Chapter 82

"We argue less than before," Grace Harper admitted, her eyes dimming with sadness.

"But your brother-in-law has become much colder toward me."

Even the most intimate moments between husband and wife no longer interested him.

Such private matters were difficult to discuss, and she felt too embarrassed to confess this to her younger cousin.

Jason Harper had truly changed.

He distanced himself physically and offered little daily communication.

Their marital bond was visibly weakening.

"Feelings need time to develop, Cousin Grace," Vivian Bennett reassured softly. "Don't worry. Everything will get better."

Grace sighed quietly. "I hope so."

She no longer pressured herself about having children, preferring to let things happen naturally.

"By the way, Vivian," Grace suddenly remembered, her tone concerned. "How are things with your boss?"

She remained unaware that Liam Sullivan, whom she had met at her cousin's home, was the company's CEO, assuming he was merely Vivian's direct supervisor.

Vivian's cheeks flushed slightly. "Cousin, I've told you before. He's just my boss. There's nothing between us."

"But he seems quite special toward you," Grace insisted earnestly. "You're alone in Seattle now, Vivian. If someone genuinely cares for you, perhaps consider it. Don't miss out on meeting the right person."

"I understand, Cousin," Vivian replied with a strained smile. "But right now, I just want to focus on my work. I'm not ready for a relationship."

She had confided in no one about that night in the limousine.

The incident had left deep shadows in her heart.

Starting a new relationship was the last thing she wanted anytime soon.

She needed time alone to heal, to gradually emerge from that darkness.

She believed time could mend all wounds.

Nighttime descended upon an exclusive private club.

Liam Sullivan played mahjong with Oliver Winston and others, several women accompanying them.

Ethan Roscente had recently returned from abroad.

The evening was meant to welcome him back, yet he suffered the heaviest losses.

He glanced at the woman beside him. "You take over this round."

Alexander Lowell frowned. "Ethan, your luck just started improving. Changing players now?"

"With luck like yours, Alexander, Ethan probably isn't impressed," Oliver remarked, cigarette dangling from his lips as he squinted, waiting for the next move.

Alexander shot him a fierce glare. "Must you always undermine me?"

"Seriously, who wants to play with you? I'd rather play with beautiful women," Oliver retorted, pulling the woman beside him close for a kiss.

Witnessing such arrogance, Alexander lost all interest. "I'm done playing. I won't entertain this anymore..."

Checking the time, he found it appropriate to end the game.

Liam emerged as the big winner once again.

Oliver wrote out a check while teasing, "Liam, when will you let me win for once?"

Liam gave him a faint glance. "Better luck next time."

Custom dictated that the winner treat everyone to a late-night meal.

But he hadn't seen Vivian for several days, and tonight, he missed her intensely.

He promised to cover all expenses on his tab and left early.

Liam had driven his sports car alone today, enjoying a rare weekend relaxation.

Now seated inside, he gazed at the nightscape outside his window, quietly lighting a cigarette.

Blue smoke veiled his handsome features, lending him an air of mystery in the darkness.

After finishing the cigarette, he stepped on the accelerator and sped away.