Chapter 513
Patriarch Sullivan's hand holding the teacup trembled violently.
Scalding tea splashed onto the back of his hand, but he didn't even notice.
Vivian Bennett... was actually Lin Qiuyue's daughter?
This news was like an ice-cold blade, plunging unexpectedly into his heart.
He remembered the girl's appearance.
Delicate features, gentle temperament, her eyes shining when she stood beside Liam.
He had thought she looked familiar back then, resembling a vague shadow from his memory, so he had sent someone to investigate.
The information that came back was clean, flawless.
How could it be...
How could she be Lin Qiuyue's daughter?
Memories surged up like a tide, carrying the stale scent of blood.
He closed his eyes, his fingertips trembling slightly.
If Vivian was truly Lin Qiuyue's flesh and blood...
Then she and Liam must never be together.
The feud between the two families was an abyss embedded in their bloodlines.
Anyone who crossed it would be shattered to pieces.
"Investigate."
Patriarch Sullivan opened his eyes, his gaze deep and cold.
"Spare no expense. Dig up every detail about Vivian Bennett."
His voice was soft, but carried an unquestionable ruthlessness.
Back then, Lin Qiuyue had laid countless traps to conceal her identity.
Investigating now would naturally be full of obstacles.
But there was no one the Sullivan family wanted to investigate that they couldn't find.
After parting ways with Sophia Miller, Vivian returned to the villa alone, carrying shopping bags.
On the way, she sent Liam a message.
"Come home early tonight. I have a surprise."
She smiled, imagining his expression when he saw the table full of dishes.
The kitchen soon filled with delicious aromas.
Steamed sea bass, braised prawns, garlic broccoli, and a pot of chicken soup that had been simmering for three hours.
All his favorites.
Night gradually fell.
Her phone rang.
It was Liam.
"Vivian." His voice was gentle. "Do you want me to bring anything back?"
Vivian wiped her hands, smiling and shaking her head. "No, just come home."
There was a moment of silence on the other end.
"I'm sorry." Liam's voice lowered. "Grandfather suddenly summoned me to the family estate. I... might not be able to make it home for dinner tonight."
Vivian froze.
Her fingers unconsciously tightened around her apron.
The little excitement in her heart, like a flame doused with cold water, sizzled and emitted white smoke.
She took a deep breath, trying to keep her voice light.
"Alright then. I'll enjoy this feast by myself."
As soon as the words left her mouth—
A sharp, loud crash came from the other end of the line!
It sounded like metal violently colliding, so piercing it made her scalp tingle.
Followed by the chaotic noise of a phone falling.
"Liam?!"
Vivian's face instantly turned pale.
She shouted into the phone, "Liam! What happened? Answer me!"
No response.
Only deathly silence.
Her heart pounded wildly, almost shattering her chest.
"Liam... don't scare me... say something..."
Her voice trembled uncontrollably.
Tears welled up without warning.
She shouldn't have called him while he was driving.
She shouldn't have distracted him.
If... if...
"Vivian..."
A faint voice came through the receiver.
Vivian's eyes widened.
"Liam! Are you okay? Are you hurt? Where are you?"
A barrage of questions tumbled out.
Liam seemed to catch his breath, his voice laced with suppressed pain.
"It's nothing... hit the guardrail... the airbag deployed..."
He paused, then said softly, "Don't worry. I'm fine."
Vivian covered her mouth, tears falling pattering down.
"You scared me to death..."
"Sweetheart, I'm really fine." Liam's voice gradually steadied. "Let me deal with the scene first. I'll call you later."
The call ended.
Vivian stood still, holding her phone for a long time.
The aroma still wafted from the kitchen.
The table full of dishes gradually grew cold.