Chapter 267

When Sebastian arrived, even Samuel, always known for his strict standards, showed rare approval. He looked somewhat regretfully at Vivienne. "I was too stubborn and old-fashioned back then… I owe you an apology, Vivienne." When the family was in crisis, all the once-close family allies and the potential sons-in-law Samuel had once been so proud of had kept their distance, afraid of being dragged down with them. Social status and compatibility certainly mattered, but in the end, a man's integrity and sense of responsibility mattered more. Vivienne's lips parted slightly, as if she wanted to say something, but she ultimately stayed silent. It had been years since she had last seen Samuel, who now looked like he had aged a decade. Since Sebastian had helped the Lockharts survive the storm, there were some truths better left unspoken for her parents' sake. After dinner, Samuel brought up the reason why Vivienne had taken her mother's last name and why her identity had always been ke