Chapter 365

After lunch, Patriarch Sullivan called Liam into the study for a private talk.

Vivian Bennett sat alone in the living room, idly flipping through a magazine.

Isabella Sullivan approached with a bright smile, taking Vivian's hand affectionately.

"Vivian, let me show you something wonderful."

Vivian instinctively tried to pull her hand back, but Isabella held it tightly.

"My uncle just bought a little black puppy. It's absolutely adorable, out in the back garden."

Vivian frowned slightly, sensing something unusual about Isabella's enthusiasm.

But being at the Sullivan Estate, she felt it was impolite to refuse directly.

She reluctantly nodded. "Alright."

They walked side by side toward the back garden.

Passing through lush greenery, a massive glass conservatory suddenly came into view.

Inside, a hundred flowers bloomed in vibrant competition, full of spring vitality that starkly contrasted with the season outside.

"Wow, when did Grandfather build such a beautiful conservatory?"

Isabella exclaimed with delight, running inside. Vivian followed at a slower pace.

A rich floral fragrance washed over them. Vivian bent down to gently smell a rose.

Suddenly, a dark shadow burst from the flower beds, lunging directly at her face.

Vivian screamed, stumbling and falling to the ground in a panic.

It was a half-person-high black Tibetan Mastiff, baring its fangs as it prepared to attack again.

She fought desperately against the vicious dog, her sleeves tearing under its sharp teeth.

Isabella stood far away by the conservatory entrance, a cold smirk curling her lips.

Vivian struggled frantically, her hand brushing against a ceramic flowerpot nearby.

Summoning all her strength, she smashed the pot hard against the mastiff's head.

The dog whimpered twice, then went limp and stopped moving.

Isabella's expression changed abruptly. She suddenly screamed at the top of her lungs. "Help!"

The sound of hurried footsteps approached as servants rushed to the scene.

Albert Sullivan and his wife, along with Eleanor Sullivan, also arrived quickly.

Eleanor gasped sharply at the sight of Vivian's disheveled state.

The girl's sleeves were shredded. Blood streaked her face and hands. Her whole body trembled uncontrollably.

"Get up quickly, are you badly hurt?" The elderly woman hurriedly supported her.

Vivian shook her head weakly, all her energy drained from the struggle.

Albert noticed his beloved dog lying motionless on the ground. Rage filled his eyes.

"You killed my Shadow!" He lunged at Vivian like a madman.

Patriarch Sullivan arrived just in time, striking his brother across the back with his cane.

Albert seemed not to feel it. His hands closed tightly around Vivian's neck.

Vivian instantly choked, her vision blurring and darkening.