Chapter 3

She looked disgusted. "If it weren’t for my public image, I would’ve called off the engagement long ago."

At the time, Linda was just starting her career.

She had landed a decent role, and her future was on the rise.

Afraid of being labeled heartless, she handed the burden over to me instead.

Liam had lived eighteen years without a hitch, then suddenly, everything fell apart.

His temper turned awful.

In the beginning, when I first started taking care of him, he would lash out at me with cold, cutting remarks.

I was paid to do a job, so I never talked back until that one particular day when I went to visit my mother’s grave and returned a little late.

That was all it took for him to unleash his anger again.

"Linda, drop the act! Don’t think I don’t know that you’re just putting up with me because you’re afraid of what people will say. Deep down, you can’t stand—"

The rest of his words never made it out because I suddenly leaned in and kissed him.

It was my first kiss—messy, unpracticed, and fueled by frustration.

It was less like affection, but more like a reckless bite between wild animals.

Liam fell silent.

Even the tips of his ears turned bright red.

"You—!"

With a hint of mischief, I bit his lip again.

Then I pulled back just enough, bracing my hands against his shoulders, breathing hard.

"Did you feel that? Do you still think I can’t stand you?"

…

I took the memory card downstairs to find Wade.

He looked pleased. "Chloe, you’re pretty diligent. Perfect timing—there’s a dinner tonight. I’ll take you along so you can meet more people. Connections are everything in journalism."

I quickly thanked him.

But when we arrived, I spotted a familiar black Rolls-Royce in the parking lot.

I froze. "Mr. Hughes… he’s here tonight too?"

Wade glanced back at me and winked. "Of course. The dinner I’m bringing you to is with Mr. Hughes himself. Don’t underestimate my connections, Chloe."

It was too late to back out now.

I had no choice but to brace myself and follow him inside.

Thankfully, the private dining room was spacious.

People like us—small-time reporters—weren’t seated anywhere near Liam’s table.

Wade introduced me to several senior figures in the industry.

"This is our company’s newest recruit. She’s a sharp girl. Her name is Chloe Burns. Come on, introduce yourself."

As the newcomer, I had no choice but to drink my share of toasts.

By the end, my head was spinning.

I barely managed to mumble an apology before rushing to the restroom, hand over my mouth.

I threw up until my stomach was empty.

After rinsing my mouth, I splashed some cold water on my face and stepped out.

The hallway lights were dim and in the shadows by the window stood a familiar figure.

My heart pounded hard.

I wanted to pretend I hadn’t seen him and just walk away.

But as soon as I took a step, Liam spoke.

His voice was low, deliberate, and laced with emotions I couldn’t quite decipher.

"Chloe Burns."

I froze mid-step.

Swallowing hard, I heard the sound of slow, steady footsteps approaching.

I instinctively shut my eyes.

Then he stopped right in front of me, his familiar presence pressing in inch by inch.

When I opened my eyes, I met his deep, unfathomable gaze.

“Mr." Hughes.

My throat tightened with nerves, and I spoke quietly. "How do you know my name?"

He didn’t answer right away, just studied me for a long moment before straightening up.

"Your senior had you toasting at every table. By now, everyone in that room knows your name."

Thinking of Wade’s booming voice, I suddenly felt my face heat up.

"Sorry, he’s been really kind to us newcomers—maybe a little too enthusiastic. If we disturbed you, I apologize."

I carefully chose my words, worried about dragging Wade into this.

But Liam didn’t respond.

Under the warm glow of the lights, he narrowed his eyes slightly, watching me with an unreadable, almost amused expression.