Chapter 338

"Who was that?" Eleanor Sullivan set down her napkin.

"The company."

"Which department?"

"The secretary's office."

"Male or female secretary? What's your relationship like? What does her family do?"

Oliver Winston's knuckles turned slightly white.

He had long heard about the Sullivan matriarch's extreme control over Liam's marriage prospects, but today he witnessed it firsthand.

A twenty-nine-year-old man receiving a phone call had to endure such interrogation, as if every woman in the world was eyeing the position of Mrs. Sullivan.

No wonder Liam Sullivan stayed away from home all year.

The silver fork pressed against the grain of the steak, the fissure in his heart tearing wider.

The agitation that had lingered since last night swirled relentlessly.

He preferred quiet, and Eleanor's incessant chatter made him frown deeply.

"Don't get involved with women of questionable character."

"I don't care about your usual fun, but marriage is a serious matter. I only say this because you're not getting any younger."

"What important call had to come during dinner? If you weren't satisfied with the last young lady, I can find you another—"

Clatter—

The knife and fork landed sharply on the bone china plate.

"No need," Liam interrupted, his lips curling into an icy smile. "I simply won't marry."

......

After seeing Eleanor back to the estate, Oliver took Liam to the fencing club.

Over a dozen bouts, every thrust of his blade carried a ruthless force.

Oliver barely managed to parry, finally removing his mask in surrender.

"I yield. You're not holding back at all."

Liam took off his mask, a faint trace of amusement flickering in his eyes.

Seeing his mood slightly improved, Oliver relaxed as they left the venue side by side.

The black sports car sped toward the city center, neon lights flowing past the windows.

Oliver spoke suddenly, "Do you really plan never to marry?"

Liam tapped the steering wheel lightly. "What's the point of marriage?"

"Point?" Oliver scoffed. "There is no point. It's just finding someone to march into the grave with."

He rolled down the window and lit a cigarette, asking softly through the haze, "If you ever marry, would you cheat?"

A low, mocking sound escaped Liam's throat.

As if ridiculing the absurdity of the question.

But Oliver pressed on seriously, "I bet if you marry anyone other than Vivian Bennett, you will cheat."

Liam shot him a cold sidelong glance.

"The only person you'd cheat with would be Vivian."

"You're already following in your father's footsteps. Falling for someone you shouldn't, both of you know it but can't break free."

Oliver took him to their usual bar.

The bartender friend specially mixed them strong drinks.

Liam got completely drunk, while Oliver remained sober throughout.

He finally called the Sullivan family driver to pick them up.

In the car, Liam loosened his tie, his vision blurry.

His head throbbed painfully; the last time he had been this unrestrained was years ago.

He had always exercised extreme restraint with smoking, drinking, and women.

But since yesterday, all three taboos had been shattered.