Chapter 574

She only wanted to make this love appear even more solid, even unbreakable.

That way, even if storms raged later, she would stand firm without hesitation.

Perhaps it was the alcohol's influence, but Vivian Bennett finally said to Liam Sullivan, "Okay."

Liam slowly smiled, gestured to a waiter, and said softly, "Another bottle of the '86 Bordeaux."

The waiter nodded. "Of course."

A faint blush colored Vivian's fair cheeks. The rosy glow made her look charming and alluring. Her clear eyes were slightly dazed, and her lips, tinged with a crimson sheen, looked particularly lovely.

But she wasn't drunk.

When Liam settled the bill and came over to help her up, her mind was still clear.

Her alcohol tolerance wasn't great, but it wasn't terrible either.

"Ready to go?" Liam was beside her, taking her arm and letting her lean against his shoulder. His voice was low and husky, indescribably sexy.

Vivian looked at him and replied with one word. "Okay."

A gentle warmth, a gentle happiness, a gentle sweetness filled her heart. It was just right, satisfying and heart-fluttering.

She liked this feeling of having Liam right beside her.

It felt very secure.

Liam held her arm and led her away.

The happy couple left the restaurant in a warm scene, entering the elevator to depart.

As the elevator doors closed, Vivian glanced outside and unexpectedly caught sight of a familiar figure.

Zachary Hudson stood sideways outside the elevator. His gaze was fixed in their direction. His deep, peach-blossom eyes were locked on Vivian, filled with an indescribable intensity.

Vivian was startled.

At first, she thought it was an illusion. But when her eyes met Zachary's, she knew it was really him outside.

Still, it didn't prompt any reaction from her.

The elevator doors closed completely, just like her world and his, now utterly separated, existing on two different planes.

Apart from a slight pang of melancholy, she didn't have many other feelings.

Now it was just her and Liam in the elevator.

Vivian moved Liam's supporting hand away. She leaned back against the cool, hard elevator wall and looked at the man who would spend the rest of his life with her.

As if sensing her gaze, Liam also turned to look at her. Their eyes met.

Suddenly, she curved her lips in a silent smile.

Her smile was somewhat inexplicable, making one want to ask, "What are you smiling about?"

Facing his slightly raised brow, Vivian shook her head and didn't answer.

A meaningful glint flashed in Liam's eyes. Though he didn't know what she had suddenly found amusing, he didn't press further.

Back at the villa, Vivian first went to the kitchen to brew herself a hangover tea.

After drinking it, she returned to the master bedroom just as Liam finished his shower.

He was fresh and clean, wearing a dark gray bathrobe that accentuated his tall, straight figure. His damp hair gave him a wild yet mature, captivating aura.

They looked at each other under the brilliant chandelier, their eyes holding unspoken emotions.

Vivian suddenly remembered what he had said earlier at the restaurant. Her heart raced, and her cheeks flushed. She stepped past him, tossing out a "I'm going to shower," before hurriedly disappearing into the bathroom.

The corner of Liam's mouth lifted slightly. His casual smile had a particularly charming curve, like a beautiful sight.

Forgetting many things she shouldn't and couldn't think about, the night was one of passion. Sweat was shed thoroughly, and the room was filled with a lingering, warm spring atmosphere that seemed to keep rising in temperature.

It was as if, the more obstacles stood in their way, the deeper and more bone-deep their intimacy became. Only this could prove nothing was hindering them, plunging their relationship into even deeper territory...

...

The next day at the company, as soon as he entered, his assistant Ryan Johnson brought in several important documents.

Liam skimmed through them quickly. His mind was on going with Vivian to try on outfits later, so he didn't take long before signing the documents.

Seeing the faint smile that had been playing on the man's lips, Ryan ventured to ask, "Mr. Sullivan, good news on the horizon?"

Liam paused his pen and looked up at him.

Ryan pointed to his own mouth. "You've been smiling the whole time."

Liam frowned slightly. After a long moment, he asked in a deep voice, "Is it that obvious?"

Ryan replied, "Couldn't be more obvious."

Liam quickly signed the last document and handed the file back to him. "Get out. Notify all departments for a meeting."

"..."

The shift in topic was really fast. Good news was definitely on the horizon!