Chapter 29: Passing By

The day of the charity event arrived swiftly. Claiming to feel unwell, Vivian retired to bed early in the afternoon.

However, behind the scenes, she exchanged her usual attire for a servant's uniform and quietly snuck out of the mansion.

She left Lakeside Mansion and hopped into a car that was already waiting for her, heading straight for her apartment in downtown Amorita.

This was a refuge she had set up years ago, knowing that one day she would come to Amorita to avenge her mother.

Harmony Heights, the most upscale neighborhood in all of Amorita, was a super-luxurious area where every inch of land was worth its weight in gold.

Even the elevator required a fingerprint to operate, making it impossible for an average person to infiltrate.

So, when Vivian, wearing a black mask and dressed in a mansion servant's uniform, showed up in the lobby, she immediately caught the attention of the security personnel at the reception.

However, as soon as they saw her successfully operate the elevator, they silently retreated.

Vivian knew she was being watched, but she had no choice but to come here in this attire.

She quickly entered the elevator. Perhaps because she was moving too fast, she didn't notice the man exiting the adjoining elevator.

Just as the elevator doors were closing, the man suddenly looked towards her, frowning. Austin, noticing Ethan's hesitation, asked, "Is something wrong, sir? Did you leave something in the room?"

"No," Ethan responded, his brow slightly furrowed. He just thought the woman who had just entered the elevator was dressed like a servant from Lakeside Mansion.

But maybe he was mistaken. "Let's go. By the way, has there been any news of Sophia?"

Austin shook his head, "According to last year's investigation, she was supposedly in Yondora, but when we sent someone to find her a few days ago, she had already moved. However, I have ordered a continued investigation. I believe we will have results soon."

Ethan nodded, "Continue the search."

"Then..." Austin Mitchell frowned, "Are you sure you don't need any company tonight?”

"No need," Ethan cut off Austin Mitchell, "Can't I attend this banquet without a woman?"

"Not at all, sir," Austin quickly clarified, "I only brought it up because Kaysen called earlier, asking about your date for the evening. It seemed he was hoping you might bring Mrs. Benton."

Ethan glanced at his watch, "It's already late. Even if I change my mind now, it's too late."

As he said this, he pulled out his phone and dialed Vivian's number almost instantly. But after two rings, he abruptly ended the call and even switched off his phone.

He couldn't understand why he dialed her number. What was the point?

He had already made his thoughts clear during their car ride.

He pinched the bridge of his nose, then suddenly asked Austin, "What have you found out about Sophia? Tell me everything."

Inside the elevator, Vivian stared at her phone, which had been abruptly hung up after only two rings. She immediately called back, only to find that Ethan had turned his phone off!

Did he call just to make fun of her? The absurdity of the situation infuriated her.

Was he trying to tell her that he was attending the charity event and rekindling things with his first love?

Vivian's mood took a turn for the worse. Once inside her apartment, she stripped off her clothes and shoes. After taking a shower, she began applying makeup.

She had casually studied with an international top-tier makeup artist for two years. Although she hadn't fully mastered his techniques, she had become highly skilled at transforming her appearance.

In a span of two hours, Vivian had completely transformed herself. With the final touch of a wig, she was no longer the Vivian anyone knew but another stunning woman.

Unless scrutinized closely, no one would notice the thin layer of latex, as delicate as cicada wings, that reshaped her facial features.

At half-past seven, Vivian appeared at the venue right on time.

She deliberately concealed her features while putting on makeup, so she didn't stand out as much tonight.

However, the rose she carried in her hand was quite eye-catching. It was a little trick thought up by Nathaniel.

As this was their first face-to-face meeting after years of working together, Nathaniel feared he might not recognize his "Dear Crocodile". So, he suggested they each carry a red rose as a rendezvous signal.

Despite finding the idea somewhat childish, Vivian acquiesced to Nathaniel's insistence.

After all, she had seen Nathaniel's photo.

So, when she noticed a blue-eyed mixed-race man with a red rose in his breast pocket heading her way, she didn't hesitate. Discarding her rose, she stepped forward to greet him.

"Wow, you must be Crocodile, radiating confidence all over. Nice to meet you, my dear lady," Nathaniel was as tall and handsome as his photos suggested, and his smile was friendly.

After some light banter, Vivian, arm in arm with Nathaniel, walked into the venue.

After the red carpet, an usher asked Nathaniel for his signature.

As his companion, Vivian didn't need to sign in, but she had to wait as Nathaniel conversed.

That's when Ethan made his appearance.

Seeing him walking towards them, Vivian couldn't help but take a second look.

To her surprise, his companion for the night was his assistant, Austin, and not any female companion...