Chapter 217
Sunlight filtered through the blinds, casting patterns across the desk.
Vivian Bennett stared at her computer screen, but her thoughts were elsewhere.
The weight of her cousin's husband's infidelity pressed heavily on her heart.
She remembered her cousin's swollen, red eyes and felt a sharp pang of sorrow.
The marriage was crumbling, yet her cousin remained unaware of the truth.
She needed to uncover the other woman's identity.
She still had some old contacts at the branch office.
Perhaps they could provide some information.
Her phone vibrated abruptly.
A message from Liam Sullivan flashed on the screen.
"Business trip tomorrow. Overseas."
Vivian glanced at it but didn't reply.
Why would he need to inform her about his travel plans?
They were nothing to each other.
Her cousin's situation was her priority now.
She had no mental space for this.
The workday was nearly over.
Colleagues in the PR department were discussing dinner plans.
Emily Davis enthusiastically invited Vivian to join.
Vivian initially wanted to decline.
But she remembered she hadn't truly integrated into the team yet.
She finally agreed.
"Vivian, hurry up!" Emily called from the doorway.
Vivian quickly slipped on her trench coat.
Her coworkers left amidst laughter and chatter.
She checked her phone.
Liam's message still glowed on the screen.
Zachary Hudson's missed calls stood out starkly.
She wanted no entanglement with either man.
They were from completely different worlds.
The elevator descended slowly.
Vivian reached the main lobby.
She found her colleagues clustered near the entrance.
They were craning their necks to see outside.
"What's happening?" she asked curiously as she approached.
The familiar sports car was parked just beyond the doors.
Vivian's heart tightened.
It was Zachary.
She immediately lowered her head.
"You all go ahead. I have something to take care of."
She turned to slip away.
The car door suddenly swung open.
Zachary strode toward her with long steps.
"He's coming over!" Emily whispered excitedly.
Vivian quickened her pace.
A hand suddenly closed around her wrist.
"What are you hiding from?" Zachary's voice held amusement.
His touch made her entire body stiffen.
The surprised stares of her colleagues felt like needles piercing her back.
Vivian pressed her lips together tightly.
This man was always so selfish.