Chapter 561

Liam Sullivan's fingers tightened slightly around his phone, then slowly relaxed.

Over a decade navigating the treacherous waters of business had long since tempered him to remain unflappable in the face of any storm.

His voice was low. "You specifically called her back to the family estate today just to tell her this?"

Albert Sullivan's tone was laced with bitterness. "How could I be so reckless as to say these things directly to Vivian? I'd rather she never acknowledged me than see her heartbroken... It was your grandfather. He suddenly showed her my paternity test report."

Liam's eyes turned icy cold in an instant. "Are you certain there's no issue with that report?"

The question sent a tremor through Albert. The fact that both reports yielded the same result steadied his nerves.

His voice was urgent and firm. "I'm certain. She truly is my daughter. Liam, she's your cousin. You can't be together..."

Liam didn't let him finish. He ended the call abruptly.

A frigid light gleamed in his eyes, his handsome features now covered with a layer of frost.

He had already arranged for covert protection, yet he still hadn't managed to guard against the Patriarch's methods.

It seemed he could no longer indulge her in acting alone. He would have to ensure his bodyguard, Zhang Qiang, stayed by her side at all times.

Oliver Winston, who had been standing nearby, heard everything clearly. His eyes widened in shock, as if he'd seen a ghost.

Jocelyn Klein emerged from the bedroom and saw the two men's unusual expressions, especially Liam's dark, stormy countenance.

She spoke cautiously. "Mr. Sullivan, Miss Bennett is somewhat weak. I've administered an IV of glucose for her."

Liam looked up at her. "Dr. Klein, how quickly can a paternity test be completed?"

Jocelyn was taken aback. "The fastest... would still take two days."

Liam's gaze was steady. "This matter is of utmost importance to me. Please handle it personally."

Jocelyn solemnly accepted the hair samples from Liam and Vivian, then hurried off to her friend's testing center.

Oliver was reeling from the bombshell news.

If Liam and Vivian were truly blood relatives, this plot twist was beyond melodramatic.

This was the first time in his life Liam had been so serious about someone, treating her like the apple of his eye. How could he possibly let go?

He paced restlessly in the testing center's waiting area, wishing the results would appear the very next second.

Jocelyn felt dizzy watching him. "Mr. Winston, I'm working. Could you perhaps go back first?"

"No!" Oliver said resolutely. "This is too important for Liam. I have to stay."

Jocelyn shook her head helplessly. Why was this man more anxious than the parties involved?

Vivian Bennett opened her eyes and stared blankly at the familiar ceiling.

Wasn't she supposed to be at work at the hospital? How did she end up back at Liam's residence?

Fragments of memory flooded back—the Sullivan Family Estate, Patriarch Sullivan, Albert Sullivan, and that paternity test.

A sharp pain pierced her heart. Tears welled up uncontrollably.

How could she be Albert Sullivan's daughter?

What on earth was going on?

A sob escaped her throat. She curled into a ball, her tears soaking the pillowcase.