Chapter 294

Liam Sullivan’s gaze turned icy, sharp as a blade as it swept toward Oliver Winston.

The warning in his eyes was almost tangible.

Oliver felt a chill run down his spine but forced a smile. "I'm just thinking of you both. Until the Sullivan family matter is resolved, you'll never truly be at peace together. You've done so much for her behind the scenes. If she ever learns the full truth, will she really be able to handle it?"

Liam’s expression was stern, his chiseled jaw tightening slightly.

His eyes were dark as midnight, but his tone was deceptively calm. "The things I've done privately—even I'm not fully aware of them all. Yet you seem to know more than I do?"

Oliver’s heart skipped a beat. He cursed himself for speaking out of turn.

He rose with an awkward laugh. "I just remembered an urgent matter I need to attend to. Please, enjoy the rest of your meal."

Before the words had fully left his mouth, he was already hurrying out.

When Vivian Bennett returned to the private dining room, she found Liam holding a cigarette between his fingers, tendrils of white smoke curling upward.

He smoked with a relaxed elegance, his slightly narrowed eyes exuding the charm of a mature man.

Vivian had to admit—some people made even smoking look like art. Liam was the epitome of that.

"You were gone quite a while." He extinguished the cigarette, his gaze deep as he looked at her.

Vivian shifted uncomfortably. "I thought Mr. Winston might have something private to discuss with you. It didn’t seem right for me to be there."

Liam drew her closer, his fingers gently stroking her hair. "Since when does he have anything important to say? Next time, don’t leave on my account."

His natural protectiveness warmed her heart.

This small gesture was proof that he was willing to open up to her.

But matters between men were best left private.

After dinner, Liam took her to another villa—Emerald Estate.

Though he often returned to the Sullivan Family Estate, he maintained several private residences in Seattle.

This was where he retreated to when he needed solitude after exhausting business trips.

Vivian stood at the villa’s entrance, gazing up at the star-filled sky.

The night was peaceful, a gentle breeze brushing against her face.

She couldn’t help but sigh. With Liam’s power, if he truly wanted to hide someone, no one would ever find them.

Liam parked the car and walked over, seeing her slender figure silhouetted against the starlit sky.

A faint smile touched his lips as he wrapped his arms around her from behind. "What are you looking at?"

Vivian turned and met his gentle, smiling eyes.

The depth of emotion in his gaze overwhelmed her, leaving her momentarily speechless.

Even someone as hardened as him could have moments of such tender warmth.

Liam lowered his head and captured her lips in a kiss, his breath hot and lingering.

Vivian lightly pushed against his chest, but he only held her tighter.

The kiss was long and deep, leaving her weak in his arms before he finally pulled away, reluctance in his eyes.

Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes glistening like water. Her shyness was utterly captivating.

Liam chuckled softly and suddenly swept her up into his arms. "Still so easily flustered?"

Vivian gasped and quickly wrapped her arms around his neck. "Put me down…"

"Stop squirming," he warned in a low voice, unlocking the villa door with his fingerprint.

The door swung open.