When Vivian recalled why Finnick suddenly stood up that night, she blushed. Yet, she said with a smile, “A couple should trust each other.”
Xavier’s eyes sparkled as he looked at Vivian. He asked, “Vivian, did Finnick ever tell you why he pretends to be crippled?”
Taken aback, Vivian shook her head.
Finnick had said that it was better if she remained oblivious to certain things. Hence, she never pestered him for the answer.
“Ten years ago, a car accident happened to Finnick.” On the other hand, Xavier did not seem to have any reservations and told her outright. “Everyone thought that Finnick became crippled due to that accident. In reality, he only got injured and was fully healed after going to A Nation.”
Vivian searched her memories. She seemed to have read about his car accident in the news.
Back then, at barely 20 years old, Finnick had just started college. However, someone kidnapped him and demanded an exorbitant ransom. This created a huge commotion then as the news dominated the headlines for a long time.
According to the news, after the kidnappers received the ransom, they wanted to leave with the second son of the Norton family as their hostage. Unexpectedly, they got into a car accident mid-way. The kidnappers died on the spot, while the son of the Norton family got severely injured.
However, as most of the details were strictly withheld from the public, no one knew that his legs were injured. They only knew that he flew to A Nation for his medical treatment and he became really weak after the incident.
“I’ve heard about it vaguely,” muttered Vivian. “So, after being healed at A Nation, he still pretends to be crippled?”
“Yes.” Xavier tilted his head to the side. “But can you guess why?”
Vivian was amused.
Xavier is completely different from Finnick. With a personality like that, he’s probably very popular with the ladies, right?
“I have to guess?” Vivian pretended to contemplate it. “Does he want the Norton family to drop their guard against him?”
Actually, Vivian had wondered why Finnick pretended to be crippled. Hence, she had her own guesses already.
After all, she worked in the journalism industry. Although she was not so knowledgeable about these elite families, she was not completely clueless either. She could guess that the Norton family had a role to play in why Finnick went to such lengths to fake his condition.
She had not seen Mark, Finnick’s older brother and Fabian’s father, before. However, the rumors said that Mark was an extremely ambitious and ruthless man. Now that the elder Mr. Norton was getting old, Mark was the one running the family business.
On the other hand, Finnick went down a completely different route that had nothing to do with the Norton family. He started a business on his own probably to avoid a conflict with his older brother.
Hence, Vivian wondered if Finnick pretended to be crippled because he was wary about Mark.
This was just Vivian’s wild guess. However, after listening to her explanation, a hint of admiration crept into Xavier’s eyes as he gazed at her. “Not bad, Vivian. You’re quite smart.”
Vivian chuckled embarrassedly. “I watch too many soap operas.”
Xavier stifled a laugh. “Actually, the Norton family’s business is very huge. So the family drama is probably as complex as those soap operas. Anyway, although Finnick is a successful man now, he has led a tough life.”
Vivian was momentarily stunned before she returned to her senses and nodded.
For ten years, he had to sit in a wheelchair despite being perfectly fine. He even had to guard against his own family. It must have been a tough feat.
“So,” continued Xavier. This time, his smile had faded and a serious expression took its place. “Vivian, you must make him happy.”
Shocked, Vivian did not expect Xavier to suddenly say this.
Make him happy?
But what happiness can I give him?
Before Vivian could reply, she suddenly heard the sound of steady footsteps approaching them. A cold voice rang out, “What are both of you talking about?”
