Chapter 223
Vivian Bennett ran all the way home.
Her heart felt like it was being squeezed by an invisible hand.
Zachary Hudson's words were a sharp blade.
They cruelly sliced open the reality she had been avoiding.
She and Liam Sullivan were from two completely different worlds.
Any foolish fantasies had to be completely extinguished.
She slid down slowly with her back against the door.
Her body trembled slightly, uncontrollably.
Her mind was a chaotic mess.
The pressure made it hard to breathe.
"Vivian, what's wrong?"
Her cousin Grace Harper's voice suddenly called out.
Vivian looked up sharply.
She had forgotten Grace was still staying here temporarily.
"You look so pale. Are you feeling unwell?"
Grace walked over quickly, her face full of concern.
Vivian forced a weak smile.
"It's nothing. I just suddenly feel a bit unwell."
Grace immediately reached out to feel her forehead.
"Do you need to go to the hospital?"
Vivian shook her head.
"No, it's just my period."
Grace finally relaxed.
"I'll make you some ginger tea. Drink it and get some good rest."
Vivian nodded gratefully.
Watching her cousin's busy shadow.
She suddenly remembered the matter of Jason Harper's infidelity.
She hadn't had a chance to inquire about it yet.
She went back to her room and took out her phone.
She found the WeChat of a former colleague from the branch company.
She arranged to meet them for lunch tomorrow.
"Knock, knock, knock—"
A knocking sound came from the door.
Grace walked in carrying a cup of ginger tea.
"Drink it while it's hot."
Vivian took the cup.
A warm sensation spread from her palms.
Grace suddenly frowned.
"Have you been drinking?"
Vivian lowered her head and took a sip of the tea.
"There was a colleague dinner tonight. I had a little."
Grace looked at her disapprovingly.
"You need to take extra care of yourself during this special time."
Vivian obediently agreed.
Her cousin was always so concerned about her.
If Jason really was cheating.
She would never let her cousin be wronged.
The night grew late.
They wished each other goodnight.
Before bed, Vivian habitually checked her phone.
Liam had sent a message saying he was back.
See you tomorrow.
Her heart sank heavily.
She wasn't ready to face him at all.
Images from that night at the hot springs surfaced in her mind.
Her fingertips still seemed to retain the memory of his scorching temperature.
It was impossible to think of him purely as her boss anymore.
But considering him a boyfriend was even more absurd.
She tossed and turned in bed until the early hours of the morning before finally falling asleep.
The next day at the company.
The atmosphere in the PR department was noticeably different.
Countless eyes fell on her.
Full of scrutiny and curiosity.
Zachary's high-profile appearance last night had spread throughout the entire department.
Now everyone thought they were dating.
"So you and Young Master Hudson are a couple."
Emily Davis leaned in, winking and grinning.
Vivian opened her mouth but didn't know how to explain.
Just then, Manager Thomas Carter suddenly appeared.
"Vivian Bennett, take this document to the CEO's office."
She immediately froze on the spot.
Why did it have to be her.
The last person she wanted to see right now was Liam Sullivan.
"Can I not go?" she asked softly.
Emily stepped forward proactively.
"Manager, I'll deliver it for her."
Thomas Carter shook his head sternly.
"Vivian must go personally. The CEO needs to sign it himself."