Chapter 512

Vivian Bennett's cheeks flushed hot.

She instinctively shrank further into Liam Sullivan's embrace.

Liam frowned slightly, his gaze turning displeased as it swept toward the door.

Ryan Johnson cleared his throat softly and rubbed his nose.

"Mr. Sullivan, it's broad daylight... The office is a workplace, after all. Could you two consider the feelings of a single man like me?"

Hearing this, Vivian couldn't help but lift her face from Liam's shoulder and let out a soft laugh.

The blush on her face hadn't faded yet. When she looked at Ryan, her eyes held a teasing glint.

"Assistant Ryan, at your age, you really should consider finding a girlfriend seriously."

A flicker of embarrassment crossed Ryan's face. He nodded.

"You're right, Miss Bennett. I think it's about time too."

Seeing the files in Ryan's hand, clearly indicating he had business to report, Vivian tactfully stood up.

She walked toward the inner restroom.

"Mr. Sullivan, here are the documents you requested."

Ryan placed the folder on the desk.

"They should connect with the information Mr. Roscente found earlier."

Liam took the stack of papers.

His gaze fell on an old photograph among them.

The man in the photo was young and handsome, with deep, penetrating eyes.

Liam's fingers paused at the edge of the page.

His eyes gradually darkened.

The truth was within reach, yet he felt an inexplicable resistance.

But everything was laid bare before him now.

There was nowhere to hide.

Inside the restroom, Vivian was chatting on her phone with Sophia Miller.

Sophia sent a message: "I'm at the mall next to Sullivan Group. Want to come out for a stroll?"

Vivian replied with a "Yes" and stood up to push the door open.

In the outer office, Liam sat upright behind the large desk.

His profile was outlined by the light streaming in through the floor-to-ceiling windows, sharp and defined.

Yet his expression seemed somewhat somber.

He was staring out the window, lost in thought, not even noticing her approach.

Vivian walked softly to his side.

"What's wrong?" she asked gently.

Liam snapped back to reality.

His gaze settled on her, noticing her outfit for going out.

"Going out?" His voice was low.

"Sophia is at the neighboring mall. I'm going to keep her company for a while."

Liam pondered for a moment.

"Let John Miller accompany you."

Vivian initially wanted to refuse.

But remembering the recent turmoil, she swallowed her words and nodded softly.

"Alright."

Leaving the CEO's office, Vivian saw a man standing tall and straight at the end of the corridor.

It was the same bodyguard who had protected her during the chaos last time.

She walked over and smiled slightly.

"It's you. I never got the chance to thank you in person for last time."

John Miller shook his head somewhat awkwardly.

"You're too kind, Miss Bennett. Protecting you is my duty."

"Regardless, I still want to thank you." Vivian asked with concern, "You weren't injured that day, were you?"

"No. We're well-trained. We don't get injured easily." John paused, his tone sincere. "Actually, I should thank you, Miss Bennett. For speaking up for me in front of Mr. Sullivan. You helped me keep this job."

"It was the right thing to do." Vivian smiled and walked with him toward the private elevator.

At the entrance of Times Square, Sophia Miller stood wrapped in her coat against the wind.

She kept blowing warm air into her cupped hands.

Vivian hurried over, chiding her.

"It's so cold. You still came out shopping?"

Sophia snorted dismissively.

"What's there to fear? I eat well, sleep soundly. My health is excellent."

Her gaze shifted, spotting John Miller standing a few steps behind Vivian, posture as straight as a pine tree.

"Who's that?" she whispered, lowering her voice.

Vivian sighed slightly.

"There was a bit of trouble not long ago. Liam isn't at ease, so he has someone follow me."

Mentioning this, Sophia's temper flared immediately.

"I was going to visit you as soon as I got back! Were you hurt or not?"

Vivian turned in a circle.

"See? Perfectly fine."

She felt a little guilty inside—the ointment Liam had found was truly remarkable. In just a week, the redness and swelling on her face had completely vanished.

Sophia looked her up and down, finally somewhat reassured.

She muttered, "Even though those troublemaking bastards got dealt with, it's good to have someone with you."

Vivian was startled.

"Dealt with by whom?"

"Not sure." Sophia leaned closer, her voice dropping even lower. "I heard those guys were beaten black and blue a few days ago. They were dumped right at the police station entrance and locked up again for causing a public disturbance."

Vivian's heart skipped a beat.

Weren't those people just released?

This seemed too coincidental.

But on second thought, those people were arrogant and domineering. This outcome served them right.

The two wandered around the mall for a while.

Sophia received a phone call and hurriedly left first.