Chapter 177

Vivian Bennett paced anxiously downstairs.

What a mess.

Her scandal with Zachary Hudson was spreading everywhere.

How could she ever show her face again?

Would her cousin Grace Harper and best friend Sophia Miller see the news?

Even if they didn't, everyone at the company already knew.

How could she continue working at Sullivan Group?

Would she really have to bear the label of Zachary Hudson's rumored girlfriend?

"Vivian, this isn't true, is it?" Emily Davis looked at her with sympathy.

She believed Vivian wouldn't actively pursue the young master of the Hudson family.

But others wouldn't think the same.

How many judgmental stares would Vivian have to endure?

"Of course it's not true." Vivian stamped her foot in frustration. "I did go to Seattle with Zachary Hudson, but it was nothing like what the reports say."

That business trip had been a complete disaster.

Zachary had put her through so much trouble.

How could she possibly have tried to seduce him?

She wasn't insane.

"I believe you. Others' opinions don't matter as long as you know the truth." Emily comforted her gently.

Vivian's face remained clouded with worry.

How could others' opinions not matter?

Wherever she went now, people pointed and whispered.

Everyone had already labeled her—

Zachary Hudson's rumored girlfriend.

Her relationship with Liam Sullivan hadn't even been made public yet.

But this scandal had broken out first.

How could she maintain her position at Sullivan Group?

What would Liam think?

Vivian's head throbbed with pain.

She felt completely restless and agitated.

Just then, the building's intercom suddenly crackled to life: Discussing non-work related matters during company time is strictly prohibited. Violators will have their year-end bonus withheld.

Vivian breathed a slight sigh of relief upon hearing the announcement.

At least people wouldn't dare to gossip openly now.

Then it occurred to her: Could this be Liam's doing?

Had he seen the news too?

Did he believe it or suspect her?

Thinking of Liam made her head ache even more.

Taking advantage of the freshly broadcast announcement and the hushed atmosphere, Vivian slipped out to use the restroom.

To avoid running into colleagues, she deliberately chose a restroom far from the office area.

She had just stepped out of the stall when a tall figure loomed over her.

Before Vivian could react, her wrist was seized.

She was pulled into the adjacent sky garden.

She gasped in fright, about to cry out.

But when she looked up, she met Liam Sullivan's intense gaze.

His handsome face was dark, his eyes unreadable, and he radiated a chilling aura.

Vivian's heart sank.

He must have seen the news.

He was here to confront her.

"Mr. Sullivan..."

Vivian began to explain.

Liam's cold, silent glance swept over her.

She immediately fell silent.

Liam leaned in closer.

He trapped her against the railing.

"What happened?" His phoenix eyes narrowed, glinting with a cold light.

Liam stood tall and imposing, his presence overwhelming.

Even in high heels, Vivian stood a head shorter than him.

She was at a disadvantage in terms of presence.

Vivian's eyelashes fluttered slightly as she hesitated to speak.

The sharp intensity radiating from Liam was suffocating.