Chapter 200

Emily Davis shook her head firmly.

"It definitely can't be the big boss or Vice President Sullivan."

Vivian Bennett raised an eyebrow.

"Why not?"

"The big boss never attends these team-building events," Emily explained, lowering her voice.

"As for the vice president—she's on long-term sick leave. How could she suddenly show up?"

Vivian's tense shoulders relaxed slightly.

As long as it wasn't Liam Sullivan or Isabella Sullivan, she could enjoy this trip without worry.

The bus wound its way along the mountain road.

During the three-hour journey, the view outside shifted from towering buildings to lush green mountains.

Vivian and Emily chatted about reality show gossip, their laughter carried away by the wind.

At noon, the hot springs resort finally came into view.

Vivian took a deep breath, inhaling the fresh scent of plants and trees.

The distant mountains stood like dark silhouettes against the misty hot springs vapor.

It truly was a perfect place to forget one's troubles.

Colleagues chattered excitedly in the hotel lobby while distributing room keys.

But Emily grabbed Vivian's arm and pulled her toward the restaurant.

"The famous cheesy lobster and mango sticky rice! I've been craving these forever!"

Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked a meticulously maintained Japanese-style garden.

Just as Vivian cut into her crème brûlée, the restaurant door suddenly swung open.

The manager hurried forward.

"Mr. Sullivan, we didn't expect you to come personally!"

A silver fork clattered against a ceramic plate.

Vivian looked up and met a gaze so deep it seemed bottomless.

Liam Sullivan wore an impeccably tailored black suit with a perfectly knotted tie.

Though four or five people followed behind him, his presence alone seemed to dominate the entire space.

Thomas Carter and Brian Lowell quickly approached.

"Boss, should we arrange a private room for you?"

"Unnecessary."

The deep voice fell like a command as the man walked directly to the table next to Vivian's.

Though a velvet chair back separated them by two meters, his scrutinizing gaze felt tangibly oppressive.

Vivian clenched her napkin.

The cheesy lobster suddenly became difficult to swallow.