Chapter 2

Vivian Bennett would never forget that night.

The man in the limousine demanded tirelessly.

He was clearly drugged.

The madness lasted until dawn.

She couldn't remember how she passed out.

Every bone in her body felt disassembled and reassembled.

Finally, even the strength to curse was exhausted. Darkness swallowed her vision, and she lost consciousness.

When she opened her eyes again, it was already noon the next day.

"Hmm..."

She tried to sit up, but a wave of sore weakness hit her.

Her arms felt too heavy to lift even an inch.

The images from last night crashed into her mind.

Vivian jolted upright, a sharp pain making her gasp.

She frantically looked around—

She was lying in an unfamiliar, large bed.

A dazzling crystal chandelier hung overhead. A 180-degree floor-to-ceiling window offered a panoramic view of the city's skyline.

Where was this?

Did that man bring her here?

Judging by the decor, it was at least a six-star hotel suite.

But the room was empty.

That beast had his fill and then ran off!

Bastard!

She angrily clenched the sheets.

She had only wanted to borrow the luxury car to escape the White family's pursuit. Who knew she would accidentally become someone else's antidote.

She hadn't even gotten a clear look at his face.

The only consolation was that she had finally escaped the White family's clutches.

She would consider this a blessing in disguise.

She forced herself out of bed, preparing to leave.

Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed a dark glint on the pillow.

It was a rare black diamond ring.

The ink-black diamond was cut into countless facets, each angle refracting a dazzling light.

An exquisite dragon pattern coiled around the band. It was clearly priceless.

Was this compensation left by that man?

Vivian bit her lip.

Why shouldn't she take it?

She had paid for it with her innocence.

She decisively stuffed the ring into her pocket.

"Vivian Bennett! The big boss is arriving any moment, and you dare space out?"

The sharp reprimand from PR manager Lily Evans snapped her back to reality.

"Sorry, Manager Evans!" she hurriedly apologized.

To escape her father and stepmother, she had fled to Seattle to rely on her cousin.

She had pulled strings to get into this company. She couldn't afford to make a mistake.

Lily Evans gave her a cold look. "The big boss is inspecting for the first time today. Anyone who messes up is fired!"

She turned to the other reception staff. "Everyone, be alert! Not a single misstep is allowed!"

"Yes!" everyone chorused.

Ten o'clock sharp.

Over a dozen luxury cars, surrounding a Rolls-Royce Phantom, drove through the company gates.

"The big boss is here!" Lily Evans's tense voice came through the walkie-talkie.

Everyone immediately straightened their backs and formed a welcoming line.

Vivian stood at the end of the line, unable to resist peeking—

A tall, imposing figure stepped into the lobby, surrounded by bodyguards.

A pure black bespoke suit outlined his broad shoulders and narrow waist, a perfect proportion.

His height of 6'2" brought an intense sense of oppressive feeling.

The man's features were deep and sculpted. Every step carried an aura of complete control.

The reception line fell completely silent.

All the prepared flattering words stuck in their throats.

It wasn't until the man passed by that everyone hurriedly greeted in unison, "President!"

He didn't stop, heading straight for the elevators.

Just as everyone thought the inspection was over—

The man suddenly stopped at the end of the line.

"Your name."

A deep voice landed beside Vivian's ear.

She looked up in a daze, finding his face somewhat familiar.

Impossible...

How could she know someone so far above her station?

"Vivian Bennett! What are you staring at!" Lily Evans rushed over and snapped sharply.

Vivian snapped back to reality. "Sorry! What did you just ask?"

Liam Sullivan narrowed his eyes, a dark light swirling in their depths. "Vivian Bennett?"

"Yes!" she stiffened her body.

Lily Evans hurriedly tried to smooth things over. "Mr. President, please forgive her, she's new..."

The man's gaze was like a blade, fixed on her face for a long time.

The air in the entire lobby froze.

Everyone held their breath, waiting for the storm to break.