Chapter 551

After lunch, Liam Sullivan returned to the office first.

He had a video conference scheduled for the afternoon.

Sophia Miller called Vivian Bennett, inviting her to go shopping at the mall.

She wanted to buy a few autumn outfits and asked Vivian for her opinion.

After parking the car, they had just walked to the mall entrance.

Vivian looked up and saw Julian Klein.

He was pushing a wheelchair, and seated in it was a middle-aged man wearing a black top hat.

The man sat ramrod straight, exuding a composed demeanor.

Vivian's steps faltered.

Although Julian grew up abroad, he was exceptionally attentive to etiquette and particularly filial towards his elders.

Julian saw her too.

He paused briefly, then a smile touched his lips. "Miss Bennett, what a coincidence."

Vivian couldn't help but smile.

Every time they met, his opening line was almost always this one.

"Yes, I didn't expect to run into you here either, Mr. Klein," she replied softly.

Julian was about to speak when the man in the wheelchair spoke first.

His voice was somewhat low, carrying a hint of uncertainty. "Young lady, how old are you this year?"

The question was sudden, even somewhat presumptuous.

But Vivian still lowered her head to look at the elderly man in the wheelchair.

"Sir, I'm twenty-three," she said gently.

Matthew Klein stared at her face, his gaze lingering.

That delicate, fair face with its gently curved brows and eyes sent a sudden jolt through his heart.

Similar.

Too similar.

How could two people in this world look so much alike?

But her age...

The light in Matthew's eyes dimmed, a wave of disappointment washing over him.

Julian quickly spoke up, his tone apologetic. "Miss Bennett, please don't mind him. My father is getting on in years and sometimes asks abrupt questions."

"It's alright," Vivian shook her head, then looked back at Matthew. "Sir, we'll be going now. Goodbye."

After speaking, she took Sophia's hand and turned to walk into the mall.

Sophia glanced back, her brow slightly furrowed.

"Vivian, who was that man just now?" she asked in a hushed voice. "You two seemed familiar?"

Vivian smiled. "Just an ordinary friend. We've met a few times before and always greet each other when we run into each other."

Sophia raised an eyebrow but didn't inquire further.

The two walked side by side into the mall, their figures gradually disappearing behind the glass doors.

...

Outside the mall, Julian pushed the wheelchair, walking slowly along the sidewalk.

He looked down at his father, his voice very soft. "Dad, do you think... they look remarkably alike?"

Matthew was silent for a long time.

The afternoon sun fell on his shoulders but couldn't penetrate the depth in his eyes.

"Not remarkably alike," he finally spoke, his voice drifting as if from a great distance. "It's almost identical."

"But her age tells me she and we... couldn't possibly have any connection."

Julian pressed his lips together, saying nothing.

Regardless of any blood relation, the sense of familiarity Vivian gave him was real.

Where exactly was the problem?

He had checked her birth records and sent people to verify the information at the hospital. Everything matched up.

Yet that inexplicable sense of familiarity was like a thorn, stuck in his heart.

On the third floor of the mall, in the women's clothing section.

Vivian sat on a sofa in the lounge area, watching Sophia try on outfit after outfit.

Sophia walked out of the fitting room, turning in front of the mirror.

She changed into a trench coat, tied the belt, and glanced back at Vivian with a wink.

Vivian couldn't help but laugh.

"Sophia, are you planning to host your own fashion show?"