Chapter 582

The midday sun streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows into the living room.

Vivian Bennett swiped open her phone screen.

A message from Liam Sullivan was brief and firm: Arriving two hours before the gala. Don't worry.

She stared at the line of text for a long time.

Her fingertips unconsciously traced the cool surface of the device.

Busy times always slipped away quickly.

In the blink of an eye, it was already afternoon.

Figures moved through the hotel banquet hall.

Crystal chandeliers refracted dazzling light.

Oliver Winston and Ethan Roscente arrived early.

They moved among the guests in their tailored suits, exchanging pleasantries.

Sophia Miller stayed by Vivian's side every step of the way.

From the villa to the dressing room, she handled everything personally.

The makeup team arrived with their full kit while it was still light outside.

Sophia stood with her arms crossed behind the makeup artist, her brow slightly furrowed.

"Her complexion looks too pale. Add more blush."

She turned to look at Vivian in the mirror, her tone decisive.

"You must be the most dazzling one today."

But Vivian seemed distracted.

Her gaze kept drifting toward her silent phone.

Sophia chuckled.

"So anxious? Afraid Mr. Sullivan might change his mind at the last minute?"

Vivian's fingers trembled, nearly dropping the phone.

She pressed her lips together and put the phone away, her eyelashes lowered.

"He said... he'd arrive two hours before."

"The ceremony is still three hours away," Sophia said dismissively, waving a hand.

"His plane might have just taken off. He'll probably walk in right as you finish getting ready. Perfect timing."

Vivian didn't speak again.

Everyone around her was immersed in the joy of the occasion.

Only she, the main character, felt an emptiness in her heart.

It was as if a piece was missing.

The makeup session took a full two hours.

The work of a top-tier team was indeed exceptional.

The makeup was exquisitely applied, perfectly complementing the pure white gown and upswept hairstyle.

When Vivian pushed open the door and stepped out, Sophia's eyes lit up.

The woman before her was like a pearl suddenly wiped clean of dust.

She radiated a soft yet captivating glow.

Every step carried an undeniable presence.

"Tomorrow's newspaper headlines will definitely be about you," Sophia said excitedly, linking arms with her.

Only one hour remained until the ceremony was scheduled to begin.

Liam Sullivan still had not appeared.

Vivian stood by the window.

Her fingernails dug into her palms.

It was then that Oliver Winston's call came through.

His voice carried a rare urgency.

"Liam's plane ran into a thunderstorm. It was delayed for over an hour... I'm afraid he won't make it back in time to pick you up."

He paused, then added.

"He wants you to go directly to the hotel. He'll meet you there from the airport."

Vivian silently ended the call.

Sophia looked at her with concern.

"Vivian?"

"Let's go," Vivian said, lifting the hem of her gown. Her voice was calm.

"To the hotel."

As the Rolls-Royce pulled out of the villa, the sky suddenly darkened.

Large raindrops began to patter noisily against the car windows.

In an instant, it became a torrential downpour.

Lightning tore through the dark clouds.

Thunder rumbled in the distance.

The whole world seemed submerged in a gray, watery curtain.

Vivian gazed at the blurred street scenes outside the window, her eyes somewhat dazed.

"Encountering wind and rain when setting out is a good omen," Sophia said, trying to keep her tone light.

Vivian smiled faintly.

"I'm not afraid of wind and rain."

She paused, her voice soft but firm.

"As long as two hearts are together, they can overcome anything."

The recent cold war and suspicions now seemed somewhat laughable.

She should have trusted him more.

The heavy rain made the journey feel exceptionally long.

Half an hour later, the car finally came to a slow stop at the hotel entrance.

Vivian stepped onto the damp red carpet and entered the banquet hall.

Only half an hour remained until the scheduled start.

The atmosphere in the lounge was tense.

Oliver Winston and Ethan Roscente were pacing anxiously.

When Vivian entered, they both stopped in their tracks.

Liam Sullivan was not there.

Vivian's heart sank heavily.

Oliver quickly approached her, his face apologetic.

"Liam's plane has already landed. There might be traffic on the way... With this heavy rain, it's unavoidable."

He tried to sound reassuring.

"Let's wait a little longer. He's been looking forward to this engagement for so long. He would never allow himself to be absent."

Vivian's throat felt dry.

"His phone?"

"Unreachable," Ethan interjected, his brow furrowed.

"The signal is poor in this thunderstorm. Or maybe the battery died. But we contacted Ryan Johnson. He said Liam headed straight here as soon as he got off the plane."

Thunder roared outside the window.

Vivian clenched the fabric of her gown.

The pure white silk crumpled in her palm.