Chapter 686

Vivian Bennett held her phone, her fingertips slightly cold.

She hadn't expected him to call back.

After making that call, she should have dialed again immediately, but she kept putting it off.

Now that he had taken the initiative to call, perhaps... this was fate.

"Liam Sullivan, are you free tonight? I'd like to have dinner with you."

Her voice softened, laced with a deliberately crafted gentleness.

"Of course I'm free. Where? I'll head over right away."

Liam's voice carried an unmistakable eagerness.

It wasn't a dinner at home, but being able to dine alone with her outside was already rare progress.

In the past, she would just state her business directly. Now, being willing to share a meal... did it mean... she was wavering?

He had to seize this opportunity. He couldn't let any possibility slip away.

"That private kitchen restaurant at the intersection of XX Street. No need to be too early, six o'clock. I'll wait for you there."

Listening to the joy in his tone, Vivian felt a sharp pang in her chest.

A gentle liar.

She was about to personally set a trap for him, then personally hand him the knife to plunge into his own heart.

His hurting her might have been unintentional.

But her hurting him was calculated and deliberate.

Who was more cruel?

Meeting her was probably the greatest misfortune of his life.

After hanging up, Liam couldn't sit still.

Dinner at six. He originally had an important meeting at five, which was clearly not feasible now.

He immediately called his secretary to cancel the meeting.

His secretary hesitated on the other end of the line—the executives from the out-of-town branch had flown in specifically for this meeting. Canceling it just like that?

But no one dared to question Liam Sullivan's decisions. The secretary could only suppress her frustration and obediently handle the aftermath.

Liam turned and walked into his walk-in closet.

Since it was a date, he naturally had to dress well.

He spent a long time picking through his wardrobe, never quite satisfied. Until his gaze fell on a long black coat, and his eyes suddenly lit up.

This was a gift Vivian had bought for him abroad. He had always been reluctant to wear it.

Putting it on now, the man in the mirror was tall and slender, elegant in bearing. The black fabric accentuated his broad shoulders and long legs, making him look like a fashion model.

He studied his reflection for a moment, then frowned slightly—the black seemed to make his complexion appear overly pale, revealing a hint of weariness.

That wouldn't do.

He immediately went out, heading straight for his usual styling studio.

The stylist expertly applied a thin layer of men's foundation, concealing the tiredness and giving him a healthy, rosy glow. Only then did Liam smile with satisfaction.

When Vivian arrived at the restaurant, Liam was already there.

This private kitchen had an elegant ambiance. Small wooden cabins were built over water in the courtyard, serving as private dining rooms.

They chose one and sat inside the cabin. The sound of flowing water beneath their feet was exceptionally peaceful. A fireplace inside flickered with warm, dancing flames, filling the space with cozy warmth.

Vivian sat down opposite him and looked up at Liam.

He was smiling, clearly in a good mood. His attire today was particularly meticulous, so handsome it was hard to look away.

Her gaze settled on the black coat he was wearing, and she suddenly froze.

Memories flooded back—that was the most expensive coat she had ever bought, gritting her teeth to purchase it abroad.

It had cost tens of thousands at the time, and she had agonized over the price for a long time, yet her heart had been overflowing with sweetness.