The Years Between Signing and Seeing novel Chapter 636

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Reluctantly, Vivian reached out and picked up the doll. She gave it a quick sniff and examined the stitching.

"This red stuff is just acrylic paint," she said dismissively. "And the plush material isn't from a department store. The quality is terrible—even cheaper than the ones you used to win for me at the arcade."

She tossed the doll back into the box.

Hayden let out a visible breath of relief. His voice was warm and gentle again. "Alright. I'll ask around somewhere else. Don't be too sad, Vivian. I have some urgent business to handle, but if you need anything, just call the housekeeper. I'll be back to have dinner with you tonight."

"I'll be packed and gone soon," Vivian's tear-choked voice called out the second he turned his back.

Hayden stopped in his tracks. He turned around, his expression earnest. "Vivian, I know this is an incredible shock. But try to look at it from a different perspective. We're alive in this world—what could possibly bring more joy than reuniting with your own flesh and blood?"

"Joy?" Vivian let out a bitter, mocking laugh. "If it were you, would you be joyful?"

Hayden nodded without hesitation. "Yes. I would be incredibly happy. Blood is thicker than water. To find the truth and return to my real family? I'd be nothing but grateful."

Vivian's face hardened, her eyes flashing with pure resentment. "It's real easy for you to stand there preaching about joy when it's not happening to you! That woman—Suzie—is joyful because she's about to marry into unimaginable wealth! And what about me? I'm getting shipped off to the Lockwoods! What do they have? Do you have any idea how much of their estate was completely squandered by the other switched daughter?"

Hayden stared at her, horrified by the sheer toxicity radiating from her. He tried to reason with her. "Vivian, you can't measure family with money and status. True family is bound by blood. And even still, I will always view you as my little sister. We grew up together. My parents raised you. We aren't just going to cut ties with you because of this."