Chapter 557
Matthew Klein gazed deeply at Vivian Bennett.
His expression was calm on the surface, but a storm raged within.
Her manner of speaking was identical to that of Amelia White from years past.
He could barely restrain the urge to reach out and touch her face.
But he held back, afraid of startling her.
Eugene Lawrence noticed the subtle shift in his employer's demeanor.
He quickly stepped forward to defuse the situation.
"Miss Bennett, thank you for your concern. We'll purchase the medicine ourselves."
He turned Matthew's wheelchair around.
The wheels made a soft sound as they rolled over the ground.
Vivian watched their retreating figures.
She smiled faintly.
An elderly man who had lived abroad for many years would naturally find Seattle's damp climate uncomfortable upon returning.
Even after they were out of sight, the turmoil in Matthew's heart did not subside.
He spoke in a low voice.
"Investigate her exact time of birth again. The more detailed, the better."
Eugene had already checked several times.
Each result showed nothing unusual.
He couldn't help but feel puzzled.
"Sir, what seems off to you?"
Matthew let out a long sigh.
"She resembles Amelia too much. Even her tone of voice is identical... I simply cannot dismiss my doubts."
"Understood. I'll arrange for someone to investigate immediately."
Eugene helped Matthew into the car.
He then returned alone to the pharmacy.
Night deepened.
Warm, yellow light glowed from the study.
Matthew held a brush, painting on a canvas.
Gradually, the vague outline of a woman took shape.
Julian Klein entered quietly.
He stopped to watch.
He hadn't seen his father paint a portrait in many years.
He couldn't help but ask softly, "Dad, who are you painting?"
"You'll know when it's finished."
Matthew's brush never paused, his expression focused.
Julian stood quietly by his side.
Only when his father finally set down the brush did he step forward to take the palette.
Matthew wheeled himself to the sink.
He carefully washed the paint from his hands.
Amidst the sound of running water, he suddenly asked, "How is the information I requested coming along?"
Julian's heart tightened.
He answered in a low voice, "It's all compiled. But Dad, what do we need this information for?"
Matthew offered a faint smile.
"You'll understand in a few days."
The smile was as light as a white flower in the mountains.
It was resilient and lonely, yet carried an unshakable resolve.
"Should I bring the documents to you in a few days?"
"Good. You've had a busy day. Go and rest."
"You should sleep early too, Dad. Goodnight."
"Goodnight."
The door closed softly.
Matthew wheeled himself to the floor-to-ceiling window.
Outside, the night was as dark as ink.
The lights of countless homes flickered on and off, illuminating his aged profile.
Lately, he often sat alone late at night.
He gazed at this bustling, yet lonely, nightscape.
Over twenty years had passed.
Returning to his homeland, he never imagined it would feel so desolate and solitary.
The truths buried by time were due to see the light of day.
He leaned back in his wheelchair.
Slowly, he closed his eyes.
He allowed the fatigue to wash over his entire body.
Early morning.
Liam Sullivan had just entered the company when Ryan Johnson approached him.
"President, we have a lead on the person you asked me to investigate. That guy was a private detective hired by Second Master Albert's people. He was trying to get information from Miss Bennett to make some money. Fortunately, Miss Bennett didn't believe his nonsense."
Liam's eyes darkened slightly.
His uncle had indeed gone to great lengths to investigate Vivian's mother.
But after over twenty years of carefree living, his vigilance had slackened to this point.
"Tell John Miller to continue following Vivian. Keep an eye on everyone around her."
"Yes, sir."
Liam sat behind his expansive desk.
His gaze was profound.
Morning light streamed through the floor-to-ceiling window, casting its glow upon him.
It outlined the sharp angles of his profile, handsome and severe.
He didn't know if Vivian could handle the truth once she learned it.
But at this point, even he couldn't predict the outcome.
The documents in his hand revealed past entanglements.
Yet, they contained no fatal contradictions.
He knew he couldn't stop the truth from surfacing.
The only thing he could do was protect that little woman.
He wouldn't let her suffer the slightest harm.
The October shareholders' meeting was approaching.
The entire Sullivan Group was bustling with activity.
Liam buried himself in documents.
His fingertips turned the pages, creating a soft rustling sound.
John Miller's call suddenly came through.
"Assistant Ryan, Second Master Albert is lingering outside Miss Bennett's office again."
Ryan chuckled lightly.
"Let him be. Second Master likely means no harm."