Chapter 566

Vivian Bennett sat on the sofa in the Klein family's living room.

Sunlight streamed in through the floor-to-ceiling windows, warm and bright.

Yet she only felt cold.

Liam Sullivan's words echoed relentlessly in her mind—she was his daughter.

This identity was like a thorn, driven deep into her heart, impossible to remove.

And then there was Liam Sullivan.

That handsome face, those deep eyes, kept flickering before her eyes.

What should she do?

Matthew Klein wheeled his chair over and handed her a cup of hot tea.

"Vivian, have some water."

Vivian took the cup, her fingertips icy cold.

Julian Klein sat opposite her, smiling gently. "Don't overthink it. Rest for a while."

She nodded.

But she couldn't take in a single word.

Her mind was a tangled mess.

Liam Sullivan was in a meeting when he received Sophia Miller's call.

"Liam, Vivian is missing!"

His expression changed instantly.

The meeting was interrupted.

Ryan Johnson immediately drove to pick her up.

But when he reached the intersection Sophia mentioned, it was empty.

Vivian wasn't there.

Ryan's heart sank.

He called Liam. "Sir, I didn't find Miss Bennett."

Silence hung on the other end for a few seconds.

"Find her."

A single word, cold as ice.

Ryan immediately dispatched people to search everywhere.

Liam hung up the phone, grabbed his jacket, and was about to leave.

The office door was pushed open.

Oliver Winston rushed in.

His hair was disheveled, his eyes bloodshot, stubble covering his chin, as if he hadn't slept for days.

"Liam!"

Oliver gasped for breath, clutching a file folder in his hand.

"The test results are out!"

Liam's steps halted.

He turned, taking the file folder.

His fingers tightened slightly.

He opened it and pulled out the report inside.

His eyes scanned it quickly.

The final line of text printed clearly into his vision.

The corner of his mouth lifted almost imperceptibly.

Oliver collapsed onto the sofa. "I watched Jocelyn Klein for a full day and night. Finally got it."

Liam glanced at him.

"Thank you."

Oliver was stunned.

Liam Sullivan actually said thank you?

Before he could react, Liam had already pulled the door open and walked out.

"Hey! Liam!"

Oliver chased after him.

The elevator doors had already closed.

He stomped his foot in frustration.

"Heartless bastard!"

Vivian was still lost in thought.

The doorbell rang.

Matthew and Julian exchanged a look.

Who would come at this hour?

Vivian looked up.

Through the glass door, she saw a figure standing outside the fence.

A crisp suit, a stern profile.

Liam Sullivan.

How did he find this place?

Matthew noticed the change in her expression and followed her gaze.

Outside, Liam stood there, his gaze steady.

Julian walked over to open the door.

"Mr. Sullivan?"

Liam gave a slight nod.

"I'm here to pick up Vivian."

His voice was calm, yet carried an undeniable authority.

Matthew wheeled his chair over. "Mr. Sullivan, please come in."

Liam didn't move.

His gaze remained fixed on Vivian.

She sat there, her face pale, her eyes vacant.

Like a lost fawn.

His heart tightened.

"No need."

Liam stepped inside, walking straight toward Vivian.

He took off his own jacket and draped it over her shoulders.

Then he reached out, pulled her up from the sofa, and drew her into his embrace.

The movements were fluid and seamless.

Vivian froze.

His clean, crisp scent enveloped her.

Warm. Solid.

Yet her mind grew even more chaotic.

Liam looked at Matthew and Julian.

"Thank you both for taking care of Vivian today."

His tone was polite, yet distant.

Matthew smiled. "You're too kind, Mr. Sullivan. Vivian is our guest."

Liam didn't respond.

Holding Vivian, he turned and walked out.

Vivian looked back at Julian and Matthew.

"Uncle, Mr. Klein, goodbye."

Her voice was soft.

Julian nodded. "Take care on the road."

Outside the Klein residence, Liam's car was parked by the roadside.

He opened the car door and helped Vivian inside.

Then he walked around to the driver's seat.

The car started.

The interior was quiet.

Vivian watched the scenery flying past the window, saying nothing.

Liam also remained silent.

He held the steering wheel, his eyes fixed straight ahead.

A long time passed.

Vivian finally spoke.

"How did you find me?"

Liam glanced at her sideways.

"If I want to find you, I always can."

Vivian pressed her lips together.

Yes, he was Liam Sullivan.

In Seattle, was there anything he couldn't find?

"Sophia told you?"

"Yes."

Silence again.

The car entered the city center.

Neon lights flickered, the night deepening.

Vivian suddenly asked, "The test results... did you see them?"

Liam's fingers tightened slightly on the wheel.

"Yes."

"And then?"

"There is no 'and then.'"

Vivian turned to look at him.

Liam's profile was cast in shifting light and shadow.

"No matter whose daughter you are, you are Vivian Bennett."

His voice was calm.

"My Vivian Bennett."

Vivian's eyes grew hot.

She turned her face away, looking out the window.

Tears slid down silently.

Liam reached out and took her hand.

His palm was warm.

"Don't be afraid."

He said.

"I'm here."

Vivian closed her eyes.

Tears dampened her lashes.

Yes.

He was here.

But...

What if she really was Albert Sullivan's daughter?

What if she and Liam were truly siblings?

This thought coiled around her heart like a venomous snake.

Choking her.

The car stopped in front of the villa.

Liam got out, walked around to the passenger side, and opened the door.

Vivian didn't move.

He bent down and lifted her out.

Vivian gasped. "I can walk."

Liam didn't let go.

"Stay still."

He carried her into the villa.

The living room was brightly lit.

Liam set her down on the sofa, then knelt before her, looking at her.

"Are you hungry?"

Vivian shook her head.

"Tired?"

She shook her head again.

Liam sighed.

He reached out, cupping her face.

"Vivian, look at me."

Vivian raised her eyes.

Meeting his deep gaze.

"No matter what happens, I will be by your side."

His voice was low, yet firm.

"So, don't hide from me."

Vivian's nose stung.

She threw herself into his arms, holding him tightly.

"Liam..."

Her voice choked.

Liam wrapped his arms around her, gently patting her back.

"I'm here."

Vivian cried.

She cried like a child.

All the grievances, all the fear, all the confusion erupted in this moment.

Liam let her cry.

Only when she had cried herself out, her sobs gradually subsiding, did he speak.

"Done crying?"

Vivian nodded, sniffling.

Liam lifted her face, wiping away her tears.

"Now, listen to me."

Vivian looked at him.

"I saw the test results."

Liam spoke each word clearly.

"You and Albert Sullivan share no blood relation."

Vivian froze.

"What?"

"You are not his daughter."

Liam repeated.

Vivian's mind went blank.

"But... he clearly said..."

"What he said doesn't matter."

Liam interrupted her.

"What matters is, you are not."

Vivian stared at him blankly.

It took a long moment for her to process it.

"Really?"

"Really."

Liam took out his phone, pulled up an image of the test report, and handed it to her.

Vivian took it, examining it carefully.

The final line of text was crystal clear.

"Biological paternity excluded."

Her hand trembled, the phone nearly slipping.

Liam caught the phone, watching her.

"Feel better now?"

Vivian nodded.

Then shook her head.

Tears welled up again.

This time, tears of joy.

Liam smiled.

He leaned down and kissed her lips.

Gentle. Lingering.

Vivian closed her eyes, responding to him.

This kiss dispelled all the gloom.

A long time later, Liam released her.

Vivian leaned against his chest, asking softly, "How did you get the test report?"

"Oliver helped."

"Him?"

"Yes. He watched Jocelyn Klein for a full day and night."

Warmth spread through Vivian's heart.

"Thank him for me."

"I already did."

Liam paused.

"Though that guy is usually unreliable, he really helped a lot this time."

Vivian smiled.

"Then be nicer to him from now on."

Liam raised an eyebrow.

"I'm not nice enough to him?"

Vivian thought about it.

"Well... you are a bit harsh."

Liam pinched her cheek.

"That's because he deserves it."

Vivian laughed out loud.

The atmosphere finally lightened.

Liam watched her smile, his eyes tender.

"Hungry? I'll cook."

Vivian nodded.

"Starving."

Liam stood up and walked toward the kitchen.

Vivian followed, leaning against the doorframe to watch him.

Liam tied on an apron and began washing and chopping vegetables.

His movements were practiced.

Vivian suddenly remembered something.

"Oh, about Uncle Matthew and Mr. Klein..."

"I'll handle it."

Liam didn't turn around.

"I'll go thank them personally tomorrow."

Vivian nodded.

She walked over and hugged him from behind.

"Liam."

"Yes?"

"Thank you."

Liam turned, looking at her.

"For what?"

"For finding me."

"For telling me the truth."

"For... always being by my side."

Liam leaned down and kissed her forehead.

"Silly."

He said.

"You're mine."

"For this lifetime."

Vivian smiled.

She held him tighter.

Her heart was overflowing with happiness.

After dinner, Vivian sat on the sofa watching TV.

Liam was dealing with emails.

Her phone rang.

It was Sophia.

"Vivian! Are you okay?"

Vivian smiled.

"I'm fine. I'm good."

"Liam found you?"

"Yes."

"That's a relief. You scared me."

Sophia sighed in relief.

"Oh, and the test results..."

"I'm not Albert Sullivan's daughter."

Vivian said.

Sophia cheered.

"Wonderful! I told you there was no way you could be his daughter!"

Vivian laughed and hung up the phone.

Liam walked over and sat beside her.

"Sophia?"

"Yes."

Liam pulled her into his arms.

"Come with me somewhere tomorrow."

"Where?"

"The Sullivan Family Estate."

Vivian was taken aback.

"Why there?"

"Some things need to be settled."

Liam's voice was calm, yet carried a chill.

Vivian looked at him.

"You're going to see Albert Sullivan?"

"Yes."

"I'll go with you."

Liam looked down at her.

"Not afraid?"

Vivian shook her head.

"With you here, I'm not afraid."

Liam smiled.

"Good."

He kissed the top of her head.

"We'll go together."

The night deepened.

Vivian leaned against Liam's chest, gradually falling asleep.

Liam looked at her peaceful sleeping face, his eyes tender.

He gently picked her up and carried her upstairs.

He laid her on the bed and tucked her in.

Then placed a kiss on her forehead.

"Goodnight, my Vivian."

He whispered.

He turned and walked out of the room.

In the study, Liam dialed a number.

"Ryan."

"Sir."

"Tomorrow morning, to the Sullivan Family Estate."

"Yes."

Hanging up the phone, Liam stood by the window, looking out at the night.

His eyes were icy.

Albert Sullivan.

This time, it was time to settle things.