Chapter 671

Liam Sullivan had just signed off on the last document in his top-floor office at the Sullivan Group.

He picked up his now-cold coffee and took a small sip.

A dull throb pulsed at his temples.

Outside the window, the night was thick as ink, a bitter wind howling against the glass.

He remembered those nights he'd kept vigil outside Vivian Bennett's apartment.

The wind had cut like knives, yet he'd welcomed it.

The corner of his mouth lifted unconsciously.

"Achoo—"

He'd been fighting a cold for a while now.

Ever since Vivian was injured, he'd been physically and mentally exhausted, his immunity plummeting.

The cough had never fully gone away.

There was cold medicine in his desk drawer.

He hadn't dared to take it.

The pills had a sedative effect, and he was afraid it would interfere with his work.

He just wanted to finish everything quickly and hurry back to make dinner for her.

He had just stood up to gather his things—

His phone rang.

Glancing at the caller ID, his pupils constricted sharply.

It was Vivian.

She was calling him.

His heart slammed hard against his ribs.

"Liam Sullivan, come downstairs. I'm waiting outside."

Her voice was icy. She hung up immediately.

Liam grabbed his coat and rushed into the elevator.

His fingertips trembled slightly.

The Sullivan Group lobby was brightly lit. Employees turned to look.

It was rare to see the CEO in such a hurry. He didn't acknowledge anyone, pushing straight through the revolving doors.

The cold wind hit him in the face.

He squinted, scanning the area.

In the shadows beside the landscaped greenery stood a slender figure.

The night wind lifted her long hair, the hem of her coat swaying gently.

She was looking down, hands in her pockets, staring intently at the tips of her shoes.

Alone, like a leaf that could be blown away by the wind at any moment.

A sharp pang hit Liam's chest. He quickened his pace.

Instinctively, he wanted to reach out and pull her into his arms—

His arm lifted halfway, then froze in mid-air.

He didn't dare.

"You came." His voice was soft, laced with cautious hope. "It's cold out. Let's go inside?"

Vivian looked up.

Dappled tree shadows fell across her face, obscuring her expression.

Only a near-indifferent calm was visible.

No hatred. No resentment. No warmth.

"No need." She shook her head. "Just a few words. I'll leave after I say them."

"Vivian…" Liam's Adam's apple bobbed. "I'm glad you came to see me."

Truly.

So glad it made his heart ache.

But her calmness frightened him more than anger ever could.

The last time they met, she had cried her heart out.

Now, barely a month later, it felt like a lifetime had passed.

He took off his coat, intending to drape it over her shoulders.

Vivian took a step back.

"I'm not cold."

Her hands were icy, but the gesture pushing his coat away was firm.

Liam gave a bitter smile. "You won't even touch my coat now?"

He silently positioned himself upwind, blocking the biting night breeze for her.

Vivian tucked her hands deeper into her coat pockets.

"There's no need to bring up the past." She lifted her gaze, her eyes clear and cool. "I didn't come to yell at you. And I didn't come to reconcile."

Liam's mouth twisted slightly.

"I know." His voice dropped. "The hurt you suffered… I can never make it right in this lifetime. I don't dare hope for your forgiveness."