Ch. 461..470
Never Late, Never Away Chapter 461
Holding that thought, Vivian decided to call Benedict straight. She was anxious to know what happened then.
“Hello? Vivian, what can I do for you?” As they had just met at noon, Benedict couldn’t guess what Vivian was calling him for.
No longer probing discreetly, Vivian was direct in her question. “Benedict, I want to know how your family made sure the baby my mom brought back was your sister?”
“What are you asking this for?” Benedict didn’t understand why Vivian was interested in the matter.
“Tell me first and then I’ll explain.”
Sensing the impatience in her tone, Benedict didn’t question further. “The nurse at the hospital said that my sister had a birthmark that looked like a butterfly on her waist. When Ms. Rachel brought the baby back, it also had the same birthmark. That’s how we were sure she was my sister.”
Vivian’s face turned pale at Benedict’s words. She held onto the phone for a long time without saying a word because she had a butterfly-shaped birthmark on her waist.
“Vivian, why are you asking all this?” Unable to resist his curiosity, Benedict repeated his question.
However, Vivian was still reeling from the shock after hearing Benedict’s answer. She had slumped to the ground and threw her phone aside.
Can it be any more coincidental that Benedict’s sister has the same birthmark as I do?
Vivian could feel the answer emerging in her mind but she was struggling to suppress it, unwilling to accept the truth. No, it definitely isn’t what I think it is.
“Vivian, are you still there? Hello…” When he didn’t hear a response despite him calling out, Benedict began to worry.
Checking his phone again, he could still see that the call was still connected.
“Hello, Vivian, can you hear me? Hello?” Raising his voice, Benedict’s tone became increasingly anxious.
Jolted back to her senses by Benedict’s voice, Vivian quickly picked up her phone. “Hello, Benedict.” Vivian’s voice was choking and filled with emotional turmoil. If what she thought was true, she and Benedict were actually…
“Vivian, what happened? Why did you not say anything?”
“It’s nothing, I…” Her voice choked again. Moving her phone further, Vivian collected herself before speaking again. “Benedict, thank you for telling me all this. I have to go now. We’ll talk again.”
Before Benedict could respond, Vivian ended the call. She could already feel tears welling up in her eyes. If she continued the conversation, she was afraid that she would burst into tears.
Benedict was surprised at how abruptly Vivian ended the call. Just a moment ago, he could hear her crying faintly. What’s going on?
Thinking back about what happened today, Benedict felt that Vivian had been acting strangely. Given her usual disposition, it was unlikely that she would invite him out for coffee. Therefore, she must have been at the Morrison residence for some other reason.
Furthermore, she was focused on trying to find out more about Rachel and Evelyn at the café. He didn’t think too much about it at first. But, when he put the questions into context with what she asked him over the phone, a faint realization began to emerge in his head.
Does she think there’s something amiss when Rachel saved Evelyn all those years ago? If not, why is she behaving this way?
Holding that thought, Benedict’s expression became solemn. He quickly picked up his phone and made a call which connected at once.
“Hello, Mr. Morrison, is there anything you need help with?” The man was a private investigator who was close to Benedict and whom he trusted. Normally, Benedict would get him to investigate whatever he wanted to find out.
“Can you help me investigate Vivian William? She is the wife of the Finnor Group’s president, Finnick Norton. Find out what’s going on with her recently. I want to know as soon as possible.”
Never Late, Never Away Chapter 462
“Understood, I’ll get right on it.” The man ended the call.
Holding his phone, Benedict’s heart raced as he could sense that he was on the verge of discovering a terrible truth.
The private investigator was exceptionally efficient and quickly reported back to Benedict.
“Mr. Morrison, based on my investigations, I found out that Vivian’s mother has recently been diagnosed with leukemia. When Vivian tried to donate her bone marrow to Rachel, the medical report stated that her bone marrow was incompatible. Therefore, she was unable to treat her mother.”
“Ms. Rachel has leukemia?” Benedict was shocked by the news. Didn’t Vivian just claim that she was in good health today? It seems she is hiding something.
“That’s right. Furthermore, the medical report showed that Vivian’s DNA does not matched her mother’s. Consequently, she is not Rachel’s daughter.”
“What? Is this information reliable?” Benedict was further shocked. If Vivian isn’t Rachel’s daughter, then whose daughter is she? What is her true identity?
“Absolutely!”
Having heard the private investigator’s confirmation, Benedict recalled all the questions Vivian had today. Suddenly, he felt even more disconcerted.
Vivian must definitely be aware that she isn’t Rachel’s daughter. In that case, why is she enquiring about Evelyn’s kidnapping? Is she trying to validate her suspicions?
Benedict, is your sister’s birthday around the corner?
Did my mom ever mention how she rescued your sister?
Benedict, how did your family know that the baby my mom returned was your sister?
One by one, Vivian’s questions flashed through Benedict’s mind. Vivian wouldn’t be interested in all this for no good reason. There must be something amiss with what happened then.
“Ms. Rachel and Evelyn…” Benedict mumbled softly. Could it be that the baby Ms. Rachel brought back isn’t my sister?
Holding that thought, Benedict’s eyes flashed with disbelief.
“Alright, I understand. I’m sure you’re aware of Evelyn’s kidnapping at birth?” Benedict asked the man over the phone in a serious tone.
“Yes.”
“Can you reinvestigate the kidnapping and see if you are still able to locate the kidnappers. I suspect there is more to what happened than that meets the eye.”
“Alright, I understand.”
“Also, you should focus on the baby that Rachel brought back. Investigate where did she find the baby from.”
“Sure.”
After ending the call, Benedict clenched his fists while hoping that the truth wasn’t what he imagined it to be.
Meanwhile, Vivian had returned to the hospital.
Along the journey from the library to the hospital, Vivian was thinking about the day’s events. Rachel’s attitude toward Evelyn, Evelyn’s rescue by Rachel when she was a baby, how Rachel went to the Morrison residence as a nanny, and Benedict’s mention that his sister had a butterfly birthmark were all the events that whirled in her mind.
Could Evelyn be Rachel’s biological daughter? Which explains why she refused to tell me where her biological daughter is? Is she worried that what she did then maybe exposed?
Vivian was reluctant to believe in what appeared to be the truth. However, the facts continued to force her to think along that line.
Back at the hospital, Vivian saw that Rachel had returned to her ward. She was sitting on her bed crying, and didn’t notice Vivian’s presence.
Although she had fulfilled one of her wishes after seeing Evelyn today, she also noticed the drastic change in Evelyn’s attitude toward her.
However, she couldn’t blame Evelyn for it as she was responsible for creating the current circumstance. It was understandable for Evelyn to not feel any attachment to her. After all, she was just a nanny to Evelyn.
The thought of Evelyn not bothered to look at her caused Rachel’s tears to gush further. Although Evelyn had agreed to visit her home for dinner, Rachel wasn’t sure if she would turn up in the end. Can I see her one last time before I die?
Never Late, Never Away Chapter 463
She had hoped to see Evelyn get married, bear children, and live a happy life. However, all this was obviously out of her reach now.
“Mom, where did you go today? I couldn’t find you anywhere,” Vivian asked Rachel in a probing manner. However, she didn’t look worried at all.
When she heard Vivian’s voice, Rachel quickly turned away as she tried to wipe her tears away discreetly. After that, she turned back with a smile. “I didn’t go anywhere. I was just bored so I have decided to take a walk.”
Not exposing her lie, Vivian looked at Rachel’s eyes and asked, “Mom, why were you crying just now?”
“Huh? No, I wasn’t.” Rachel quickly lowered her head to rub her eyes. “I just had some sand in my eye. I wasn’t crying for goodness’ sake. Why would I cry all of a sudden?” Rachel forced a smile. However, in Vivian’s eyes, the smile was as fake as it could possibly be.
Enduring the turmoil in her heart, Vivian held Rachel’s hand. “Mom, can you tell me where your biological daughter is? You cannot delay treatment any further. Or else, you will be putting your life at risk.”
Rachel couldn’t help but feel infuriated when Vivian insisted on finding out. She retracted her hand and raised her voice, “I told you to stop asking me about it as I won’t tell you. I’ve decided not to treat my illness and my decision is final. It’s my body and it’s none of your business.”
Staring at Rachel, Vivian couldn’t help but feel aggrieved. Despite how much she cared about Rachel and the fact that she treated her as her own mother, Rachel was angry at her instead.
While at the Morrison residence, Rachel was gentle and all smiling toward Evelyn despite her contemptuous attitude. It looks like there is a big difference in her attitude just because I’m not her biological daughter?
Unable to bear the jealousy in her heart, Vivian confronted Rachel as she choked in tears, “Mom, you went to the Morrison residence today, didn’t you? Evelyn is your biological daughter, am I right?”
“What are you babbling about?” Rachel panicked at Vivian’s words and yelled, “I didn’t go to the Morrison residence and how can Evelyn be my daughter? Stop talking nonsense!”
When she saw Rachel screaming at her but not daring to look her in the eye, Vivian got her answer. Evelyn was indeed Rachel’s biological daughter.
“Mom, don’t hide it from me anymore. I saw both of you there earlier.”
“Were you following me?” Rachel finally looked in her direction. However, her gaze was filled with rage.
Vivian was hurt to realize that was how Rachel thought of her. “I didn’t. I was just so worried about you when I couldn’t find you that I check the GPS location of your phone. When I arrived at the Morrison residence, I saw both of you speaking.”
When she heard Vivian’s explanation, Rachel’s expression eased a little. “I wasn’t there for any particular reason. Given that I don’t have much time left, I just wanted to talk to Evelyn…” after pausing briefly, she added, “and Benedict to tell them goodbye. I didn’t tell you because I didn’t want you to worry. So, don’t let your imagination run wild.”
Despite having her lie exposed, Rachel still refused to tell the truth. Devastated and in tears, Vivian sobbed, “Mom, I asked Benedict in the afternoon about Evelyn’s kidnapping and he has told me everything. How did you save Evelyn then? And why did you join the Morrison family as a nanny?”
“Benedict told you all these?” Rachel asked as tears welled up in her eyes. Can it be that I can longer hide what happened back then?
“Mmm-hmm.” Vivian nodded with conviction as she grabbed onto Rachel. “Mom, stop lying to me. What really happened then? Evelyn is your biological daughter, isn’t she?”
When she saw Vivian’s tears flowing non-stop, Rachel felt heartbroken. Although Evelyn was her biological daughter, she had raised Vivian herself. Therefore, she was emotionally affected when she saw Vivian asking her about the past in tears.
Never Late, Never Away Chapter 464
“Vivian, I… I… don’t know how to tell you. I’m really sorry…”
“Mom, just tell me what happened then. Who am I really? Do you plan to hide it from me my entire life?” Vivian pressed on with her questions when she sensed Rachel waver.
Looking at Vivian, Rachel was filled with guilt. If not for me, Vivian would have lived a life of luxury and needn’t have to suffer together with me.
I have done this to her. Am I really going to hide the truth from her forever? It really isn’t fair to her.
“Vivian, I’m sorry for lying to you all these years. I have wronged you!” Rachel was attached to Vivian after having spent so many years together. She hugged Vivian tightly and cried aloud, “Vivian, you have to forgive me.”
“Mom.” Vivian hugged Rachel back. “I don’t blame you. After all, you are the one who raised me. Why don’t you just tell me what happened back then?”
“Alright, I won’t hide the truth from you anymore.” Wiping off her tears, Rachel gave Vivian a guilty look and finally explained what happened in detail.
Back then, Rachel was poor and had to recuperate in her rented home after having just given birth.
One day, she noticed the faint cries of a baby when she was taking out the trash. Tracing the sound, she came upon a baby lying not far away in a corner.
“Whose child is this? Who has done this?” Rachel quickly picked the baby up.
She noticed that the baby legs were red from frostbite due to the morning cold. As a new mother, she was heartbroken to see the baby’s condition and cursed whoever was heartless enough to have left the baby by the roadside.
Carrying the baby in her arms, Rachel waited downstairs for a while but no one came to claim it. Despite asking the surrounding neighbors, no one saw anyone dump the baby. Left without a choice, Rachel brought the baby back home.
As the baby’s clothes were already wet from the morning dew, Rachel changed them with her own baby clothes as she was worried it would catch a cold. As it was also a newborn, the clothes easily fit.
“It’s a girl.” As she unwrapped the baby, Rachel noticed that it was just like her own child.
When she dressed the baby, she noticed a birthmark on her waist. Taking a closer look, Rachel couldn’t help but laugh when she saw it resembled a butterfly. “Even her birthmark looks special. This is no ordinary girl after all.”
At that moment, the baby girl’s eyes opened and looked at her curiously. When Rachel played with her hand, the baby unexpectedly smiled back at her.
Checking the baby’s limbs, Rachel noticed that they were all healthy. Besides, the baby didn’t have down syndrome. Rachel couldn’t help but curse at her parents again. They are such irresponsible people. How could they have abandoned such an adorable child?
Looking at the baby lying on the bed, Rachel felt conflicted. It was already a burden to take care of her own child. Therefore, she couldn’t afford to take in another one. However, she wondered where she should return the baby to.
After giving it some thought, she decided to take the baby to the police station in the afternoon. She felt going to the police was the best choice. Perhaps, the parents lost the baby by accident and didn’t intend to abandon her.
After deciding, Rachel prepared some milk for it as she figured the baby must be starving. Holding the milk bottle in her hands, the baby began to suckle up, causing Rachel to smile at how adorable it was.
Having fed the baby, Rachel prepared her own meal and planned to head to the police station once she had finished.
While she was eating, a news report on the television caught her attention.
Never Late, Never Away Chapter 465
“The daughter belonging to the Morrison Group’s family was kidnapped today. After receiving the ransom, the kidnappers didn’t return the baby. Hence, the baby has yet to be found. According to the parents, the baby has a butterfly-shaped birthmark on its waist. They are appealing to whoever has seen the baby to give them a call. Their contact is…”
“A butterfly-shaped birthmark.” When she heard the news report, Rachel thought about the baby that she had just found. Doesn’t the child have a butterfly-shaped birthmark too? Could the baby belong to the Morrison family?
She had heard of the Morrison Group before as it was among the city’s largest conglomerates. She couldn’t believe the fact that the baby she found came from such a prominent background.
After getting over her shock, Rachel was delighted to have found the baby’s parents. Hence, she decided to send the baby straight to the Morrison Group. She had previously worked as a cleaner nearby. Hence, she knew where their office was located.
After finishing up her meal, Rachel wanted to take her own daughter to her neighbor for her to be watched over before she left. However, the moment she carried her, a ludicrous thought crossed her mind.
Taking a good look at her own home, she realized that the paint in her house was already peeling and she had covered them up with newspapers. The kitchen and toilet were exceptionally small while the hall hardly had any space left after the sofa was placed inside.
Furthermore, she didn’t even own the place. When she thought about the contemptuous look her landlord gave whenever she paid her rental every month, Rachel couldn’t help but wonder, Will my child have a good life if she stays with me?
No, what awaits her is only suffering. But what if she is raised by the Morrison family? If my daughter becomes the Morrison family’s daughter, she will have everything she wishes for and live the life of a princess.
Rachel’s heart raced furiously the moment the idea popped into her head. That’s right. I cannot let my daughter suffer and I must make sure she has a better life.
Having made the decision, Rachel examined the birthmark of the baby girl and branded her daughter with a similar one.
When she heard her daughter crying in excruciating pain during the branding, Rachel was so heartbroken that she had to hold her breath. Tears couldn’t help but stream down her cheeks.
“Be good, my baby. I am doing this for your own good. I want you to have a better life. Be good and stop crying now,” Rachel coaxed her daughter.
After a few days when the brand finally healed, Rachel checked to see that it looked similar to the birthmark. With that, she decided to send her daughter to the Morrison family.
After coaxing the baby she found to sleep, Rachel headed to Morrison Group with her own daughter. When she informed the reception about the purpose of her visit, the baby’s parents rushed over in delight.
Lifting up its clothes to check, they saw the butterfly-shaped birthmark by her waist.
“Thank you. We really can’t thank you enough.” The lady of the Morrison family who was also Benedict’s mother held onto Rachel’s hand gratefully. She was greatly relieved to have her daughter back safe and sound.
Rachel replied awkwardly. “It’s nothing. I found it by coincidence.”
Nevertheless, Benedict’s parents insisted on giving Rachel a huge reward to thank her. However, there was no way Rachel would accept it. After being rejected a few times, Benedict’s parents didn’t force the issue and assumed that they had just met a good Samaritan.
Back at home, Rachel lay on her bed and cried as she didn’t know when she would be able to see her daughter again. She reiterated to herself. I don’t regret it. At the end of the day, I want my child to have a better life.
After revealing the truth in detail, Rachel sobbed while apologizing, “Vivian, this is all my fault as I was too selfish then. I am the cause of your suffering. Can you ever forgive me?”
Never Late, Never Away Chapter 466
Vivian was stunned for a long while after hearing Rachel’s story. It seemed that her suspicions were correct and Benedict was indeed her brother. She was a member of the Morrison family while Evelyn was Rachel and Harvey’s daughter.
It explained why the paternity test showed that she wasn’t Harvey’s daughter and the reason why her bone marrow wasn’t compatible with Rachel. Furthermore, she understood why Rachel refused to reveal where her biological daughter was. Everything made sense now.
Vivian wasn’t sure how she felt at that moment. She felt like laughing and crying at the same time to have realized that her life had been but a lie. Fate had been playing a cruel trick on her since she was young.
For a fleeting moment, Vivian felt confused. Who am I then? Where am I supposed to go? Somehow she felt that she was neither the Morrison family’s nor Rachel’s daughter. What am I going to do going forward?
When Rachel saw Vivian’s ashen expression while staring at her listlessly, she assumed Vivian wasn’t willing to forgive her. “Vivian, I’m sorry. Say something, please? I have wronged you. Hit me if it makes you feel better.” Just as she spoke, Rachel lifted Vivian’s hands to hit herself.
Jolted back to her senses by Rachel’s action, Vivian quickly retracted her hand. “Mom, what are you doing?”
“It’s all my fault. I’m not worthy to be your mom. Vivian, I’m sorry. I’m truly sorry…”
Vivian’s heart melted when she saw Rachel apologizing to her in tears.
Although Rachel had switched her at birth, she still raised her as if she was her own daughter. She couldn’t forget the scene during a cold winter night, Rachel hugged her feet to sleep as they were too poor to own a heater.
Her memory was filled with similar events. Although she didn’t have a father, Rachel had showered her with more than enough love to make up for it. Therefore, Vivian couldn’t bring herself to blame her.
With a piece of tissue, Vivian helped Rachel wipe her tears. “Mom, I don’t blame you. No matter what happens, you are the one who has raised me painstakingly. Even though I’m not your biological daughter, you are still my mother.”
“Really, Vivian? Do you really forgive me?”
“Mmm-hmm.” Vivian nodded with conviction. “You will always be my mom.”
A smile finally broke out on Rachel’s face. After spending so many years together, she had long treated Vivian as her own.
In fact, to compensate for the guilt she felt, she always spent as much as she could on Vivian despite not earning much.
Therefore, she would have been devastated if Vivian had broken ties with her because of what she did.
“Thank you, Vivian. Thank you for forgiving me and acknowledging me as your mom still.”
Vivian reached out to hug Rachel and burst into tears on her shoulders. “Mom, as long as you’re willing, I will always be your daughter. I will take care of you even in your old age.”
Vivian’s words intensified Rachel’s guilt. This girl is simply too kind. Despite knowing what I did, not only did she forgive me, but also promised to care for me. It’s all my fault to have committed such a terrible deed against her.
After crying in each other’s arms, Vivian remembered Rachel’s condition and gently pushed her away. “Mom, let’s stop crying. Your health isn’t great so it’s better not to get too emotional.”
“Alright, I’ll stop crying.” Rachel wiped the tears off her eyes. When she saw that Vivian had tears in her eyes, she caressed her face with a sympathetic expression. “I’ll stop crying and so should you.”
“Mmm-hmm.” Vivian grunted in acknowledgment as she wiped her tears clean.
After getting it off her chest, Vivian felt the distance between her and her mom drew closer now. At this moment, she felt loved again.
Never Late, Never Away Chapter 467
Suddenly, Rachel looked at Vivian as if she had something to say. It was as if something had occurred to her. Sensing her reticence, Vivian asked softly, “Mom, what’s is it? Do you have something to tell me?”
When Rachel stared at Vivian with a wary gaze and conflicted expression, Vivian became more confused.
“Vivian, do you plan to tell Benedict about this?”
Having heard Rachel’s question, Vivian finally understood why she reacted that way earlier. It was totally understandable for Rachel to be concerned as Evelyn was her biological daughter after all.
However, Vivian didn’t know what to say in response.
On one hand, Benedict was her brother and her only living family related by blood. However, for the last twenty years and more, Benedict had assumed Evelyn was his sister and loved her to bits. If I tell Benedict the truth, will he be able to accept it?
Meanwhile, Vivian looked at Rachel who was waiting anxiously for an answer. Although Rachel didn’t say a word, it was obvious to Vivian that she didn’t want her to reveal the truth, so that Evelyn would not lose the luxurious life she was currently enjoying.
“I… I don’t know.” After hesitating for a moment, Vivian was upfront about her feelings. “I haven’t given it much thought as I have just found out about it.”
“Mmm-hmm.” Rachel nodded, she knew it wasn’t appropriate to press on the matter. However, a tinge of disappointment flashed across her eyes instead.
As Vivian was aware of what her intentions were, both of them fell into an awkward silence.
“Mom, you should rest now. I need to go as I have something to attend to.” Vivian broke the silence by taking her leave.
“Alright, you just go ahead.” Vivian didn’t ask her to stay back any longer.
“Alright, you should try and get some rest.” Just as she spoke, Vivian helped Rachel lie down and tucked her in. After that, she turned and left the ward.
Having left the hospital, Vivian began to consider what she should be doing next.
Although she hadn’t decided if she should tell Benedict the truth, she was sure that Evelyn had to know. Given Rachel’s condition, she had no time to lose. If Evelyn knew that Rachel was her biological mom, she might be willing to donate her bone marrow to her.
However, Vivian was worried that Evelyn would not believe her.
Her relationship with Evelyn was in tatters especially after she learned that Evelyn was the one who planned her kidnapping. Every time she saw Evelyn, she would relive the scene where four men tore off her clothes, she had nothing but hatred for her.
Furthermore, Evelyn was the cause of her currently strained relationship with Finnick. Hence, the last person she wanted to see now was Evelyn.
However, the thought of Rachel’s condition… Forget it. I’ll just bear with it for Rachel’s sake. I believe Evelyn will not be as cruel as to not save her biological mother.
Having thought through it, Vivian took a cab to the Morrison residence.
When she arrived, she hesitated for a while at the entrance. But in the end, she steeled herself and pressed the doorbell. Unexpectedly, it was Benedict that came to the door.
The moment she saw him, Vivian was stunned.
Although he had given her a sense of inexplicable familiarity and also saved her a few times from danger, she had always treated him as a good friend.
Now that she knew he was her brother, she didn’t know how to face him.
Subconsciously, tears welled up in her eyes. Vivian quickly lowered her head and tried to wipe them off discreetly.
“Vivian, it’s a surprise to see you here.” When he saw Vivian, Benedict somehow felt her sudden appearance was within his expectation. The frequency of meeting Vivian today was unusually high. Given the fact that he was investigating her, Benedict couldn’t help but probe Vivian.
Never Late, Never Away Chapter 468
“I…” Vivian was stumped as she was unable to recover her composure. Collecting herself, Vivian smiled faintly at Benedict, “I’m here to see Evelyn. Is she at home now?”
Having heard her reason for being there, Benedict assumed that she wanted to see Evelyn over the kidnapping. He felt bad over the incident as the perpetrator was his own sister.
“Vivian, I’m really sorry for what happened the last time. Evelyn had gone overboard. Can you forgive her just this once? I promise you that I’ll keep an eye on her and not let her harm you again.”
Although Benedict had his doubts about Evelyn’s identity, he had grown up together with her and didn’t want to see her get into any trouble.
When Vivian saw how quickly Benedict apologized on Evelyn’s behalf and the concern he had for her in his eyes, she couldn’t help but feel sad.
Despite appearing like an elegant gentleman, Vivian knew that Benedict was a proud man just like Finnick. After all, they had both grown up in an equally prominent family.
Therefore, for him to lower himself and apologize on behalf of Evelyn, Vivian knew that he cared a great deal for her.
Thinking back, she remembered that it was Benedict who saved her after she was kidnapped by Evelyn. Therefore, he knew full well whether she was violated.
However, given Finnick’s reaction, Vivian surmised that Benedict never explained the situation to him. Furthermore, given that so much had been happening lately, she had forgotten that Benedict could help her prove her innocence.
Perhaps, Benedict isn’t aware that Evelyn has conspired with the doctor to slander me. Also, he might not think that Finnick would have such a reaction, just like I didn’t. In that case, if Benedict is willing to clear the air with Finnick, the misunderstanding between Finnick and I will be resolved.
With a hopeful attitude, Vivian asked Benedict in a probing manner. “Benedict, are you aware that Evelyn had told Finnick that the four men had violated me?”
Realizing that Vivian had found out, Benedict felt even more guilty. “Vivian, she…”
This time, Benedict ran out of excuses to plead for mercy on Evelyn’s behalf. He could imagine the untold damage done toward Vivian and Finnick’s relationship.
“Vivian, can you just let the matter slide? I will punish Evelyn for what she has done.” Benedict sounded desperate.
He knows! Vivian couldn’t hide how shock she was.
Regaining her senses, Vivian smiled wryly to herself. It appears Benedict had chosen to cover up for Evelyn. Perhaps, it’s because Evelyn is family to him while I am just a nobody.
When she saw the guilty expression he had, Vivian had the sudden urge to reveal the truth to him. Will he stand up or me if he knows I’m his sister?
After giving it some thought, Vivian suppressed her urge to do so. This isn’t the time to reveal the truth to Benedict. I should prioritize Rachel’s matter instead.
“Don’t worry, I’m not here to cause Evelyn any trouble.” Vivian’s voice sounded melancholic. “I want to discuss something else with her.”
“I see.” Benedict was relieved. “Come right in. Evelyn is at home.”
Vivian felt a mix of emotions when she saw Benedict’s reaction. Is he worried that I’ll harm Evelyn?
After ushering Vivian to a seat at the sofa, Benedict instructed one of the maids, “Go get Evelyn. Tell her someone is here to see her.”
The maid headed upstairs to get her.
Taking a seat opposite Vivian, Benedict asked shyly, “How are you feeling? Have your wounds healed?”
“Mmm-hmm.” Vivian nodded, appreciating Benedict’s concern. “They have more or less healed.”
Never Late, Never Away Chapter 469
“That’s good.” Benedict looked relieved to hear that.
Just when he wanted to ask Vivian about Rachel’s leukemia, he decided against it when he figured Vivian likely had her reasons for not wanting to tell him.
Furthermore, she would be furious at him if she knew he had done an investigation on her.
Just when Benedict wanted to talk about something else, he heard Evelyn’s voice from upstairs, “Ben, who is here to see me?”
The moment she saw Vivian, Evelyn stopped in her tracks. The smile she had on her face turned into a smirk.
Hmph! Vivian, how dare you step into the Morrison residence to see me. It seems the lesson I taught you the last time wasn’t enough.
“Ben, it can’t be her, can it?” Evelyn asked as she sat down beside Benedict, ignoring Vivian’s presence. Since Benedict was aware of the animosity between them, there wasn’t any need to pretend.
Benedict was infuriated when he saw Evelyn’s attitude. She did not even greet Vivian. “How rude are you? Vivian has something to discuss with you.”
Squirming her lips without a care, Evelyn gave Vivian a look of disdain. “What do you want with me?”
“Evelyn!” Benedict couldn’t help but snap at Evelyn’s rude tone. Then, he turned to Vivian. “I’m sorry, Vivian. She is…”
“Ben, why are you apologizing to her? I didn’t do anything wrong!” Evelyn was upset by Benedict’s reaction.
Sensing Benedict’s anger, Vivian quickly intervened, “It’s nothing, Benedict. I don’t mind.”
Rolling her eyes, Evelyn tsked at Vivian before muttering, “What’s with the act?”
“Benedict, I would like to talk to your sister in private. Is it alright for you to give us some space?” Vivian asked Benedict while ignoring Evelyn’s stupid attitude.
To her, this was considered Evelyn’s usual behavior. In fact, if Evelyn were nice to her, she would suspect that she had a hidden agenda.
However, she did feel conflicted about the situation. After all, she was still a guest at the Morrison residence. To ask the host to leave didn’t seem appropriate.
Luckily, Benedict didn’t mind at all. “Sure. You ladies go ahead. I have something to attend to. anyway.”
Although he was very curious as to what Vivian wanted to discuss with Evelyn, he felt it was inappropriate to stay since Vivian had made clear she wanted it to be private.
Vivian smiled at Benedict apologetically who smiled back at her, indicating that it was alright.
After Benedict left, Evelyn no longer had any restraints. She looked at Vivian smugly, “Vivian, I heard that you’re pregnant?”
“How did you know?” Vivian was shocked as she had only told Finnick and Samuel about it. Even Rachel didn’t know. So, how did Vivian find out?
“Of course, I pay more attention to your affairs given how much I care about you.” Evelyn sneered as she glowered at Vivian. “Did you think that you did a good job keeping your secret?”
“You had me followed!” Vivian exclaimed in anger when she realized what was going on.
“So what if I did,” Evelyn replied without hesitation. “Vivian, you only have yourself to blame for being stupid to have only realized it now.”
“You!” Vivian was so angry she was lost for words.
“I really don’t understand what Finnick sees in you.” Evelyn continued her insults when she saw that Vivian was stumped despite attempting to counter her.
Suddenly, Evelyn burst into laughter. “However, it doesn’t matter anymore. I believe he will break up with you very soon.”
“What do you mean?” Vivian stared at Evelyn warily, wondering what else she was up to.
“Does Finnick believe the child is his?” Evelyn smirked as she lowered her gaze while fidgeting her nails.
Having a raw nerve struck, Vivian pointed at Evelyn angrily. “It was all because you conspired with the doctor to concoct a lie saying that I have been violated!”
Never Late, Never Away Chapter 470
“That’s right.” Evelyn didn’t panic at all despite having her scheme exposed. “Furthermore, I told Finnick that when I saw you at the warehouse, all your clothes had been torn away and you looked as if you were raped. You should have seen how angry he was when I told him all that.”
“Evelyn, how could you!” Vivian could feel anger raging within her when she heard Evelyn’s revelation. “What are you trying to achieve!”
“I want Finnick to leave you, of course.” With a gaze full of hatred, Evelyn stood up and walked to Vivian’s side. “Vivian, I have warned you earlier on to leave Finnick. However, you refused to listen to me. So everything that has happened to you is your own doing. You shouldn’t blame me for it.”
Glaring at Evelyn, Vivian felt that she had gone off the rails. How can she feel no remorse after doing something so vicious?
“Do you think that Finnick will return to your side if I am not around?”
“Of course.” Evelyn looked at Vivian as if she was an idiot. “Vivian, haven’t you thought about why Finnick believed me instead of you?”
“Because he still loves me.” Before Vivian responded, Evelyn answered her own question. “Finnick didn’t divorce you because he doesn’t have an excuse to do so. But it no longer matters now as I have created one for him.”
Returning to her seat on the sofa, Evelyn sneered, “Vivian, do you think Finnick still wants to be together with you after what you have gone through?”
When Vivian saw Evelyn’s smug expression, she retorted angrily, “What about you? How do you think Finnick will see you once he finds out you have been scheming behind his back all this while?”
After living together with Finnick for so long, Vivian knew his character very well. If he knew that Evelyn had lied to him, he would definitely not let the matter slide.
“Hahaha…” Evelyn burst into laughter. “Vivian, are you threatening me? How sure are you that Finnick doesn’t know that I’m the one behind all this? Perhaps, he is aware of it all and may be thanking me for trying to get rid of you for him. Do you think Finnick will always be in love with that face of yours?”
Vivian couldn’t deny that Evelyn had brought her darkest fears out onto the surface. It was something that even she didn’t dare think about. Given how smart Finnick was, it was impossible for him not to have doubted Evelyn.
When she saw Vivian’s shaken expression, Evelyn knew that she had struck where it hurt most.
She knew that Vivian wasn’t confident in herself as she had grown up in a poor family. Sometimes, she hardly had to do much. All she needed was to point out the gulf between Vivian and Finnick. That way, Vivian would just back off.
“You are useless,” Evelyn muttered under her breath.
“Vivian, only someone of my status is worthy of Finnick. Only I can be of help to him in both his business and his life.” Evelyn gloated. “As for you, you are nothing other than a nanny’s daughter. What makes you think Finnick will stay by your side forever?”
Vivian gave Evelyn a strange look when she heard those words. In fact, her gaze was even filled with sympathy. If she knows her true identity, I wonder if she will still say the same thing.
Noticing the look that Vivian was giving her, Evelyn felt a sense of anxiety inexplicably growing from within. Raising her voice, she scowled at Vivian, “Why are you looking at me like that?”
Taking a deep breath, Vivian tried her best to calm herself down. She knew that she wasn’t here for herself as her priority was saving Rachel.
“I’m not here to argue with you.” Vivian was trying desperately to suppress her anger.
“Nonsense!” Evelyn snorted. “Why else would you see me for? What do you really want?”