bChapter 251 /b

    Vivian was a kind–hearted person, though of course, she’d never admit it herself.

    Vivian said, “I’m a cool woman. The only reason I helped you back then was because you looked like a good kid, and honestly, you just caught my eye

    Whenever Vivian said this, Maxine would give a dry chuckle and nod dismissively.

    She knew that Vivian had truly developed a soft spot for her back then. While Maxine was in the hospital, Vivian would frequently pop into her room, often taking Jessica out for fun, and never returning without an armful of gifts for Maxine.

    Vivian cared more about Maxine than her own daughter. While Lisa was back on her feet just three days after her surgery, Vivian still fussed over Maxine’s slow recovery, showing real sympathy, and even insisted on setting her up with a new boyfriend.

    At that time, Maxine was determined to start her ownpany and establish a foothold in this city, so she politely declined Vivian’s well–meaning boffer/b.

    That was when Maxine learned that Vivian was actually the legal counsel for Joy Engineering, a renowned techpany with a global presence. Her annual ie must be over 20 million dors.

    It was the kind of money that could let her live in luxury for two lifetimes without ever lifting a finger.

    After they grew closer, Vivian happened to overhear Maxine’s phone conversation with Cleo. Under Vivian’s persistent questioning, Maxine finally revealed the truth behind her car ident.

    Vivian instantly exploded in angry curses, then absolutely insisted that Lisa set Maxine up with a tall, handsome guy.

    Maxine didn’t know whether tough or cry. Only after she repeatedly insisted that she didn’t want to date anyone did Vivian finally give up.

    From that point on, they became even more caring toward Maxine, treating her almost like family.

    Vivian was also divorced, but her marriage had been purely a business arrangement. Even after the divorce, she and her ex–husband remained in frequent contact and were more like friends than ex–spouses. Lisa was perfectly fine with this dynamic and would sometimes go hiking with her dad.

    Maxine started a new business overseas and opened her currentpany, with Vivian also investing some money. Fortunately, the business did reasonably well afterunching, which let Maxine finally breathe a sigh of relief. She thought to herself, ‘I already owe Vivian so much.”

    Rather than just friends, Maxine and Vivian were more like mother and daughter, even though Vivian, already in her fifties, could easily pass for someone much younger.

    Maxine snapped out of her reverie. Rising to pour herself a ss of water, she noticed her phone lighting up with a new message from Jessica. [Maxine, Vivian says she’s going back to Hathnd. May I go with her?]

    After waiting a while without a reply from Maxine, Jessica sent another message. [Maxine, I promise I’ll keep up with terribly. When shees back, I’lle back with her, I promise.]

    schoolwork, but I miss you

    Maxine sighed and replied: [It’s really dangerous in Hathnd right now. Do you remember Gabriel? His family is trying to bail him out and get him to recant his testimony. I’m afraid they might do something desperate to hurt you.]

    Maxine had barely sent the message when Jessica’s video call popped up.

    Maxine answered the video call. On the other end, Jessica gazed at her with pleading eyes. “Maxine, please let mee back,” she begged.

    Maxine sighed helplessly. “It’s not that I’m stopping you from going back. It’s just that Hathnd really isn’t safe right now. Just a few days agob, /bbBrian /bwas even kidnapped.”

    “What?” Jessica gasped. “Maxine, are you okay? You weren’t hurt, were you?”

    Maxine froze. “How did Jessica figure that out?i‘ /ishe wondered.