Chapter 40

Vivienne had just arrived at the Sinclair family's grand mansion. Nestled in the bustling heart of Lyhaton, the mansion was surrounded by high-value properties, including a luxurious hotel to its left and the elite Timme district with its pristine gardens to its right. Even these impressive neighbors seemed modest beside the Sinclair estate, which covered an expansive thirty thousand square feet. This magnificent home stood out, showcasing the Sinclair family's unrivaled status in the city.

As Sinclair drove through the slowly opening gates, he pulled the car to a stop within the estate. Taking a deep breath, Vivienne gracefully stepped out. At that moment, Weston Clarke, the butler, was overseeing the gardener's work on the lawn. He halted, struck by the sight of her. "Is that you, Miss Vivienne Hayes?" Doubt flickered in his eyes.

Sinclair stepped out and teased, "Weston, don't you think Vivienne looks even more stunning than she did three years ago?" Weston's doubts vanished. His usual serious expression gave way to a wide smile as he quickly approached. "Miss Hayes, it really is you! Welcome home!"

With a gentle smile, Vivienne replied, "Yes, it's been quite some time. I'm home now." Weston's face lit up with joy, his eyes glistening with tears. "We've missed you. It's wonderful to have you back."

Throughout these years, despite her adventurous pursuit of what she once thought was true love—a journey that strained her relationship with Benjamin to the breaking point—Benjamin had held onto her memory, often sighing as he gazed at her photograph. Everyone had been waiting for Vivienne's return, and finally, she was here.

Leading her through the door, Weston boomed, "Sir, Miss Hayes has returned!" Before his words faded, an irritated voice rang out from the living room: "So what if she's back? It would have been better if she stayed away. She left without looking back. I might as well pretend I don't know such an ungrateful child!"

Weston leaned in and gently said to Vivienne, "Your grandfather is strict, but he's soft-hearted. Don't take his words to heart. He's kept your room exactly as it was and visits it every night."

With a knowing smile, Vivienne responded, "I get it." In the room sat the man who cherished her above all, who couldn't bear to see her in distress, always wishing to give her the best things in the world.

At her side, Sinclair gently pulled on Vivienne's wrist, hinting that she should hold back. Turning to him, Vivienne's face wore a puzzled expression until Sinclair subtly lifted an eyebrow, silently advising her to gauge the situation. Then, raising his voice, he called out, "Vivienne, your grandfather is still seething. Maybe it's best we return another day, so we don't catch an earful."

No sooner had he finished than the sound of a cane thumping the floor resounded. It was Benjamin himself, coming out in person. Benjamin, the head of the Sinclair family, was a lively man in his seventies with snowy white hair and a face etched with deep lines, yet his eyes still sparkled with the energy of his youth. With deliberate severity, Benjamin grunted dismissively, "No one is leaving today!"