inappropriate for Vivian to work for Fabian anymore. There was a chance a similar incident at Q City might happen again.

Hence, he suggested for Vivian to change a job. Unexpectedly, she refused without hesitation.

Finnick could not think of any reason why Vivian could not bear to leave the job.

Is she reluctant to part with Fabian?

When that possibility crossed his mind, Finnick felt that he was being unbelievably immature. Yet, that thought made his fury rise even further.

When Finnick remembered those photos, his expression turned frosty. Placing his fork down, he asked, “Are you reluctant to leave Fabian?”

Vivian’s face paled, not expecting Finnick to say that.

Does he think that I’m still longing for Fabian, and will cheat on him?

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 44

Although her marriage with Finnick started off on a weird note, Vivian still respected their marriage and would not do anything to betray Finnick.

However, Finnick sounded like he was suspecting Vivian. This made her feel extremely hurt.

“What do you mean, Finnick?” Her tone turned cold. “Are you suspecting that there’s something going on between Fabian and I?”

Vivian had to admit that she was being a little too sensitive now.

However, she really could not stand it anymore. Fabian’s recent mockery and insults, in addition to the photos from today, was pushing her to the verge of a break down.

Initially, she thought that Finnick trusted her. Yet, he was treating her like a flirty woman now!

Finnick did not expect Vivian to react so emotionally. He frowned slightly and reassured her, “That’s not what I meant. Let’s eat.”

Finnick was trying to end the conversation, but Vivian placed her cutlery down and muttered, “I’m full.”

With that, she prepared to stand up and leave the dining table.

However, before she could stand up, Finnick abruptly rose to his feet. He propped his arms on the handles of her chair, trapping her there.

“You! What are you doing?” When Vivian raised her head in a fluster, she saw the man’s handsome face barely inches away from her.

Finnick’s eyes were dark, his emotions unreadable. As he watched Vivian’s panicked expression, he asked in a deep voice, “Vivian, is there nothing that you want to tell me?”

He understood his nephew, Fabian’s personality. Fabian was an impulsive man. Hence, after receiving those photos, he would definitely seek Vivian out.

In addition to how Vivian seemed so distracted throughout the day, Finnick guessed that she had probably seen those photos.

Yet, she did not say anything about it.

This infuriated Finnick further.

Why didn’t she tell me? I’m her husband. Yet, even though she had been wronged, she did not say a single word. She even wants to continue working in that accursed magazine company!

Finnick did not know why exactly he was so furious. When he gazed at Vivian’s fair face and watery eyes, he just could not suppress his anger.

“Vivian, I’m asking you a question!” When he saw that Vivian remained silent, Finnick’s anger increased. He pinched her chin and forced her to look into his eyes.

Finnick’s grip was starting to hurt her. Despite trying to hold her tears back, they still gushed out from her eyes. Glaring at Finnick, she yelled, “Are you crazy, Finnick?”

Even Finnick thought that he must be going mad.

Gazing at Vivian’s face, which was flushed in anger, and her teary eyes, he actually found her extremely alluring!

Yet, when he remembered those photos and Fabian’s words, he realized that not a trace of rationality was left within him.

He abruptly lowered his head and pressed his lips against Vivian’s pale lips, causing her exclamations to fall silent.

Initially, Finnick just wanted to kiss her as a warning. Yet, when his lips touched Vivian’s, his mouth was filled with her sweet fragrance. He was stunned.

Is this how Vivian tastes like?

As if he had been possessed by the devil, he could not help but pry her lips open, greedily deepening the kiss.

On the other side, Vivian widened her eyes in shock.

This was Finnick’s second time kissing her. Compared to the punishment kiss the previous time, this kiss was obviously more passionate.

Initially, Vivian wanted to resist and shove Finnick away. However, despite punching his muscular chest, he did not budge.

After a while, Vivian felt breathless from the kiss. Her face was completely red. Unable to resist anymore, she merely slumped in his arms.

After a long time, Finnick noticed that Vivian’s face was flushed. Only then did he reluctantly release her and stand up.

The kiss just now allowed him to vent some of the jealousy that was burning within him.

Gazing at Vivian’s lips, which were swollen from the kiss, his heart ached. His fingers grazed across her lips as he apologized softly, “I’m sorry. Did I hurt you?”

Biting her lips, Vivian remained silent.

“What?” Finnick’s tone turned cold when he noticed Vivian’s distant attitude. “Do you hate it so much when I touch you?”

Remembering her resistance to him on the bed, a dangerous glint flashed across Finnick’s eyes.

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 45

Vivian did not know how to reply him. All she could feel was an overwhelming sense of exhaustion. Slapping Finnick’s hand away, she got up and left the dining room.

Watching her back, Finnick did not chase after her.

For the entire night, Finnick did not return to the master bedroom. Vivian was left alone in the room, sleepless for the entire night.

Finnick left the house early the next morning. He was gone when Vivian woke up.

After eating breakfast alone, she went to the office. However, she just sat down at her desk when she saw Fabian walking out of his office.

Frowning, Vivian stood up, planning to hide at the toilet and avoid a direct confrontation with him. She did not want Fabian to scold her in front of everyone.

“Vivian, you’re in the afternoon, right? Follow me to Finnor Group for an interview.”

Finnor Group?

Vivian’s body froze. When she turned around, she saw Fabian staring at her expressionlessly.

“Mr. Norton.” She tried her best to seem calm. “I don’t feel too well today. Can you take another person?”

“No.” Fabian’s tone was formal. “This is the second interview with Finnor Group’s CEO. You interviewed him the previous time, so at least you’re acquainted. It’s better if you accompany me there.”

Vivian frowned.

Interview Finnick with Fabian?

I’d be mad if I did that!

“But I really don’t feel well, so I’m afraid that I’ll affect the interview. Sarah and the rest were present at the previous interview too. It’s the same if you ask them to tag along.”

“Vivian.” Losing his patience, Fabian’s tone became frosty. “Do you want to get fired?”

In the magazine company, other than the Chief Editor’s office, everyone else worked in open cubicles. Hence, all the employees sat together.

When they overheard Fabian’s conversation with Vivian, they fell silent. They timidly watched on, sensing the strange atmosphere surrounding them.

Glaring at Fabian, Vivian had no choice but to relent. “Okay, Mr. Norton.”

“Then don’t delay anymore. We’ll leave now,” ordered Fabian expressionlessly and left, while Vivian coldly trailed behind.

After Vivian and Fabian left, the magazine company erupted into a ruckus.

“Oh my God! What’s going on? Vivian’s relationship with Mr. Norton seems quite bad. I initially thought that he quite liked Vivian.”

“Are you stupid? You must be blind to think that Mr. Norton doesn’t like Vivian. If he doesn’t like her, why would he ask her to tag along for such a major interview?”

“Huh? But they looked like they were about to start an argument.”

“They’re not arguing! It’s obvious that Vivian is throwing a tantrum at Mr. Norton.”

Most of the employees in the magazine company were women, who loved to gossip. Vivian had just joined the magazine company two years ago, but her performance had been consistently good. In fact, she was much better than the other experienced journalists who had worked there for three to four years. Part of the reason was that Vivian dared to accept any news projects, regardless of how tiring they were.

However, not everyone thought so.

Previously, someone spread a rumor in the company about how Vivian managed to get involved with a wealthy big-shot. Now that her relationship with the Chief Editor was so vague, everyone was even more convinced now.

However, Vivian did not realize that she had become the subject of everyone’s gossip. She merely sat on Fabian’s car solemnly and headed to Finnor Group.

“Fabian.” There was only the two of them in the car. Unable to bear it anymore, she asked, “What are you trying to do?”

“What? Are you scared?” scoffed Fabian coldly. “Isn’t he just your sugar daddy? If this already scares you, how did you find the courage to be a mistress who breaks up someone else’s family?”

Vivian found Fabian utterly unreasonable. Not wanting to converse with him anymore, she looked outside the window.

The car finally arrived at the Finnor Group’s building. Vivian followed Fabian up the building. Then, the secretary led them to Finnick’s office.

The office was decorated in a modern style. The man was sitting on a wheelchair in front of the massive French windows. His body was enveloped by a golden simmer of sunlight, causing him to look dazzling.

“Uncle Finnick,” greeted Fabian as he walked forward with Vivian. “Excuse me for the sudden interview. I didn’t disturb your work, right?”

Finnick turned around slowly with a calm expression on his handsome face. “It’s fine. It’s just a mere interview.”

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 46

Finnick kept his composure; even when he laid eyes on Vivian, there was not a shred of emotion on his face.

“Ok, let’s begin now.” Fabian smiled demurely and gestured at Vivian to lay down on the sofa. Finnick pushed his wheelchair and moved toward them, completely avoiding Vivian’s gaze.

“Thank you, Uncle Finnick, for the visit last time.” Fabian feigned ignorance as if there was no pressing tension in the room. He uttered, “We are very grateful for that interview as it greatly increased the sales of our magazines.”

“You are welcome,” replied Finnick.

“The purpose of this interview is to find out more about your recent Youth Award,” said Fabian. “How did you feel when you received this award?”

“It felt like an affirmation of my efforts,” responded Finnick.

The pair of uncle-nephew carried on their conversation composedly. This starkly contrasted to the turbulent feelings that Vivian who was sitting at the side was experiencing.

She was too well versed with Fabian’s character. The fact that the Chief Editor personally conducted this interview demonstrated that there must be some underlying motive.

Could it be? Vivian suddenly recalled the photographs that she glanced through yesterday and her face immediately turned pale.

Does Fabian want to expose those pictures to Finnick?

Little did Vivian know that Fabian had already shown Finnick all the photographs. The interview today was conducted solely because Fabian felt anguished.

He was vexed by the fact that Vivian was completely unmoved by his actions. Hence, when the magazine company decided to re-interview Finnick, he decided to bring Vivian along personally.

After a few uncontroversial questions, Fabian’s eyes lit up and he inquired, “Was the Internet abuzz with news about your wife after the award ceremony?”

Finnick lowered his gaze and nodded his head. “Yes, it was.”

“If you don’t mind, could you please share more about your wife?” Fabian smiled politely and remarked, “As you should know, the female readers love gossiping about this.”

“What about my wife? She is just a simple lady,” replied Finnick with a small smile.

“Can you describe her a little more?” Fabian queried as his gaze swept over Vivian who sat next to him. “She must be a special and kind lady. Do you share a great relationship with her?”

After listening to Fabian’s question, Vivian instantly understood why he brought her to conduct the interview.

Fabian wanted Finnick to reveal his deep love for his wife in order to force Vivian to back down and feel guilt for her actions.

Vivian suddenly found this hilarious.

Could it be that Fabian wants me to be jealous of myself?

It would be comical should he subsequently finds out that I’m Finnick’s wife all along.

At the thought of that, Vivian involuntarily shivered.

Never mind, that realization won’t be happening right now anyway.

On the other side, Finnick also came to the realization of the purpose of Fabian’s line of questioning.

His eyes lit up as he gazed at Vivian, who could not mask her grin.

Involuntarily, the corner of Finnick’s lips curved up.

She must be enjoying this right? Since Vivian found this interesting, Finnick was happy to continue the facade.

“Indeed, my wife is naive and good-natured.” Finnick slowly continued, “She is very bashful. Even after our marriage, she blushes easily and her behavior is extremely endearing.”

Vivian was stunned by his words. She gazed at Finnick, who caught her gaze and smiled back at her.

Vivian’s face instantly turned bright red.

Finnick was clearly describing her.

After all, he wasn’t that close to her. Every time they had any kind of intimate interaction, an internal furnace would burn through her face.

After hearing what Finnick described, Fabian instantly glanced arrogantly at Vivian who was sitting next to him.

He thought that Vivian would feel ashamed after hearing Finnick’s description of his wife. However, her face only tinged with slight redness as she awkwardly recorded down what Finnick recounted.

Fabian furrowed his brows and continued his line of enquiry, “So, you like ladies who are kind-hearted and pure?”

Finnick cracked a small smile and remained silent.

Fabian was not satisfied with Finnick’s answer and queried, “I suppose so, right? Who wouldn’t like someone who is innocent and endearing? We should be wary of those gold-digger women instead.”

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 47

Vivian was initially self-conscious when she heard Finnick’s reply. However, after hearing Fabian’s snark remarks, she furrowed her brows.

Fabian’s intent to ridicule and shame her was too obvious.

Although he had kept making such snide remarks about her ever since they met up again, she suddenly felt a burst of anger when he did that in front of Finnick.

“What do you mean by that, Fabian?” asked Vivian, who could no longer stand Fabian’s disparaging comments.

Fabian coldly smiled and rebuffed, “What’s wrong, Vivian? Have you finally realized your mistake?”

In all honesty, Vivian could not comprehend why she suddenly felt so exasperated.

Perhaps she just did not want Finnick to be misguided. She did not want him to presuppose that she was a money-loving gold digger.

“I just think that you should be responsible for the words you are uttering,” replied Vivian icily.

“Be responsible?” Fabian smirked and let out an icy laugh. At that moment, he no longer felt like concealing his true emotions. “Do you really think you could continue putting up your facade in front of my uncle? Let me say to you right now that I’ve shown all your unsightly photographs to my uncle. Do you still think that—”

“Enough!” Finnick abruptly raised his voice and cut off Fabian.

Vivian’s face immediately turned ghostly white.

What?

Finnick has already seen those photos?

While Fabian felt sorry for Vivian upon seeing her face turn pale, he felt more satisfied.

“Did you really think that you can continue with your disgusting facade in front of my uncle?” he continued to ask with a cruel smile etched on his face. “Surely you must have told him you’re married—”

“Fabian, I said that’s enough,” warned Finnick again. It was then that Fabian’s expression changed slightly as he turned to stare at Finnick.

However, the latter’s eyes were trained on Vivian, whose face was blanched.

“Uncle Finnick, I—” Fabian tried to say something as he was dissatisfied. However, at that moment, Finnick abruptly pivoted around and cast a menacing gaze on Fabian which sent chills down the latter’s spine.

“Fabian Norton,” Finnick uttered slowly with a threatening tone, “Do not go overboard.”

The color drained from Fabian’s face. However, he refused to reveal the fear that rushed through his heart. “Uncle Finnick, we’re family. Vivian is just an outsider—”

“Fabian!” Finnick threateningly cut off Fabian again. “You’d better stop breaking my boundaries time and time again. In the Norton family, we are all enemies.”

Fabian was stunned at the direct manner Finnick spoke. He shuddered and broke out in cold sweat when he met Finnick’s sinister glare.

Father was right. Even when Uncle Finnick is bound to a wheelchair, he’s still someone not to be easily reckoned with.

Although Fabian was extremely dissatisfied with the overprotectiveness that Finnick showed for Vivian, he was powerless. He lowered his head and muttered, “Sorry for my rudeness.”

“Today’s interview is over,” stated Finnick indifferently. “Go home, Fabian. I will send Vivian home myself.”

Vivian?

The intimate way Finnick addressed her was like a sharp dagger that pierced Fabian’s heart.

He’s even going to send her home?

Isn’t he being too forward? Is he not worried that Vivian’s husband will see them together?

However, Fabian didn’t dare say anything more. He bit his lip, turned around and retreated from Finnick’s office.

A deadly silence filled up the office as Finnick and Vivian stood there.

“Vivian.” Fabian narrowed his brows and walked toward her, uttering softly, “Are you alright?”

Vivian snapped out of her trance and shifted her gaze toward Finnick. “Did you really see those photographs?”

She finally realized why Finnick was acting so weird yesterday. He had forced her to change her job and then kissed her all because of those photographs.

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 48

As she thought about those photos, Vivian felt nothing but shame and could not even face Finnick. She averted her gaze stubbornly.

However, the moment she turned her head, Finnick grabbed her roughly and forced her to look into his eyes.

“Vivian.” His voice was stern. “Don’t you dare look away.”

He paused, and then said, “I did see those photos. Someone probably installed a pinhole camera in the hotel room where that incident happened two years ago.”

Vivian thought the same. She nodded, kept quiet for a moment, and said while biting her lips, “I’m sorry.”

“For what?” Finnick growled.

“For how those photos might have made you feel,” Vivian whispered with her head low.

Her face was white as a sheet, and tears welled up in her eyes. Finnick’s heart ached.

Damn it. What is this feeling?

He had never felt this way about Vivian, be it now or ten years ago.

He forcefully lifted her face again and locked gazes with her.

“Remember this, Vivian.” he stared straight at her. “Never apologize for something you did not do.”

Finnick’s firm gaze had her momentarily dazed. She nodded.

“Alright then,” Finnick said, more light-heartedly this time, “It’s getting late. Let’s go home.”

In the elevator, Vivian asked after much hesitation, “Finnick, when you saw those photos, did you not doubt that they weren’t from the incident two years ago?”

Just like how Fabian immediately assumed that those had been recent photos of her with other men.

“Why would I think of it that way?” Finnick said calmly, “What had happened two years ago was the only time you did it, wasn’t it?”

Vivian did not expect him to say that. She said with her face flushed, “How did you know?”

“I had a hunch,” he said.

Vivian was stumped momentarily and then realized that he was talking about that night when things had gotten wild and steamy between them.

Her face burned bright red in embarrassment. From the corner of her eyes, she could feel Finnick smirking at her.

Her flush deepened. She clenched her teeth and said, “What? So you’re really experienced, huh? Then tell me how many times you have done it.”

Finnick did not expect the shy Vivian to snap back at him like that. He was at a loss for words.

At that very moment, the elevator arrived on the first floor. Finnick jolted and coughed awkwardly into his hand. “Let’s get in the car.”

He got out of the elevator first, pushing his wheelchair out.

Upon seeing Finnick’s reaction to her question, Vivian became even more curious. She quickly caught up with him and asked, “Finnick, you haven’t answered me. How many times have you done it?”

Vivian was a stubborn person who would try to get to the bottom of everything she set her mind on. Even in the car, she continued to bombard him with questions.

“Finnick, tell me. Are you keeping quiet because you have done it many times? Did you do it with one woman or multiple women?” she asked.

Finnick felt his head throb in pain.

I regret this so much. Why did I even bring that up? He would never have expected Vivian to have such a talkative side to her even in his wildest dreams.

But it is pretty cute, I guess.

Vivian leaned on his wheelchair as she pressed on with her questioning. Upon seeing her sparkly eyes and her cheeks puffed up in discontent, he could not help but kiss her on the forehead.

The sudden kiss made Vivian a little flustered. The touch of his lips felt like a burning fire that spread to her entire face. She hastily got up before sitting down back on her seat.

Amused at her reaction, Finnick snickered, “So that’s what makes you quieten down.”

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 49

Scowling, Vivian stopped bugging him.

After that episode, Vivian’s mood lightened up and she fell asleep leaning on the car window.

Upon seeing that, Noah spoke softly from the front seat, “Mr. Norton, I have concluded my investigations on that incident from two years ago.”

Finnick turned around, his face cold and emotionless. “Have you found him?”

“Yes.”

“Where is he now?”

“He has been arrested as per your request. Mr. Norton, what do you want us to do with him? Shall I get my men to teach him a lesson?” Noah replied.

“Teach him a lesson?” Finnick pursed his lips. “That’s way too light of a punishment. I will deal with him personally after sending Vivian back.”

“Yes sir,” Noah said.

Vivian woke up as just as they arrived at the Norton residence. “Vivian, I have some matters to deal with at the moment. You should rest.”

She was a little taken aback but nodded. “Alright then. Come back early, okay?”

After sending off Finnick, Vivian could not help but wonder what he was going off to do that late.

Finnick isn’t seeing some other woman, is he? I mean he’s a good kisser and good in bed too. He must be with many women. Vivian felt somewhat bitter about it.

At the same time, she was shocked at her own inner turmoil. Why am I so bothered now? Why should I care if Finnick is dating someone else?

Vivian’s heart throbbed. She realized that something had changed within her.

…

Meanwhile, in the suburbs of the west district.

In an abandoned factory, an old man was tied to a chair. He seemed to have been tortured till he passed out. As the gates of the warehouse opened, he struggled to raise his head.

The old man was momentarily stunned when he saw the wheelchair that moved toward him. When he came to his senses, he pleaded desperately, “Mr. Norton! It’s Mr. Norton, isn’t it? I have no idea what I’ve done to deserve this! Please spare me!”

All Finnick felt was anger as he studied the wrinkly, dirty old man before him.

Damn it! How dare such a dirty old man lay a finger on Vivian! He cursed in his head.

Finnick could feel his blood pressure rise as he thought about how Vivian got assaulted by the old man. He went even closer, then grabbed the old man by his neck, choking him.

“Tell me,” Finnick snarled, his voice cold as ice. “Did you assault a girl two years ago at the Century Hotel?”

Two years ago? Century Hotel? The old man trembled with fear as he recalled the past.

He shivered violently as the incident in question came to mind. “Mr. Norton, y-you are very much mistaken! Two years ago, I-I did not get my way with her in the end! I wasn’t able to do a thing!”

Wasn’t able to do a thing? Finnick slowly relaxed his grip around the old man’s neck. “What do you mean?”

The old man felt as if he were about to pee his pants. He hurriedly confessed everything about the incident from two years ago.

“T-Two years ago, there was a middleman who did this kind of business. I was told that they found me a virgin girl, b-but before I could do anything, I was dragged out of the hotel room by some masked men!” he explained.

“Masked men?” Finnick narrowed his eyes.

“Yes, yes! I don’t know who they were either. All I know is that they needed a woman urgently. They probably worked for some important figure, so I didn’t want to provoke them.”

Finnick clenched his fists, and stared coldly at the old man. “Are you sure?”

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 50

“Of course I’m telling the truth! I swear to God I didn’t touch that woman. I don’t even know how she looks like!”

Only then did Finnick release him, as he thought the old man would not dare to lie to himself either.

“Bring him down,” Finnick said coldly. “Find out whether what he said is true, and interrogate him on who introduced him to Vivian.”

“Yes,” Noah replied immediately, and only after signaling his subordinates to bring the old man down did he whisper to Finnick, “Finnick, that disgusting old man wasn’t the one who assaulted Mrs. Norton.”

On the contrary, Finnick did not seem the least bit happy and only gave Noah a cold look. “So, is it a good thing that she got assaulted by another man?”

Noah’s face turned white. “Mr. Norton, that’s not what I meant,” he said.

Finnick did not feel like dealing with Noah anymore, so he turned his wheelchair around and left the warehouse.

When he got home, Vivian had just gotten out of the shower and was wrapped in a towel. Never would she have thought that she would immediately run into Finnick.

“Ah,” Vivian cried out softly and tried to go back into the bathroom.

However, Finnick said indifferently, “You don’t need to hide. I’ve already seen it all anyway.”

Vivian froze.

Indeed- a few nights ago, while nothing happened, Finnick did in fact see everything.

Vivian’s face burned red, but she could not continue her pretense. All she could do was walk out awkwardly, hurriedly put a nightgown over her towel, and yank the towel out from under.

Finnick looked at Vivian, who was still a little wet with water droplets sliding down her pretty neck and a slight blush on her cheeks from the steam. She looked like a juicy peach.

He cleared his throat and averted his eyes.

Even if he knew something happened between Vivian and another man, his body still reacted primitively every time he laid eyes upon her body.

Damn, I used to be obsessed with purity, virginity and all that stuff.

But it’s as if Vivian is some kind of strange exception.

After Vivian changed into her nightgown at lightning speeds, she hurriedly got into bed and asked Finnick, “Aren’t you going to shower?”

Only then did Finnick come to his senses. He nodded his head and walked to the bathroom.

Vivian now understood why there was no one around to take care of Finnick. The reason was that, in the first place, he had no need for that. If there was such a person, they would be more of a bother instead of a comfort to him.

Finnick got into the bathroom quickly and the sound of the shower came slowly. Vivian was just about to go on social media when the sound suddenly stopped. Then, she heard Finnick’s voice.

“Vivian?”

His voice was pleasant- it was low and slightly hoarse. Her heart skipped a beat every time he called her name.

“What’s wrong?” She hurriedly got up from the bed.

“I forgot to get my underwear.” Finnick’s voice sounded from the bathroom. “Could you get it for me?”

Vivian froze and her face turned red immediately.

Get his underwear?

Something that private?

“Is it inconvenient for you?” Having not heard a reply, Finnick’s voice rang out again, “Should I go out and get it myself then?”

Vivian tried imagining the alluring sight of Finnick getting out of the shower. She hurriedly jumped out of bed and said, “No need, I-I’ll just get it for you. Where is it?”

Finnick was standing at the door in the bathroom with the corners of his mouth slightly curved up. “It’s in the drawer at the bottom of the closet,” he said.

Vivian opened the drawer and saw that it was filled with designer underwear. She haphazardly grabbed a pair with her eyes shut tight, then knocked on the bathroom door.

Originally, she thought that Finnick would crack open the door just enough for her to hand the underwear over. Instead, he opened the door to its full width.

The steam from the shower seeped out as the riveting sight of Finnick, who was in the middle of his shower, appeared before Vivian’s eyes.

Although they had been intimate before, this was the first time Vivian had properly looked at Finnick’s body.

Her eyes lingered on his broad shoulders, his sturdy chest, his angular abs like white marble, and his two distinct v-cut abs, all the way down to his private area that was hidden under a towel…

Bang!

Vivian felt like smoke was coming out of her head!

In stark contrast to Vivian’s fluster, Finnick was as calm as he always was. “Thanks.” He took his underwear from her hands and raised an eyebrow. “I didn’t know you like such tight-fitting cuts.”