Chapter 274


    Never Late, Never Away Chapter 274


    “Remember those photos from the partyst time? It seems like not only is she indecent, but she also


    can’t act the part of Mrs. Norton properly either. What a disgrace to the family.”


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    “What on earth is Mr. Norton thinking? What exactly did he see in her? And all that talk about the V.M


    Fund… Unbelievable.”


    The ruthlessments flooded Vivian’s ears, leaving her hot with shame.


    Never had Vivian felt so out of ce until this moment. Indeed, the upper-ss social circle never had


    a ce for her. She did not even know what gift would have been appropriate for such an asion.


    Vivian rationalized that she deserved to be shamed.


    Finnick, enraged by the remarks, was all ready to defend Vivian. However, the elder Mr. Norton beat


    him to it.


    Evidently pleased with the gift in hand, he beamed at Vivian and said, “This is the best present I’ve


    received thus far. In fact, it’s very much my favorite. You’re too lovely, Vivian. Please ept my


    sincerest gratitude.”


    The room instantly fell silent. Everyone was dumbfounded at the elder Mr. Norton’s high praise.


    Exchanging incredulous looks, the indignant crowd sneered at the elder Mr. Norton’s explicit bias


    toward Vivian.


    Did the old man seriously praise the gift like it’s some priceless artifact?


    Mark could not help but throw in a jibe. “Finnick, why don’t you consider sponsoring your wife a little?


    Look at this sad massager that probably costs just a few thousand dors – it’s rather unbefitting for a


    Finnick coolly replied, “Well, I prepared this gift with my wife. I’ve always trusted her judgement, and it


    has evidently been the right choice – look at how happy Grandpa is. And also, a good gift isn’t just


    about the value – the sincerity behind it matters too. Not sure if you can understand that though.”


    “Oh, shut up!” Mark was ready to throw hands.


    The elder Mr. Norton was not ready to deal with a fight today. “Ohe on, this reunion is so hard to


    act the same way as you did when you were still kids. It’s embarrassing.”


    The mention of the old days hushed the brothers up immediately.


    The old man was right – the brothers were indeed at odds with each other ever since they were young.


    When one became ranked first in school academically, the other wanted to dethrone him. When one


    got into car racing, the other followed suit.


    Amidst themotion, Ashley fumed silently to the side. The elder Mr. Norton’s liking toward Vivian


    was much to her chagrin. But since she was under the scrutiny of others, she kept herposure.


    Meanwhile, she relished the joy of knowing that the old man really believed that her pregnancy was


    real. Bing a soon-to-be mother really granted her more tender loving care from the elder Mr.


    Norton.


    Amongst artfulugher and chatting, the seconds ticked away swiftly. In a blink of an eye, it was


    already past eight.


    The elder Mr. Norton addressed the crowd. “It’s gettingte, so I suppose it’s time for everyone to


    return to your own rooms. It was nice seeing all of you today. I’m getting old and tend to feel lonely


    asionally, so I do love to havepany around at times. Thank you for being here today.”


    With that, everyone bade farewell and returned to their individual rooms.


    Vivian was about to slip away when the old man called her back.


    “Vivian, stay and talk to me,” he said.


    Hearing the exchange, Finnick wanted to stay behind too. But his request was turned down by the


    elder Mr. Norton with a tease. “Tsk… You don’t feel safe leaving your wife with me?”


    “Grandpa, that’s not what I mean,” Finnick replied.


    “Ah, then perhaps I am obstructing you two from spending some alone time tonight?”


    Vivian flushed at the innuendo. “Grandpa!”


    “Vivian, let’s go to my study and ignore him.” The elder Mr. Norton then strode ahead and disappeared


    into the room.


    Vivian gave a reassuring look to Finnick and followed the old man.


    Finnick knew that Mr. Norton would not do anything to Vivian, but his unease could not be quelled. Not


    knowing what the conversation would be about unsettled him.


    Mark observed the scene at the side and smirked.


    He could sense that something was off between the two. There seemed to be ack of affection in the


    way they looked at each other. Looks like a talk with Vivian tonight would be good.


    In the study, the elder Mr. Norton increased the temperature of the heater.


    He then gestured for Vivian toe closer so that they could have a proper conversation.


    As the air around them warmed, the old man began the conversation. “Having your past dug out


    against your will, then getting framed by your sister… The past few days have truly been rough for you


    and Finnick.”