Ch. 581..590

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 581

“Vivian!” At the appointed restaurant, Hunter spotted Vivian at a glance, who was seated by the window. He hurried over in excitement and sat across from her.

“It’s so rare that you ask me out for lunch. You miss me after so long, don’t you. I’m not such a bad guy, am I?” Hunter joked, but Vivian was not in the mood.

“Hunter, the reason why I called you here today was to ask for your help.” She decided not to beat around the bush.

“Okay, I’ll do it,” Hunter said with a smile.

Vivian furrowed her brows. “Hunter, I’m not joking with you. I really need your help on something.”

“I’m not joking either,” Hunter grinned. “I’m willing to help you out no matter what you ask.”

Vivian was taken aback. She wasn’t sure if he meant it or he was flirting with her. After a moment’s pause, she said, “Is this how you flirt with girls?”

Hunter’s smile froze. Does she really think that little of me?

Yes, he flirted with girls often, but he never made promises like that. He had no way of knowing that he would do anything unconditionally for a woman. Plus, the women he’d met were all big talkers.

Vivian was different, he knew. She was different from the rest.

This feeling was hard to describe. He just knew that he was willing to go above and beyond for her, but she didn’t believe him. Is this really karma? Hunter recalled the way she jeered at him in the past.

He pulled himself out of his reverie with a bitter laugh. “Vivian, I meant what I said. I’ve never made empty promises just to get a girl. I am willing to help you with anything you need.”

His seriousness startled Vivian. What did he mean by that?

Hunter was dimly aware that he might have frightened Vivian when she did not reply. He reminded himself to slow down. If he scared her off, what good will that do?

“Vivian, what I meant was that we are friends, aren’t we? You promised me that the last time, remember?” Hunter had no choice but to leverage this again. “Since we are friends, shouldn’t we help each other?”

Vivian sighed with relief at Hunter’s words. So that’s what he meant. Her heart raced for a moment as she thought he was leading to a romantic proposition.

Hunter felt terrible when Vivian looked visibly relieved, but he couldn’t show it. “So you’ll tell me? What do you need help for?”

“I need to tell you something first,” Vivian studied Hunter dubiously. “If you would help me, there’s a chance that it would offend Mark Norton. Would you still be willing to?”

“I would.” Hunter nodded seriously, suddenly worried. It’s probably not going to be a small favor. ”What is it?”

Vivian’s heart was flooded with gratitude when she saw that Hunter agreed to it without hesitation. She also felt guilty to have doubted her decision to trust him.

She took out her phone and showed Hunter the information that Sarah had sent her. “I need your help to look for evidence pertaining to this.”

“Okay,” Hunter replied without looking up. He studied the information he was shown in silence.

Vivian was prepared for the fact that Hunter might attempt to decline but was surprised to find that he did not put up a shred of resistance. Vivian felt worse. Her trust for Hunter deepened.

…

It’s been ten days since Hunter’s promise to Vivian, but he had not been in touch. Vivian felt that it was appropriate to call and rush for her favor to be done. She stewed in her own panic in the meantime.

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 582

Hunter finally called and informed Vivian that he found hard evidence on the issue with Mark.

“Really?” Vivian shouted excitedly. There is finally some evidence to punish this scumbag!

“Yes,” replied Hunter. And the evidence is more than sufficient. Enough to put him away for a few years, if you so wish.” He was pleased with the effect his news had on Vivian and felt infected by her joy.

“Thank you, Hunter,” Vivian said gratefully. “Where are you now? I’ll drive to you.”

“Let me come to you instead,” Hunter replied. “I don’t feel good about you driving alone. Let’s meet at Hatchen’s Tea House next to your magazine company. I’ll give you a call when I arrive.”

“Alright, see you in a bit,” Vivian said and hung up. She rushed over to Hatchen’s.

When Hunter arrived, Vivian was already seated and awaited him.

He couldn’t help but notice how warm and lovely a sight it was from the way the steam from her piping hot tea framed her face. He felt serene and at peace while he stared at her, who ironically wore a panicked expression.

The tiredness from the exertion he had displaced in this endeavor instantly vanished at the sight of Vivian. My news would calm her and make her smile. With that thought in mind, Hunter had a difficult time hiding his own elation.

Hunter strode towards Vivian with broad steps and sat down across from her. As he handed her a thick folder, he said, “It’s all in here. Take a look.”

She accepted it with gratitude in her eyes and hastily extracted the documents within.

The longer she examined them, the more worked up she became. With these, Mark would be at her mercy.

“Hunter, I can’t thank you enough,” Vivian said as she stuffed them back into the folder. “Tell me, how can I repay you for this?” She looked up to him joyously.

“Anything I want?” Hunter joked, unaware that he had alerted the alarm bells in Vivian’s head from the way he responded.

“Anything within reason, I will try to get it done for you.”

Hunter had a lump in his throat at that. ”Reason”, “try”. She seemed to have a lot of restrictions toward what she was willing to do for him.

However, he recollected Vivian’s attitude to him in the past and couldn’t help feeling hopeful. This is much better, isn’t it? You can’t rush into this. One step at a time.

“Why are you so serious? I was joking.” Hunter laughed. “We are friends, and we should help each other. There’s no need for such formality as repaying me.”

Vivian’s suspicion relaxed. “All the same, I want you to know that I am very thankful to you. If you ever need anything in the future, do not hesitate to ask me for help.”

“Will do. I won’t hold back when the time comes,” Hunter said with a smile. “Oh, by the way, why are you gathering evidence against Mark?”

He gathered from these past few days that Mark was Finnick’s older brother. But he did not hear of any conflict between Mark and Vivian. Unless she was sabotaging Finnick through his brother?

This was not her style, from what he knew of her. He was unable to draw any reasonable conclusion from inferring himself, so he decided to just ask her.

It was no small favor that Hunter did Vivian. She felt like he at least deserved the truth.

“He had intentions to harm Larry before,” Vivian said with distaste. “Not to mention he helped Evelyn kidnap me. This is a slight that cannot go unpunished.” She clenched her fist as she spoke.

“You’ve never asked me whose child Larry was,” Vivian said after a thought. “Aren’t you curious?”

She had not forgotten about the time on the cruise ship when she asked for Hunter’s help to lie to Finnick about Larry. He didn’t seem very interested back then and did not ask too many questions. Perhaps he had already guessed?

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 583

“Why do I need to? Isn’t it obvious? You’ve only been married once.” Hunter shrugged.

Vivian smiled to herself. Maybe she really was overthinking.

“Will you keep this secret for me? I don’t want Finnick to know about Larry’s existence,” Vivian pleaded. Larry was her whole world. She could not allow Finnick to take him from her!

“Of course I will. I’ve already promised you once before on the ship, don’t you remember?” Hunter said plainly. “Don’t worry,” he added when he saw the pain in her eyes. “I always keep my promises. I wouldn’t forget, even if you do someday.”

He seemed to hint at something as he said that. Vivian’s alarm bells rang faintly again, as she sensed that he was about to reveal something.

“Thank you,” she said, not daring to meet his eyes.

“Don’t be so formal with me,” Hunter replied somewhat affectionately.

His impression of Vivian changed completely after this encounter. She was stronger and more fearless than he could ever imagine.

Mark was a difficult individual to topple. Even with the might of Morrison Group on Vivian’s side, it was no easy feat. But Vivian did not give up. She was still tirelessly searching for leads against Mark.

Her independence and strength only served to attract him even more. What should he do? Hunter didn’t think he could tear his eyes off her.

Vivian sensed Hunter’s incessant gaze on her and felt deeply uncomfortable. Why isn’t he talking and why is he staring at me like that? This feels like an inappropriate way to look at a friend.

Unable to bear the borderline romantic tension between them, Vivian attempted to break the silence.

“You…” she started, but was interrupted by Hunter’s phone.

Hunter shot Vivian an apologetic glance and took the call. To his surprise and amusement, he saw that it was Evelyn who was calling him.

He answered the call without hesitation in front of Vivian. “Yes, what is it? I’m with Vivian now… would you like to join us?”

“Alright then, I’ll send you the address. See you in a bit.” Hunter ended the call and looked up at her.

Hunter sent Evelyn a text and turned back to Vivian. “It was Evelyn,” he explained. “She wants to meet me.”

Vivian’s heart skipped a beat upon learning that. “Hunter, you haven’t told her that I had already learned about her scheme, have you?” she asked tentatively.

“No Vivian, I did not. And do not plan to,” Hunter grumbled wearily. When would she learn to trust me unreservedly? ”I’ve promised you once before, and now I’m on your side. Of course, I wouldn’t tell her something like this.”

On her side? Hunter’s words troubled her. Since when did he become her ally? And where did this grumbling come from?

Since the day she had promised to be friends with him, his attitude towards her had been very strange.

Hunter used to try to butter her up, but she had been aware of his motives and consequently kept her distance as a spectator rather than as a participant. But now it seemed like Hunter really cared about her; she could feel it. It was a tangible concern and not at all like how he used to be.

But why? Was it as simple as he said? That they were just friends?

“Vivian, what’s wrong? What’s on your mind?” Hunter waved a hand in front of her face, confused by her sudden reverie.

“Oh, nothing,” Vivian said as she regained control of herself. “Thank you again for keeping my secret safe.”

“Vivian, how many times do you want to thank me today?” Hunter reiterated. “We don’t have to be this formal with one another.” When will she start to understand that he is not a stranger to her?

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 584

“I know,” Vivian said as she took a sip of tea. “By the way, when is Evelyn coming?”

“Not long now. She said she’s on her way over,” Hunter said. He swirled his cup of tea and watched as the leaves ebbed and flowed as if they were mirroring his feelings.

Vivian asked him about the specifics of the process of gathering evidence against Mark. She looked very serious, and Hunter left no detail out as he retold his efforts.

“It shouldn’t have been possible to collect all of these in such a short amount of time, and with such little ease too. There’s a phrase for this.” Hunter frowned. “Ah yes! Divine intervention. That was what happened.”

“Coincidentally, Mark had fired an assistant recently for airing his dirty laundry.” Hunter shot Vivian a glance; he felt like she didn’t need to hear the unsavory details.

Vivian guessed where he was heading from his expression. She furrowed her brows and nodded to encourage him.

“This assistant of his was dealing with the development of his hotel project. I don’t think he was too happy for getting fired over a reason like that.”

“When I found the assistant and offered him some incentives, he divulged a list of employees to me. It was a breeze to gather the evidence after that by going through the list.”

He lifted his cup and took a sip of satisfaction while he watched Vivian’s expression as if he was a child expecting praise.

However, Vivian was not looking at him. She looked down and laughed to herself. He got what he deserved! What should she do next to ensure that Mark gets the punishment he deserves?

Hunter did not obtain the reaction he expected, but he was contented to stare at Vivian without her raising objections as usual.

Before he just had to look at her to make her uncomfortable and she would look for excuses to leave his company. This time, she was so deep in thought that she did not notice him staring at her all this time.

Hunter was savoring his moment to stare at her as much as he desired. Come to think of it, he has not taken a good look at her before. Her eyes were huge, her nose was so sharp, her lips so…

Hunter unconsciously swallowed and realized in a panic that his mouth was bone dry. He hurriedly poured himself a cup full of water and gulped it down. He also reminded himself not to stare at where he was not supposed to. He wasn’t going to shoot himself in the foot now with all the progress he’d made with her.

This whole debacle went unnoticed by Vivian. Still deep in thought, it allowed for Hunter to resume his indulgence of studying her face.

She has such long lashes! She looks so pretty when she frowns…

Evelyn arrived not long after.

Upon entering Hatchen’s, she caught sight of Vivian, head bowed and deep in thought, while Hunter had his chin resting in his hand, with a big smile as he sat and watched her. They looked just like a couple in the budding stages of romance.

That sight pleased Evelyn a great deal. Looks like her plan is moving along nicely.

She looked at Vivian scornfully. What an inexperienced woman to be so easily seduced by Hunter. But Evelyn had no complaints; all of this only helped her plan.

When Hunter cruelly dumps you, let’s see how pleased you would look, Evelyn scoffed internally. You took the title of Ms. Morrison from me, but I will make sure that you know that I am superior, now and always.

Evelyn rearranged the malice and jealousy on her face into a big smile, then approached Vivian and Hunter’s table.

“Vivian, Hunter, my apologies. I hope I’m not interrupting.”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Hunter said with a smile. He averted his eyes away from Vivian the instant he caught sight of her, but couldn’t help feeling a flash of frustration.

He stood up to help Evelyn with her wheelchair and said, “What can I help you with today?”

“What? Did you forget all about your little matchmaker? Can’t I meet you without a motive?” Evelyn laughed as she allowed her gaze to drift between Vivian and Hunter.

Hunter chuckled dryly but did not offer a response.

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 585

Evelyn shot a dissatisfied gaze at Hunter and turned to Vivian. “Vivian, what were you guys talking about? Let me know if Hunter tries to take advantage of you. I will teach him a lesson he won’t forget.”

She reached out and tried to hold Vivian’s wrist, but the latter averted Evelyn’s gesture, so subtly that it appeared unintentional.

Vivian had not spoken since Evelyn’s arrival, not even to greet her. She was occupied by the incident with Mark and was in no mood for false social niceties with Evelyn.

“There wasn’t much going on, we’re just having tea together,” Vivian replied grudgingly. “I suddenly recall that I have some urgent matter to tend to. Enjoy your day, you guys.”

Vivian addressed both of them but directed her farewell towards Hunter. She grabbed her purse and promptly left.

Evelyn clenched her teeth as she watched Vivian’s departing silhouette. Who does she think she is to ignore me like that? Is this her way of throwing her tantrum? She must think of herself as some hotshot, doesn’t she?

An urgent matter? It’s awfully convenient to have an urgent matter just as I arrived. Does Vivian think I’m a fool for coming up with such a pathetic excuse?

Evelyn did not bother to conceal her anger anymore. “How did it go?” she snapped at Hunter. “Any progress with her yet? It’s been a long time!”

It was a rare opportunity that Hunter had: to be in Vivian’s company for such a long time. Evelyn’s interruption and rude interrogation angered Hunter to such a degree that he was tempted to overturn the table in her face.

But at the thought of his promise to Vivian, Hunter struggled to and succeeded in keeping his temper in check. Now that Vivian was busy in preparation to make a move against Mark, and he himself was lying to Evelyn, he had to be very careful to not let Evelyn’s interference sabotage Vivian’s chance of success.

“I’m getting along fine with her. These things take time,” Hunter reported vaguely.

“How good is ‘fine’? What stage are you at with her? Does that b*tch like you or not?” Evelyn fired questions unceasingly, as though she was venting her frustration with every forceful question.

“I’m telling you, seduce her as fast as you can. It’ll be better if you can take her out of Sunshine City. Take her to A Nation or J Nation, I don’t care. Take her far away and then dump her hard. I want that b*tch to suffer.”

“I can’t just barge my way into her romantic life,” Hunter replied as he tried to steady his hand from slapping her for how she was speaking. She is so vulgar. How did I end up being friends with her in the first place?

Evelyn noticed Hunter’s anger on his face and realized that she had behaved inappropriately. Hunter was doing her a favor after all. If he decided to abandon it, her whole plan would go up in flames.

Evelyn took a deep breath to steady herself and forced a smile. “Forgive me, I was being too impatient. Please don’t get mad. So how is your progress?”

“It should be soon. She’s primed to say yes,” Hunter replied irritably.

Hunter’s irritation somehow satisfied Evelyn. Of course he was irritated at Vivian, and not her!

Hmm, just as well too. She was afraid that Hunter would really fall for Vivian, and wouldn’t bear to hurt her when it was time for him to do so. It was best that he was irritated now. Let it build up and when the time is right, he would be able to do a spectacular job of dumping her.

“That’s good if it’s soon. You just need to keep at it for a little longer. When she’s head over heels for you, dump her. Then you’ll be of seeing her b*tchy face day and night.” Evelyn’s attempt to comfort Hunter only incensed him further. How was it possible for someone to be this wicked!

Evelyn construed Hunter’s frown to be intolerance of still having to deal with Vivian for the foreseeable future. But, if it were her who had to look at that d*mn vixen all day, she would be driven mad too. Hunter really was going above and beyond for her to put himself through all that.

“Hunter, just bear with it a little while longer for me. I will thank you properly after it’s done,” Evelyn said and winked at him suggestively.

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 586

“What do you mean?” Hunter squinted at her, a cold fury flashed dangerously across his eyes for an instant. Evelyn misinterpreted his gaze and pressed on in the wrong direction.

She twirled a finger in her hair coyly while she touched Hunter’s cheek with her other hand. “I remember when we were at A Nation, you told me that you liked me, didn’t you?” she smiled.

This was another affirmation of Evelyn that there was no way that Hunter would genuinely like Vivian. He used to like her; his taste in women wouldn’t be as bad as to find Vivian attractive. Yes, admittedly she had become more beautiful. But that doesn’t change the fact that she was hideous in the past.

“So?” Hunter took another sip of his tea and egged Evelyn on.

“If you help me deal with Vivian, perhaps we could pick up where we left off,” Evelyn breathed. “What do you think? Not too bad of a thank you gift, isn’t it?”

As she said that, she allowed as much lust and suggestiveness to flash before her eyes to ensure that Hunter got the message.

She was brashly confident in her proposition. She recalled when they were in A Nation together, Hunter held a bouquet of roses and stood under her dormitory for three days in an effort to court her. All the other girls in the faculty threw jealous looks at her for days.

But at the end, she did not accept his proposal after all.

Hunter was a good suitor, but a notorious playboy. Besides, she had her heart on Finnick back then. Her relationship with Hunter eventually became platonic, but throughout the years there were traces of romantic tension between them.

But she firmly believed that being unattainable is the best way to cultivate desire in men. Evelyn was confident that Hunter still had feelings for her. She was the epitome of perfection; which man wouldn’t?

If Hunter didn’t have feelings for her, why did he agree to help her seduce Vivian without hesitation and exerted so much effort into this endeavor?

Now that she knew the extent to which Hunter would go for her, all she had to do was dangle some perks of being with her in front of him, and he will try all the harder to seduce and then dump Vivian!

Her charm was so powerful that Hunter was helpless in her grasp, succumbing to obey her every whim and fancy.

As he watched Evelyn’s confident monologue, Hunter couldn’t help feeling amused.

She really does think he likes her? Does she think that bringing up their history together will seduce him?

The reason why he tried so hard to court Evelyn in the past was that he was deceived by her looks. Yes, she was very beautiful. And austere to all the boys too; she remained indifferent to their attention. He took it as a challenge and tried to succeed where the other boys had failed.

This attitude wasn’t just towards Evelyn, but to other girls too. It got to the point where he would try his best to win them over even when he wasn’t actually interested in them. He lost interest as soon as he managed to; it was the thrill of the chase that was the most appealing for him.

He had played this game with himself for years, but only recently had he realized that he was a fool all along. To have wasted his time building meaningless temporary connections and believing that it gave him confidence and a sense of accomplishment.

If Evelyn had dropped hints as she did back then, it would have tempted him like a dog with a scent. But now all it did was just repulsed and irritated him.

Hunter was distinctly aware of the change within him. But what had caused it? As he pondered on this, Vivian’s face floated up in the sea of his subconscious.

Yes, ever since he met her, he didn’t feel interested in other girls anymore. The feeling that she gave him was different from what the other girls gave him.

Never had a girl caused him such anxiety and longing. He’d feel happy when she was happy, and feel pain in his heart when she was sad. He was willing to do anything in the world for her.

Yes, Evelyn was beautiful. So what? She was just pretty on the outside but rotten, wicked, and hateful on the inside. She made him sick to his stomach.

As for Vivian, every gesture she made, every frown or smile on her face was perfection in his eyes, without him even realizing it.

At the thought of that, Hunter smiled. I’ve fallen head-over-heels, he thought. But so what? He was ready and willing for a chance at real happiness.

Evelyn saw him smile and thought that it was for her. The sight pleased her even more. She purred, her voice exuding a charm that was smooth as silk.

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 587

“Oh Hunter, I regretted not saying yes to you back then. But maybe my mistake in the past provided an opportunity for us to reconnect under better circumstances. This is our fate, isn’t it?”

Fate? Hunter looked at her incredulously. To him, her action now was punishment for his advancement back then.

But Evelyn did not think that Hunter was ridiculing her. It seemed to her that the amusement in his eyes was the product of joy at the prospect of being with her.

“There will be a new film airing on the day after tomorrow. The trailer seems promising. Would you like to come with me?” Evelyn took the initiative and extended an invitation.

“I’m sorry, I can’t. I have matters to attend to on that day.” Hunter rejected at once. He got up and excused himself. “I still have things to work on, I have to go.”

Evelyn watched in shock silence as Hunter departed.

She returned to her senses only after he had disappeared from sight. Her face was full of embarrassment. She had made herself so clear that she was practically throwing herself at him, but he still did not take the hint!

Doesn’t he remember that it was he who had shamelessly begged her to go out with him? Now that she was the one initiating, he actually rejected her! She was furious!

Hunter must not have been in a good mood today. He would have accepted her invitation under normal circumstances.

Though she was paralyzed in both legs, she was still confident in her ability to seduce. Men are creatures of sight. Faced with a woman like her, how could they find it in their hearts to reject?

…

Vivian got home and looked over the evidence from Hunter again, as though intent on memorizing every word.

She was excited at the prospect of the interview on the following day. It was finally a chance to prove her innocence. Though it’s been five years, it had been a constant thorn in her heart, and the source of all that had happened.

Finally, the truth will be revealed.

Suddenly, there was a knock on her door, and Benedict entered.

“Are you going to interview Mark?” he asked bluntly.

“Yes I am. Tomorrow.” Vivian nodded.

“Do you know how dangerous that is? What are you thinking?” Benedict raised his voice angrily.

This was no small matter. Why didn’t she discuss it with him before deciding? Mark was capable of kidnapping her once. Who’s to say he won’t do it again? She was gambling with her safety!

Vivian could count the number of times her brother had lost his temper at her on one hand in the span of as many years. All of those times without exceptions were because he was worried about her. She knew that this time was no different.

“Ben, please relax. I will be careful. I couldn’t let it go. I must avenge myself and Larry,” Vivian said determinedly.

Benedict knew that Vivian was still haunted by the events of that year, and it pained him to see her this tormented. “Leave the avenging to me, will you? This matter is too dangerous for you to handle alone. If Mark tries something again…”

“This is something I must do alone,” Vivian cut across him; it wasn’t often she did that. “Ben, trust me. I will take extra precautions. Let me handle it.”

She must exact revenge by her own hand!

Benedict was at a loss for words in the face of her insistence. The antidote to a happy life lies at the root of the problem. Vivian can only let go and start a new life if she personally sees this through. But…

Ah, damn it, he’ll just send a couple of men to watch over her from the shadows.

“You must be wary. If there’s any danger, call me at once.” Benedict was still uneasy.

“I will.” Vivian nodded seriously.

Benedict was just about to remind her of something when Larry stumbled in and rubbed his eyes. “Mom, can you accompany me to sleep tonight? I want a bedtime story.”

Vivian carried him in her arms lovingly. She turned to Benedict and said, “Ben, I’ll put Larry to sleep now. Please don’t worry, I will be cautious.”

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 588

Benedict grunted in approval. “Have a good night,” he said to Larry and tousled his hair.

Back in Larry’s bedroom, Vivian tucked him in and patted him on the back. “What story would you like tonight, little pumpkin?” she asked in a gentle voice.

“The rabbit and the tiger, please,” Larry answered excitedly. It’s been a long time since Mommy told bedtime stories.

“Okay,” Vivian agreed and pecked Larry on the forehead. “Long ago in the forest lived a little white rabbit. One day, the mommy rabbit said…”

Under the lull of Vivian’s gentle storytelling, Larry dropped off very quickly.

She touched his cheek and felt her heart melt. At the same time, she steeled herself for what was to come, fuelled by the powerful love of a mother.

Vivian in the present has to be strong, unlike Vivian in the past. Only by being strong and powerful was she able to protect Larry, the Morrison name, and herself.

…

The next day, Vivian brought Sarah and Charlie, the photographer from the magazine company to Norton Corporation. Prior to that, Mark had an appointment with the magazine company.

“Alright, please have a seat. I will notify Mr. Norton,” the receptionist said when Vivian explained their purpose for visiting.

They nodded and took their seats on the couch.

Soon after, the receptionist came over. “Mr. Norton is expecting you in his office,” she said with a polite smile. “Please follow me.”

They entered the elevator. The higher up it went, the more Vivian felt her anxiety dissipate. Today is the day.

Mark awaited them with a big smile in his office. The opening of the hotel was undoubtedly the biggest project in a few years undertaken by Norton Corporation. Mark had put in a lot of effort in gaining the approval of the numerous relevant departments to make that happen.

Everything was in place. They just needed to make a media appearance to officially set this in motion. He foresaw the possibility of redirecting the traffic of the entire city to the street of the hotel once it opens.

Hmm! He and he alone made all of this happen. Finnick did not lift a finger. When the hotel is officially opened, his position within Norton Corporation will be secured once and for all. Finnick would not stand a chance to contest against him to lead.

Mark’s thoughts were interrupted by a knock on his door. He hurriedly rearranged his features into a welcoming smile.

“Come in.”

“Mr. Norton, the interviewers are here. Where would you like to conduct the interview?” the curvy receptionist asked coquettishly.

“Let’s do it here in my office. Let them in,” Mark said distractedly as he studied her body with lust-filled eyes.

“Right away, Mr. Norton,” she replied. She wiggled her buttocks and winked at him before departing.

Mark tugged at his tie in an attempt to subdue his urges. Little minx. You’re in for a rough night later.

Vivian was brought to Mark’s office promptly. At the sight of the stern and prim man on his throne, the facade of a successful entrepreneur, Vivian sneered grimly to herself.

At first sight, Mark felt like he’d seen Vivian before. He took a closer look and leaped out of his chair. “Vivian William, it’s you!”

“It’s an honor to me for you to remember me, Mr. Norton,” Vivian said wryly. “It’s been five years, hasn’t it?” “And it’s Vivian Morrison now. Mr. Norton, does the sight of me surprise you? Is it your conscience speaking?”

Mark had heard that Vivian William returned to the country and seemingly transformed herself into the heiress of the Morrison family. But he did not take much notice of that. She had divorced Finnick, anyway. He didn’t have to bother himself with her anymore.

But he did not expect to meet her again under these circumstances. Shouldn’t she be in a high-ranking position within Morrison Group? What business did she have with a magazine company?

And what did she mean by conscience? Could it be possible that she had found out that her kidnapping was orchestrated by Evelyn and himself?

Mark was instantly wary of the interview.

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 589

“Ms. Morrison, we were once family. How could I forget? And what’s all this talk about consciences?” Mark had been in the retail industry for years; he knew a thing or two about keeping up appearances. “Please, have a seat.” He gestured.

Vivian did not attempt to hide her disdain. With a scathing look at Mark, she sat down on the couch directly across from him.

He was much nearer to her now. He noticed that she had indeed become much prettier than she used to be. So the rumors were true.

Silky long hair, pristine features, her body clad in a professional-looking romper; she looked comfortable yet without shortages in elegance. He was struck in awe when she first entered. She was unrecognizable.

That’s strange. He’d never thought of her as much of a beauty before. When he first learned that Finnick had decided to marry her, he had jested at their expense. An ugly girl with a paraplegic was a match made in heaven.

However, she was now beautiful!

He would go as far as to say that Evelyn in the past is comparable to Vivian in the present.

Vivian caught Mark studying her like a piece of meat and couldn’t help suppressing a wave of nausea. “Mr. Norton, can we get started with the interview?” she asked coldly.

“Of course.” Mark tore his eyes off of her and sat upright. Nevertheless, he remained watchful of her out of the corner of his eye.

Sarah and Charlie were ready. Vivian started the interview. “Mr. Norton, is there a confirmed opening date of the hotel? How are the preparations coming along?”

“Our hotel is scheduled to be opened in late September,” Mark reported, looking pleased. “The design team’s preparations of the structure’s blueprints are in full swing and right on schedule. We are confident that Norton Corporation has designed the finest, largest, and best-equipped hotel in S City. It will be a landmark of our fine city for generations to come.”

“Really? Would we have the opportunity to witness that?” Vivian said in a sarcastic tone.

“Ms. Morrison, what do you mean?” Mark asked as he controlled his rising temper.

She does not know her place. He gave the magazine company an opportunity for an exclusive interview with him, and she disrespects him?

“Nothing, just feeling awestruck,” Vivian answered with a smile. She pressed on. “Though Norton Corporation is an influential brand, the opening of this hotel is admittedly just the first step. I would like to know if Norton Corporation has any expansion strategies in place yet?”

“Our committee is currently promoting our grand opening on media platforms. We are also conducting sales calls. It’s a strategy to bolster our presence both online and offline. In addition to that, we have various fundraisers in place to promote the hotel as we speak.”

Mark felt the smile he had to put on was starting to strain his face, but he persevered. He also had to constantly remind himself that he was not being interviewed by the individual Vivian William, but the media she represents. He had his image and reputation to maintain.

“It really is unexpected for someone like you, Mr. Norton, to be hosting fundraisers. I was under the impression that you only operated in the dark with heinous measures to achieve despicable goals.” Vivian could no longer hide her contempt.

She had finally gone too far. Mark had lost all pretense as well. He slammed a fist on the table and shouted, “What is the meaning of this? What are you trying to do?”

He finally broke! Vivian smirked. She turned to Sarah and Charlie. “Wait for me outside. I have some matters to discuss with Mr. Norton.”

“Vivian…” Sarah looked at her with concern, unwilling to leave her in here alone.

She helped with the investigation as well and knew that the interview would not go smoothly. If Mark lost his temper, Vivian could be harmed.

“It’s alright, wait outside.” Vivian smiled reassuringly.

After some hesitation, Sarah tugged at Charlie’s arm and they left together. Perhaps Vivian had something she would rather them not hear.

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 590

Only the two of them remained in the office. Vivian decided to cut to the chase and turned to face Mark. “You and Evelyn kidnapped me and tried to get someone to rape me five years ago, didn’t you?”

It was more of an accusation than a question.

Vivian’s glare was venomous. If Finnick hadn’t mistakenly thought that I’d been sexually assaulted, none of this would have happened! Larry wouldn’t be missing a father as soon as he was born!

Panic flashed across Mark’s face for a split second, obviously not expecting that she would have any idea about his involvement in the case. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

She scoffed internally. Of course, Mark would never admit to having done such a horrible thing so easily.

No matter. She had come prepared and was determined to make this bastard admit the truth.

“What? No balls to take responsibility for your own actions? If you don’t confess right now, I’ll have to resort to some extreme measures,” Vivian threatened.

Mark looked down his nose in disdain at her, sneering, “’Extreme measures’? Try me. I’d like to know what you have up your sleeve.”

If she thinks she can abuse her authority as a member of the Morrison family, she’s sorely mistaken. I barely care for Benedict, let alone her!

Vivian opened up her bag and pulled out a file, slamming it down in front of him with a haughty smirk.

“I think you should take a look at this before trying to defend your innocence, Mr. Norton.”

Glancing suspiciously up at her, he slowly picked up the file. Shock and rage flared up inside of him when he took a good look at its contents.

“Where did you get this from?”

The document was filled with information about how Mark had bribed the relevant authorities when opening his hotel. Everything, from the list of names to the bank transfer receipts, was printed as clear as day on the papers.

“You forget that I’m a journalist and that I have my sources,” Vivian snickered. “Still plan on denying what you did all those years ago?”

This was what she had asked Sarah, Jenny, and Hunter for help with a while ago. Fortunately, she had discovered something that could be used against Mark.

“What do you want?” Mark stammered, his voice trembling slightly.

He’d thought that she was just exaggerating in order to scare him into submission, but he never expected her to uncover all of this. If these documents were publicized, his plans for the hotel would go up in flames, and he would most certainly be thrown into jail for several years straight.

By that point, he would have to pay for his crimes with all of his wealth and his dom, as well as cause the Norton Corporation to suffer a tremendous loss.

In the worst-case scenario, I might even lose my life…

He refused to imagine any further.

“I want you to personally tell Finnick how you and Evelyn kidnapped me and set me up. I want you to tell him how you misled him to think that I’d been raped.”

Vivian’s entire body was shaking, but her voice was firm and clear as she spoke. She had to make the culprit who framed her for all these years be the one to clear her name.

Mark’s heart was in his throat as he met Vivian’s furious gaze. This woman was clearly not the same pushover that they had manipulated to their will in the past.

“Set you up? Rape? I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Mark insisted, although his face was already starting to pale.

How could he tell Finnick the truth? Knowing the man’s personality, Finnick would never have mercy on him. He might even personally drag him to court!

Finnick never cared for friendship or familial bonds, and would be bound to care even less under these circumstances! Mark couldn’t hope that he would forgive him based on the fact that they were brothers.

Finnick was much more terrifying to deal with than Vivian.

“Then I have no choice but to submit this evidence to a public prosecutor’s office. Maybe you’ll regain some of your memory during the police interrogation.”

With that, Vivian turned around to leave. Only now did she come to the understanding that she couldn’t afford to be soft-hearted when dealing with someone like Mark, or else she would be the one who ended up getting hurt.