Chapter 464

His occasional tenderness always made her heart race uncontrollably.

Liam Sullivan was like a dangerous flame.

She knew his hands were stained with blood and he cared for nothing.

Yet there was a deadly attraction about him.

It drew her in despite her fear and resentment.

She wasn't as strong-willed as she had imagined.

Though her words refused him firmly, her heart had already wavered.

Reason screamed at her: falling for him would lead to eternal damnation.

Only by staying sober could she avoid complete ruin.

"I don't like white roses." She coldly plucked the flower from her hair and tossed it aside before turning toward the dining table.

Liam gazed at the abandoned rose.

Its delicate petals scattered on the floor, mirroring his heart at that moment.

He forced a smile, bent down to pick up the flower, and carefully tucked it into his pocket.

Then he followed her as if nothing had happened, pulling out her chair before taking his seat opposite.

Vivian Bennett avoided his eyes, looking out through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

The city's nightscape unfolded beneath them, its lights sparkling like a river of stars.

The noise of the world was shut out, leaving only the sound of their breathing in the quiet.

It felt as though they were standing above the clouds, looking down on all of creation.

"You can see the entire ancient city from here." Liam's soft voice broke the silence. "Though we can't live forever, isn't it romantic to witness the traces of time together?"

This was the most genuine form of togetherness he could imagine.

No flowery words needed—just standing side by side watching time pass.

Vivian's tone was flat. "I'm long past the age of dreaming about romance. Sentimental scenes like this don't work on me. Let's order. Coming all this way to eat is a pure waste of time."

Liam's chest tightened, disappointment flashing in his eyes. "I think it's worth it."

He raised his hand and clapped three times.

The restaurant doors swung open.

Waiters in traditional attire pushed rose-adorned carts into the room in a procession.

The table was soon covered with an array of exquisite dishes.

Vivian stared in surprise—every single one was prepared to her taste.

She lowered her head and silently picked up her fork and knife.

"The head chef here is quite famous." Liam cut into a tender lamb chop, his eyes hopeful. "Would you like to try it?"

"It's alright." She speared some vegetables. "Why the mix of Eastern and Western dishes?"

"I had a feeling you'd like it." He smiled like a fox who'd gotten his way.

"I'm not picky about food. As long as it's edible, it's fine."

She finished the food on her plate quickly and set her napkin down.

"I'm full."

Liam looked stunned at the table full of untouched dishes.

His carefully prepared efforts were met with such indifference, stirring waves of emotion in his eyes.

"Try a few more dishes. This lamb chop is perfectly grilled." He placed the cut meat on her plate and carefully drizzled sauce over it.

Watching his actions, Vivian felt a sharp pain in her heart.

It shouldn't be like this.

Why did the man she was supposed to hate have to show such tenderness?

This torturous conflict was driving her mad.