Chapter 456

The moment Vivian Lockhart and Liam Osborne stepped into Blackwood Group's headquarters, the tense atmosphere among employees erupted into chaos.

Everyone knew.

The veteran staff who'd worked there over four years remembered the heartbreaking love story between Vivian and their CEO. They'd all rooted for the couple they affectionately dubbed "Lockhart's Heart."

"She's here. After four years of waiting—Mrs. Blackwood is finally back. I knew they were endgame!"

"Damn. She’s even more stunning now. That figure, that presence… Honestly, Mr. Blackwood doesn’t deserve her."

"With Mr. Blackwood missing and the company in shambles, is Mrs. Blackwood here to take control?"

Whispers spread like wildfire. Some marveled at her commanding aura. Others speculated about her sudden appearance.

Vivian didn’t slow her stride. Her expression remained unreadable, cool and detached as she approached the front desk.

"Olivia," she said, voice steady. "Tell Ethan I need to see him."

The authority in her tone was undeniable. Gone was the soft-spoken woman from before—this was someone who demanded obedience.

Olivia Carter, the receptionist, tensed. She swallowed hard. "Mrs. Blackwood… welcome back. But Mr. Blackwood hasn’t been here for days. We can’t reach him. No one knows where he is."

Vivian’s eyes sharpened. "Missing?"

"Yes. We thought—maybe you had news?"

Olivia relaxed slightly. Vivian had always been kind to the staff, bringing treats and gifts. They’d loved her.

After a beat, Vivian nodded. If Ethan was injured worse than her, it made sense he wouldn’t be here.

"Then tell me," she pressed. "Have you seen a boy here recently?"

"A boy?"

Olivia brightened. "Oh! Yes—adorable, around four or five, wearing a checkered blazer? So handsome, I took a photo!"

"Show me. Now."

Olivia pulled up the picture—Adrian Lockhart, being led inside by a security guard.

"He said it was his nephew. The kid stayed in the lounge until his shift ended. I didn’t see when they left."

"Adrian."

Vivian’s breath caught. Her fingers tightened around the phone. Even if he could handle himself, this was Blackwood Group. If the wrong people realized who he was…

"Don’t worry." Liam rested a hand on her shoulder, then turned to Olivia. "Get that guard here. Now."