Chapter 397

"You don't actually like my brother, do you? He's always been your subordinate. No boss marries their subordinate."

"Marriage isn't about liking someone. It's about compatibility."

Vivian smiled bitterly. "Take me, for example. You know how deeply I loved a certain man before. And how did that end?"

"It's difficult for me to trust anyone, especially men. Liam has stood by me all these years—supporting me, protecting me, comforting me. He makes me feel safe. I truly believe no one in this world is more suited for me than him."

"The only reason you think he's suitable is because he suppresses his true nature for you... No, that's not quite right."

Sophia frowned, searching for the right words. "It's like he's dulled his edges just to please you. In reality, my brother is arrogant, ambitious, and dangerously capable. Otherwise, he wouldn't be infamous as the 'Demon Prince' of Newport City. He's not the harmless lapdog he pretends to be around you."

"I know."

Vivian's voice was steady. "Your family operates in the shadows. Without skill and ruthlessness, how could he control that world? As Theodore Osborne's favored heir, Liam will inherit the Osborne empire. Of course he's no harmless lapdog."

"If you know that, then don't play with his feelings—"

Sophia rarely spoke so seriously. She gripped Vivian's arm. "My brother's love for you is real. He may act carefree, like nothing affects him... but he's fiercely loyal. When he loves, he loves for life. If you're not certain about him, don't give him hope. I'm terrified he'll spend the rest of his days trying to forget you."

Though Liam and Sophia bickered constantly, as twins, they understood each other better than anyone.

No one knew the depth of Liam's love for Vivian like Sophia did.

And no one could say for sure whether Vivian had truly moved on from Nathaniel.

If Vivian got entangled with Nathaniel again, her brother would be destroyed.

"Don't worry. I understand your concerns. What you fear won't happen."

Vivian's resolve was unshakable. "Liam may not be my soulmate, but he's the man I choose to spend my life with. What we have transcends ordinary romance."

"That's... reassuring. Maybe I'm overreacting."

Sophia nodded, though unease still coiled in her chest.

Despite Vivian's assurances, she couldn't shake the feeling that something would go terribly wrong.

They arrived at Lockhart Manor.

Rumors of hauntings surrounded the estate, and after the devastating fire, the surrounding residents had fled. The once-prestigious neighborhood had become a desolate wasteland of overgrown weeds.

From a distance, the scorched ruins looked bleak and abandoned, still cordoned off with caution tape.

"Look what's become of my family home."

Vivian's expression darkened as she took in the destruction.

This house held generations of Lockhart memories. It meant everything to her.

Seeing it reduced to ruins felt like having her heart ripped out and trampled.

"After the fire, this area became Harborview City's forbidden zone. It's been abandoned for years—rebuilding would be nearly impossible. You'd be better off buying a new property..."

Sophia sighed, regret heavy in her voice.

Once the most elite address in the city, now a ghostly ruin. Life was unpredictable.

"A house is just a structure. A home is irreplaceable. I will rebuild Lockhart Manor, no matter the cost."

Beyond handling Azure Group affairs, restoring her family estate was Vivian's primary reason for returning to Newport City.

They lifted the caution tape, preparing to step inside.

Suddenly, a voice shouted, "Stop! This is private property!"