Chapter 397

Vivian Bennett was not a warm-hearted person by nature.

This was especially true when the other party clearly harbored hostility toward her.

She indifferently averted her gaze, pretending she hadn't seen Ms. Lily Ashcroft.

Ms. Lily Ashcroft, however, approached her directly.

She shot Vivian a furious glare, her tone sharp. "Don't think just because he's doting on you now, you can do whatever you want. The Sullivan family would never acknowledge a relationship like yours. Stop daydreaming. A woman like you could never be worthy of the CEO."

Vivian frowned slightly.

She offered a faint smile. "Even if the Sullivan family doesn't accept me, Liam Sullivan's acceptance is enough."

That simple, offhand remark instantly rendered Ms. Lily Ashcroft speechless.

Her face turned livid with anger. She snatched some files off the desk and stormed away.

The office fell silent.

Vivian stood still, Ms. Lily Ashcroft's words echoing in her ears.

She had always known this path wouldn't be easy.

But hearing the accusations firsthand still stirred a bitter ache in her heart.

Her phone suddenly rang.

Vivian walked into the break room. She stiffened slightly when she saw the caller ID.

It was her stepmother, Linda White.

"Vivian, your father fainted last night and was hospitalized. You need to come back immediately!"

Linda's tone was demanding.

Vivian felt an instinctive wave of aversion.

Her last visit to the White family home had been unpleasant.

She hung up the phone directly.

After Liam got off work, they went grocery shopping together.

Back at home, Vivian tied on an apron and went into the kitchen.

Liam went to his study to finish some pending work.

Vivian was preparing the final dish when Liam came downstairs.

He watched her busy figure in the kitchen, a gentle smile touching his lips.

Vivian heard his footsteps but didn't have time to turn around.

A pair of strong arms suddenly wrapped around her waist.

Liam held her from behind, his broad chest pressed against her back.

His deep voice sounded in her ear. "You've worked hard, my lady."

Vivian's heart skipped a beat. A blush spread across her cheeks.

She chided him shyly. "Who's your lady? Don't call me that."

Liam chuckled softly, his thin lips brushing her earlobe.

"Isn't that what people call their live-in partners nowadays? I'm not saying anything wrong."

Vivian melted into his embrace, her face flushing even deeper.

"Who's living with you? Get away, my food is going to burn."

Liam planted a kiss on her cheek and slowly released her.

"Then I'll set the table."

After dinner, they curled up on the sofa watching TV.

Soon, Liam carried Vivian into the bedroom.

Remembering the intensity of the night before last, Vivian felt a twinge of fear.

She refused softly. "Liam, don't touch me tonight."