Chapter 256

Vivian Bennett took a deep breath.

She tried to calm the turmoil inside her.

Since they were his friends, they probably already knew about their relationship.

She had originally thought this romance wouldn't last long.

She never expected Liam Sullivan to introduce her to his friends so quickly.

Liam held her hand as they entered the private dining room.

He spoke with complete composure.

"You've met Oliver Winston."

"This is Alexander Lowell."

He skipped over Oliver and formally introduced her.

Vivian smiled awkwardly at Alexander.

The man's stern features softened unusually.

He extended his hand.

His voice was deep and powerful.

"Hello, Alexander Lowell."

"Hello, I'm Vivian Bennett."

She gently returned the handshake.

She could feel the warmth of his palm.

Alexander radiated integrity.

His words and actions were crisp and efficient.

He was exactly like Liam.

When neither man spoke, they both exuded an aura that kept others at a distance.

No wonder they were close friends.

Oliver immediately stood up in dissatisfaction.

"Liam, what do you mean I've already met her?"

"You're completely ignoring me."

Liam paid no attention to him.

He calmly took his seat.

Oliver approached with a cigarette in his mouth.

He looked at Vivian eagerly.

"Miss Bennett, although we've met."

"I haven't formally introduced myself yet."

"Your humble servant is Oliver Winston, age thirty..."

Before he could finish, Ethan Roscente kicked him under the table.

"Damn, can you stop being so pretentious?"

Alexander authoritatively interrupted both of them.

"Aren't you two hungry yet?"

He worried Liam might be displeased.

He stopped the argument promptly.

Liam then introduced Vivian to Ethan.

This childhood friend had just returned from abroad.

She had never met him before.

Vivian shook hands with him politely.

She offered a proper smile.

The waitstaff soon began serving food.

Vivian was the only woman at the table.

She wasn't familiar with the other men.

She felt completely out of place.

She wasn't the type to warm up to strangers easily.

It was difficult for her to quickly become friendly with unfamiliar people.

The men talked about business matters without any restraint.

She could only lower her head silently.

Liam noticed her unusual behavior.

He asked in a low voice.

"Not to your taste?"

It wasn't that the food didn't suit her taste.

She just didn't like peeling shelled food.

She was afraid of staining her light-colored dress.

Liam understood.

He rolled up his sleeves and began peeling shrimp for her.

His movements were elegant and efficient.

After peeling each one, he wiped his fingers with a warm towel.

He peeled five or six shrimp.

Then he pushed the plate toward her.

"Eat."

He remembered she loved shrimp.

She usually ate a lot of it.

But tonight she hadn't touched any.

Vivian's cheeks burned.

She didn't dare look up at anyone.

A subtle wave of emotion stirred within her.

Oliver wasn't looking directly, but he was shocked by Liam's actions.

Was this still the same aloof Liam Sullivan?

Seeing Vivian's embarrassed expression, he decided not to tease her.

He simply put down his utensils and headed toward the restroom.

Ethan followed closely behind.

The two men couldn't help complaining in the restroom.

"Damn, I've never seen Liam like this before."

"He's really lowering himself for Vivian Bennett."

Oliver found it hard to accept.

Ethan narrowed his eyes.

"Liam brought her to meet us."

"That means she's important."

"But did you notice?"

"Vivian doesn't seem that enthusiastic."

Oliver frowned and sighed.

"Who told him to play with under-the-table deals?"

"He had to go after his own subordinate."

"Vivian still sees him as her boss."

"How could she easily accept it?"