Chapter 6

Vivian Bennett froze instantly.

She stared at the man across from her in disbelief.

"What...did you just say?"

She almost thought she was hallucinating.

Liam Sullivan's expression remained cold and stern as he repeated, "A blind date with me."

Vivian felt as if struck by lightning.

She stood completely rigid on the spot.

It took her a long moment to find her voice again. "Mr. Sullivan, are you joking?"

Liam's gaze deepened. "Do I look like I'm joking?"

Vivian's heart tightened.

His expression was serious, his eyes sharp.

He truly didn't seem to be joking.

But why would this lofty group president suddenly appear at a blind date?

And with her, of all people?

Cold sweat seeped through the back of her blouse.

Her voice trembled slightly. "Mr. Sullivan, with your qualifications..."

Liam cut her off. "Are you dissatisfied with me?"

Vivian quickly shook her head. "Not dissatisfied, but with your status, why would you need a blind date?"

Liam's eyes darkened. "I've never been in a relationship."

Vivian's eyes widened.

How was that possible?

A man like him with no romantic experience?

Liam continued, "But I own numerous properties and have substantial assets. Are these conditions satisfactory to you?"

Vivian inhaled quietly.

Did she dare say no?

Liam's gaze burned intensely. "What did you say?"

Vivian's fingers trembled with nervousness. "I said...very satisfactory."

She hurriedly picked up her water glass and took several quick sips.

This wasn't a blind date.

It felt more like a high-pressure interview.

Liam's expression softened slightly.

Just as Vivian began to relax, she heard him state decisively, "Then let's get married."

"Pfft—"

Vivian spat out her water.

It landed directly on Liam's face.

His expression instantly darkened.

"I'm sorry..."

Vivian scrambled to her feet, apologizing.

She grabbed napkins and handed them to him.

But her nerves made her cough again.

She sprayed his face once more.

Liam's face turned extremely grim.

Vivian was flustered and at a loss.

She hadn't meant to do it.

Liam stood up abruptly.

He strode quickly toward the restroom.

His brows were furrowed tightly.

Dark currents churned in his eyes.

He had severe mysophobia.

Anyone else would have faced consequences.

But with her...

He forced down his anger.

He told himself she was just overly excited.

But when he returned to the table after cleaning up, Vivian was already gone.

She had slipped away while he was gone.

No way was she staying.

Remaining any longer might cost her her life.

She hastily hailed a taxi and returned to her cousin's house.

The moment she stepped inside, she sensed the tense atmosphere.

Her cousin Grace Harper had red-rimmed eyes.

Her cousin's husband Jason Harper looked furious.

"Cousin, what's wrong?"

Vivian hurried forward with concern.

Grace forced a weak smile. "It's nothing. You should go rest in your room."

She tried to steer Vivian toward the bedroom.

Jason suddenly shouted sharply, "Stop! You think you can just leave?"

Grace glared at her husband. "What more do you want?"

Jason fumed with anger. "She offended Young Master Hudson! I went through great effort to make the connection, and she dared to reject him! How am I supposed to explain this to the family now?"

Grace protected her cousin. "Explain what? If Vivian wasn't willing, she must have had her reasons."

Jason scoffed dismissively. "What reasons could she possibly have? She clearly doesn't want to get married and is just mooching off us!"

Grace raised her voice. "Jason Harper, that's enough!"

Jason smashed a teacup. "I've had enough! You don't earn money and rely on me to support you! Now I have to support your cousin too! My mother wants to come live here, and you make excuses, but you let an outsider stay long-term!"

He poured out all his pent-up resentment.

After finishing, he slammed the door violently on his way out.

Grace swayed unsteadily.

She almost lost her balance.