Chapter 409
William White's funeral was an extravagant affair.
The main hall of the White family home was converted into a memorial space.
Linda White and Brandon White wore traditional mourning attire.
Mother and son wept with heart-wrenching sobs.
They supported each other while receiving condolences from guests.
The scene was profoundly sorrowful to witness.
Vivian Bennett was also present in the memorial hall.
She remained silent throughout.
A black dress accentuated her snow-white complexion.
She stood expressionless beside the memorial altar.
She neither cried nor made any scene.
Some approached to offer comfort.
She only responded with slight nods.
Whispers circulated behind her back.
They called Vivian an unfilial daughter.
They spoke of her disgraceful behavior over the years.
They criticized her for not shedding tears at her own father's death.
They said William had wasted his efforts raising her.
All the prominent figures of the city attended.
Liam Sullivan arrived on the second afternoon.
He came with a prominent business leader.
They observed the rituals with silent bows.
Then they approached the family.
Linda White wept so violently she could barely stand.
Brandon supported her while accepting condolences.
"Please accept my deepest sympathies."
Liam's voice was low and solemn.
Linda's crying intensified.
Brandon wiped his tears and expressed thanks.
The business leader exchanged brief pleasantries before departing.
Liam's gaze swept across the memorial hall.
He noticed a black dress hem behind floral arrangements.
"I'll stay a while longer."
He informed his companion before moving forward.
Vivian curled up beside the coffin.
Her black hair was pinned up, revealing her slender neck.
She resembled an abandoned black cat.
Her eyes were hollow and distant.
The surrounding cries meant nothing to her.
She existed within her own isolated world.
Liam's breath caught slightly.
This version of Vivian unsettled him deeply.
She had shut herself off completely.
"Hey."
He called to her softly.
She showed no reaction.
He crouched down to meet her eye level.
"Cry if you need to."
His tone was firm yet gentle.
Vivian slowly lifted her gaze.
A bleak smile suddenly touched her lips.
"Why should I cry?"
She whispered faintly.
"He didn't say goodbye. That means he's not really gone."
Her words held stubborn conviction.
Liam felt a tightness in his chest.
She hadn't slept for a full day and night.
Bloodshot veins webed her eyes like spider silk.
Her appearance agitated him deeply.
"Suit yourself."
He rose to his feet.
"I'll check on you tomorrow."
The funeral concluded with burial on the final day.
Vivian did not go to the cemetery.
She stayed alone in her apartment.
She held her mother's photograph and urn.
"Mom, Dad has gone to keep you company now."
She spoke in a soft murmur.