Vivian was shocked to the bone when she heard Mr. Norton’s suspicions. She wanted to say something but did not know what to respond exactly. It was very hard for her to digest his meaning.
Could it be that Evelyn is still alive? That’s impossible. If so, why did she disappear for so long, allowing everyone to believe that she died in the fire?
But… what if she’s not dead? Will she return to Finnick if she’s still alive? When that happens, what will Finnick do? What should I do? Multiple possibilities ran through Vivian’s head.
“It’s still under investigation. These are just speculations.” Seeing her lost in a daze, Mr. Norton could roughly guess what was on her mind. “Don’t think too much. I’ll make them dig deeper…”
Vivian was so distracted in her own thoughts that she did not hear what Mr. Norton had said. When she regained her senses, she had already left the Norton residence.
On her way home, she felt so disturbed and wanted to call Finnick.
She took out her phone and scrolled to Finnick’s number but hesitated to dial him due to the fact that they just had an argument the day before. She contemplated for a long while before deciding to just switch off her phone.
Moments later, she switched it back on again and made a call. I can’t think of anyone else to discuss this besides him.
“Vivian William? What’s up?” Benedict was surprised to receive her call.
“Where are you now? I’ve got something to tell you.”
“I’m at the company. What is it about? Very important?” He could sense the seriousness and urgency in her tone.
“I’ll tell you when I see you. I’ll go look for you now.”
“Do you know the place or should I go pick you up?”
“It’s ok, I know the location. You can wait for me at the café downstairs. See you in a bit.”
As soon as she hung up, she set off to Benedict’s company. When she arrived, she found him waiting for her at the café.
He smiled as she took her seat. “I don’t know what’s your regular coffee choice, so I ordered Blue Mountain. Is that ok?”
“It’s fine, thanks.” She returned him with a smile.
She felt better after taking a sip. The bitter aftertaste calmed her uneasy heart and helped her hold herself together.
“What’s the matter?” Benedict knew that Vivian would not call him up for nothing.
After a short moment of silence, she told him everything that she had heard from Mr. Norton.
Benedict was rendered speechless to learn the unbelievable news.
“Could it be that your sister escaped the fire and managed to save herself?” Vivian struggled to ask that question.
“If she’s still alive, why didn’t she look for me all these years? After all, I’m her one and only family member in this world.” Benedict was dumbfounded. Why didn’t she return to me?
Vivian could not figure that out either. Both of them sunk into deep thought and did not utter another word.
After what felt like forever, Vivian broke the silence with a mumble, “Evelyn’s death anniversary is just around the corner…”
She lifted her head to look at him, only to find him engulfed in great sorrow. She felt like he could really use a hug.
No words were exchanged. Then, Vivian left.
Returning to an empty villa made her feel miserable.
She sat on the sofa for a while and then went upstairs to look for a small suitcase to pack some clothes. She had decided to move to her mother’s small apartment.
Upon arriving, she pressed the bell. Mrs. Filder, who had been taking care of her mother, answered the door.
“Vivian, why are you here?” Mrs. Filder was astounded to see her suitcase. “This is…”
