Chapter 822

I truly respected her from the bottom of my heart–she was open-minded and always looked at the big picture.

Time had barely touched Vivian’s beauty. Dressed in a deep black silk cheongsam, she radiated poise and gentleness.

When she saw me, her face lit up with a smile. “Victoria, I didn’t expect we’d meet again so soon.”

“Vivian!” I went up to greet her politely.

“Wow, you really have some fate with the Jennings family–one just left, and here comes another,” Vivian said, and I couldn’t tell if she was teasing me or hinting at something deeper. My face went totally red.

“Vivian, is that your way of suggesting I should let Ryan go?” I tried to figure out her real meaning.

Vivian just smiled softly, lifting her coffee cup for a sip, then asked, “And would you? Would you really leave him?”

I froze, caught off guard, and fell silent.

“Is it Ryan you can’t walk away from, or is it the Jennings family’s power and status?” Vivian didn’t beat around the bush–she asked right to the point.

I couldn’t lie to her. I lowered my gaze and answered, “Vivian, would you look down on me for that?”

Vivian gently shook her head. “Not at all. I’ve lived peacefully in the Jennings family my whole life–and honestly, it’s a kind of life most people envy. There’s always give and take, though. What really matters is knowing what you want.”

“Thank you for reminding me, Vivian. Now I understand what I truly want,” I said sincerely.

“With what happened to Jane, I doubt Edward will have the energy to come back and break you two up. About you and Ryan, his grandfather actually started to soften about the idea two years ago. But honestly, back then, Ryan wasn’t mature enough–he hadn’t weathered any storms yet.” Vivian paused and let out a chilly laugh. “The Jennings family has been through some truly rough times these past couple years, but now, it finally feels like the clouds are clearing. Vic, sometimes I really wonder–are you truly meant to become part of the Jennings family?” She frowned, giving me a thoughtful look.

I felt a jolt in my heart. “Vivian, if you’re against it, I won’t push for any official status or title. And if the time ever comes for me to leave, it’ll be because I chose it myself.”

“That’s not it,” Vivian replied gently. “Men are experts at hiding what they really think. Edward… well, never mind. The Jennings have to stick together and be united–no one gets to stand on the sidelines. As for you… disaster and blessing always come as a pair. You just have to go with the flow and let things happen as they will.”

I couldn’t quite put my finger on Vivian’s meaning, but I was sure she was hinting at something more.

When Ryan found out I’d met Vivian, he came back later that afternoon. As soon as he came in, his eyes were sharp as he asked, “What did Vivian want from you?”

“Nothing much, just casual conversation,” I replied, trying to sound nonchalant.

“You guys talked about Uncle Ed, didn’t you?” Ryan’s tone was a bit guarded.

I froze, then stood up and walked over to him. “No, really, we just talked about everyday stuff. What’s wrong?”

Ryan reached out and hugged me tight, his voice low and right in my ear, “Don’t lie to me, Vic. You’re all I've got.”

My heart thudded hard in my chest, feeling the way his body trembled against mine.

It hit me–no matter how much Ryan had grown, he still struggled with insecurity.

“Ryan, don’t you trust me?” I sighed softly.

“It’s not that I don’t trust you,” Ryan muttered, sounding hurt and a little forlorn. “It’s just…. every time I think about Uncle Edward, I feel like I’ll never measure up.”

“Ryan, if you keep bringing up Edward, it’s going to cause problems between us sooner or later,” I warned him, knowing all too well what was eating at him.

“Then give me the security I need, and I won’t bring him up again,” Ryan said, standing up straight, his eyes lowered as he looked at me.

I let out a little laugh. “Security’s just a feeling, isn’t it? For me, I just keep my word, but honestly, I don’t really know how to hand you that kind of reassurance.”

Ryan paused, looking a bit helpless, and finally said, “Just let me know before you see Vivian next time, alright?”

“Sure!” I replied without hesitation.

Only then did Ryan seem to relax a little. Just then, the doorbell rang.

Ryan’s dark eyes lingered on me, protective and unwavering, as I went over to get the door. Jared stood outside, carrying some stuff in his hands.

Jared caught sight of Ryan, and a flicker of something complicated flashed across his face–hard to read, maybe a little tense.

Ryan moved to my side, dropping his voice low. “Vic, want me to give you some space?”