Chapter 381

"Vivian, it's really you! After all these years, I finally found you."

The man standing before her was none other than Walter Reynolds—her despicable uncle.

"You?"

Vivian scoffed. "Get lost. Every time I visit my parents, you're lurking around like a parasite."

"You're right, I am a parasite." Walter wiped his eyes dramatically. "But thank God I kept coming back. Otherwise, I'd never have seen you again."

His voice cracked. "You don't know how much I've suffered all these years. I missed you terribly!"

"Missed me?" Vivian's lips curled in disdain. "You mean you missed my money."

Walter rubbed his stubbled chin, shifting uncomfortably.

"What now? Already blew through the 7 million Ethan gave you four years ago?"

"Ah, that?" He waved a hand dismissively. "Gone in two years. Thought I'd multiply it in the stock market. Turns out, luck wasn't on my side."

"Not my problem."

A cold smirk played on Vivian's lips. "Surely you're not delusional enough to think I'd help you?"

She wasn't that forgiving.

The memories of what Walter did to the Lockhart family still burned fresh. Letting him walk free was mercy enough.

"No, no! I've changed." Walter clasped his hands earnestly. "I'm living honestly now. I come every year because family matters to me. Can't we move past this?"

His words carried surprising sincerity.

Four years could change a man.

This wasn't the same greedy leech she remembered.

Vivian arched a brow. "Oh? What's this honest living of yours?"

"All thanks to your husband!" Walter's face lit up with admiration. "When I lost everything, I swallowed my pride and went to Mr. Blackwood. Not only did he give me another chance, he got me a job. I manage a workshop at one of Blackwood Group's factories now—decent salary, steady work."

"Ethan did that?"

Vivian was stunned.

"He's a saint, that man!" Walter gestured to the row of fresh flowers by the graves. "See these? Every death anniversary, rain or shine, he's the first one here. Always brings the grandest arrangements."

"So... it was him."

Vivian's chest tightened as she studied the blooms.

Even after everything, she hadn't expected this side of Ethan. The man who left amber pendants and remembered dates.

"Vivian, let me treat you both to dinner! To celebrate your return and thank Mr. Blackwood properly!"

Before she could refuse, Walter whipped out his phone and dialed Ethan.