Chapter 4

The sea breeze gently brushed against the six-star hotel standing along the coastline.

Vivian Bennett arrived in the company car and called her cousin Grace Harper. "I can't make it to the blind date tonight."

Grace laughed. "Jason just told me. Focus on your work event. We've rescheduled the blind date for tomorrow."

After hanging up, Vivian entered the hotel.

The private dining room was already full.

Her arrival instantly drew everyone's attention.

Including Liam Sullivan at the head of the table.

His gaze was too sharp to ignore.

The CEO had arrived early.

Everyone was present except her.

Vivian anxiously searched for an empty seat.

Every table was completely occupied.

She was new and didn't know her colleagues well. She felt uncomfortable asking to squeeze in.

Just as panic set in, a waitress approached gracefully. "Miss, right this way. There's a seat available at the front."

Vivian sighed in relief. "Thank you."

Another moment under everyone's stare would have suffocated her.

The waitress led her toward the main table.

Recognizing the guests, Vivian froze.

They were all senior executives!

She whispered to the waitress, "Are there any other seats?"

Her eyes scanned the room for her cousin's husband, Jason Harper.

A cold voice cut through the air. "Sit down."

Vivian turned abruptly.

Her heart skipped a beat.

Did Liam Sullivan just speak to her?

Why did the waitress bring her to the CEO's table?

The empty seat was right beside him. She dared not sit there.

Vivian stood frozen.

Sitting or not sitting both felt wrong.

Daniel Lopez, the General Manager, smoothed things over. "If Mr. Sullivan says to sit, then please sit."

Vivian had no choice but to take the seat.

She felt like she was on pins and needles.

Countless eyes were fixed on her.

Some held jealousy. Others held contempt. Some were mocking. Others were waiting for drama.

A newcomer, sitting with executives, right next to the CEO.

The whole company would be talking tomorrow.

Liam Sullivan gave a quiet order. "Begin the service."

Vivian's fingers turned cold.

Had everyone been waiting for her?

This was a huge mistake.

She kept her eyes down, avoiding the executives' gazes.

Liam's presence beside her was overwhelmingly intense.

She had barely started working and was already dining with the CEO.

She even breathed lightly.

Exquisite dishes began arriving.

Steamed grouper. Lobster thermidor. All were top-tier seafood.

Vivian's mouth watered, but she didn't dare touch her utensils first.

The leaders hadn't started eating yet. It wasn't her place.

A soft clink of silverware. A piece of tender grouper landed in her bowl.

Vivian looked up, stunned.

Liam Sullivan served her himself?

How did he know she wanted fish?

The executives looked shocked.

Before she could react, a lobster claw joined the fish in her bowl.

Vivian could hardly believe it.

She wouldn't even dream something this unreal.

"Eat." His voice was deep.

When the CEO serves you, you don't refuse.

Vivian ate under pressure, chewing slowly and carefully.

The six-star cuisine was truly exceptional.

The executives quickly recovered, competing to toast Liam Sullivan.

He remained seated at the head of the table, unmoving.

His tailored black suit emphasized his tall, commanding figure. His noble aura dominated the room.

Even amidst the clinking glasses, he seemed to look down on everyone.

Liam Sullivan left early.

Mr. Lopez led the executives to see him off at the hotel entrance.

Vivian lingered at the back of the group.

A black Rolls-Royce Phantom pulled up.

Before getting in, Liam Sullivan suddenly turned back.

His gaze swept in her direction.

Vivian's heart tightened.

Was she imagining things?

There's no way the CEO was looking at her.

The Phantom drove away. The crowd dispersed.

Mr. Lopez walked over to her, squinting. "Vivian Bennett. Did you know Mr. Sullivan before?"

Vivian looked up abruptly. "No!"

How could she possibly know the CEO?

Mr. Lopez studied her for a moment, then turned and left.

Back at her cousin's house.

Jason Harper greeted her. "Vivian, did you know Mr. Sullivan previously?"

Vivian was adamant. "Of course not!"

Jason frowned. "Then why did he show you special attention?"

Vivian was speechless.

She wondered the same thing.

Even her cousin's husband noticed something was off.

Tomorrow at the company would be chaotic.

Jason smiled at her cousin. "Grace, your little sister is quite something."

Since Vivian had come to live with them, Jason had been dissatisfied.

He thought she was a burden and often took it out on Grace.

He pressured Grace to mind her own business.

This was the first time he had ever praised her.