Chapter 663 - Come With Me

One week later…

In Matthew's Mansion, Vivian was leaning by the door's jamb as her son tied his knot. It had been a week since Matthew had stepped down from the company.

It took everyone by surprise. Fortunately, Matthew was considerate enough to inform his mother the night before. She called him that night, but after hearing his tone, Vivian was kind enough not to pry.

"Son," Vivian called out. Her arms crossed under her chest. 

But Matthew wasn't saying anything. After his abrupt resignation, this was the only time Vivian was able to see her son as he had been busy with something.

"It's been a week. Don't you think it is time for you to explain things to me? I haven't seen little Z ever since. This had something to do with her, hmm?" Vivian inquired without leaving her gaze on her son's figure.

"I'm preparing for my wedding." Colder than ever before, Matthew positioned his tie before he picked up and buttoned his cufflinks.

"Wedding?" Vivian arched her brow. "You and little Zoey are getting married?"

"I'll propose to her." He answered, keeping it short.

"Where is she?" Vivian asked but Matthew didn't answer anymore. 

After the long silence, Vivian let out a sigh. She already thought that Matthew and Zoey had broken up. However, by the looks of it, it was more than that.

"Son," called Vivian as she let out another sigh. "I respect your privacy and whatever activities you have. But, you have to tell me things, at least."

But to no avail. Matthew didn't speak until he finished his look with a wristwatch. After that, he turned and faced his mother.

"I have nothing to tell you." Matthew coldly responded. "Don't worry, Mom. I'll invite you to our wedding."

"When?" 

Matthew remained silent as hid his urge to ball his hand into a fist. It had been a tortuous week since Zoey went to Nikolai. To make things worse, Nikolai's group found a way to bribe people so they could leave the country.

The news reached Matthew a bit late. Just when he was about to go rescue Zoey hours after the official announcement of his resignation, he had received this piece of information.

"When I get her back." Matthew finally answered.

Vivian furrowed her brows. What did he mean?

"Did little Zoey leave the country? What did you do to her?" 

Matthew remained silent as he trudged towards the door where his mother was leaning on. Steps away from Vivian, Matthew halted as he stared at her straight in the eye.

"I failed her." He said blankly.

Vivian stared at her son. Matthew had always been cold and emotionless even as a child. However, she had seen how he changed when Zoey arrived in his life.

It might not look obvious to others. But as his mother, Vivian could tell that Matthew was the happiest with Zoey. The reason she didn't really try enough to intervene in their relationship.

Her liking for Zoey came second.

"Mom, please." Matthew gestured to her to step aside as she was blocking the way.

Vivian cleared her throat as she made a way. Pleased, Matthew trudged forward and brushed past her.

She sighed as her son truly reminded her of her old self and a bit of his father's mysterious characteristic. Even if Matthew wouldn't tell her, Vivian's instinct told her something was up.

"His blood really runs in his son." Vivian whispered as a bitter smile resurfaced on her lips.

Just then, Butler Yi approached. He glanced at Matthew upon bumping into him in the corridor.

"Madam," Butler Yi bowed politely. "You will be late for the board's meeting."

"Mhmm." Vivian hummed a low tune as her eyes fixed on where her son went off.

"Madam."

"Butler Yi, arrange a meeting with little Z's parents." Vivian ordered as she slowly moved her gaze to Butler Yi.

"Yes, madam." Butler Yi bowed, acknowledging her orders. "But, Miss Zhou's brother is still here."

Butler Yi informed. For some odd reason, there were other occupants in this mansion which he had never seen before. 

After some brief digging, Butler Yi only knew about the identities of the people that lived there. But the reason why they were staying in this mansion remained unknown.

"No need." Vivian shook her head sideways. "I've met him earlier and could tell that he is as clueless as we are."

"I see." Butler Yi nodded. "About Young Master Bai…"

"I'll pay them a visit later. They made a ruckus at the false news they gave out a week ago. But prioritize my arrangements with the Kwan's." 

"Yes, madam."

*****

On the driveway, Matthew stopped upon seeing Zion pacing back and forth in front of his car.

"Mister Xi," Zion called out upon seeing Matthew.

"What do you want?" Matthew coldly inquired. 

For a week, Matthew only returned to this mansion to check on something. He was even surprised that Katherine and Zion were still here. Not that it was a bad thing, Matthew actually preferred that they'd stay here longer so he didn't need to worry about them.

Still, Matthew's coldness couldn't be concealed. Especially towards Zion.

"Where's Zoey? You haven't returned here and even resigned as the CEO of the XI Corporation." He paused. "I tried to leave but your assistant told me to stay here." Zion inquired followed by his reason he had stayed. 

"Something's wrong. Where is she? My sister wouldn't contact me knowing I'm still here."

Zion reasoned out. He had suspicions, but no one was telling him. Thus, now that Matthew was in front of him, he wanted answers.

Matthew stared at him coldly. If not for Zoey, he wouldn't care about Zion who participated in Zoey's death.

Yes. Zion may not be the person behind everything. However, he bore equal responsibility for why Zoey had to experience such misery.

Matthew wondered if Zoey knew everything about it. Could she handle it? That everyone was at fault, including Matthew.

"You want to know?" Matthew asked. Zion was quick to nod, as his eyes flickered with determination.

"Alright. Come with me." 

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Author's Note:

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