Chapter 381
The hallway led into the expansive White family living room.
High ceilings created an airy, open atmosphere.
An upstairs corridor overlooked the main floor.
A crystal chandelier hung from above.
William White and Linda White sat on a leather sofa.
Linda rose immediately when Vivian entered.
She warmly took Vivian's arm.
"You're here."
Vivian gave a faint acknowledgment.
She subtly withdrew her arm.
Discomfort stirred within her.
Since when were they this close?
Unwarranted affection always hid an agenda.
Her gaze shifted to William.
He was already watching her.
His eyes remained sharp, yet held a faint light.
Vivian clenched her fists.
Her palms grew damp with sweat.
The word 'Dad' stuck in her throat.
In the end, she merely gave a slight bow.
"Hello."
The stiff greeting froze the air.
William let out a soft grunt through his nose.
His eyes instantly turned cold.
Linda quickly intervened.
"The kitchen should be almost ready."
"Let me go check."
She guided Vivian to sit opposite William.
"You rarely visit. Talk with your father."
Before leaving, she gave William a meaningful look.
"Have a good conversation. No arguing."
The living room held only father and daughter.
William's expression was unreadable.
Vivian felt intensely uneasy.
The distance between them was suffocating.
So she still cared about this man.
That's why she felt so flustered.
She had warned herself before coming.
No arguments tonight.
Just a peaceful meal.
How many years had it been since they spent the New Year together?
"I bought some early spring tea."
Vivian stood up.
"Let me brew a cup for you."
Her tone was stiff, like reciting lines.
William finally moved.
"Let the servant do it."
He summoned a maid.
He handed over the tea leaves.
Then he settled back into the sofa.
"How long has it been since you spent New Year's here?"
A pang of sadness hit Vivian.
"Several years."
Ever since being cast out of the White family.
She had never stepped foot here again.
William gave a faint smile.
He leaned back thoughtfully.
"Time flies."
"I've grown old."
Vivian didn't know how to respond.
William did look older.
He never fully recovered after his surgery.
Coupled with company pressures.
He appeared weary, his complexion ashen.
Vivian's heart ached.
Their meetings over the years were few.
Each ending badly.
But at least he had seemed vigorous then.
Not like now, weighed down by age.
She preferred him shouting at her with full force.
Rather than seeing him languidly call himself old.
"You haven't changed."
The words felt hollow even to her.
William shook his head with a wry smile.
He patted his knee lightly.
"Don't humor me."
"I know my own body."
He leaned forward.
Closing the distance between them.