Chapter 39

Gurgle, gurgle...

Vivian Bennett's stomach growled incessantly.

She was starving, her stomach practically touching her backbone.

She couldn't wait any longer.

Who cared if Liam Sullivan was coming or not.

Filling her belly was the priority.

Vivian walked straight toward the family-run food stall.

She sat down at an empty table by the entrance.

She casually ordered spaghetti bolognese and a few cold side dishes.

Ravenous, she buried her head and started eating.

The spaghetti was steaming hot, its aroma filling the air.

She was enjoying her meal when whispers suddenly erupted around her.

Vivian looked up, puzzled.

Liam Sullivan was standing right in front of her, though she hadn't noticed his arrival.

He wore a crisp black suit, his posture tall and straight.

Elegant and noble, he exuded a powerful aura.

He was completely out of place in the noisy, bustling food stall.

Patrons around them turned to look, murmuring quietly amongst themselves.

Liam ignored all the staring eyes.

His deep, intense gaze was locked solely on Vivian, carrying an invisible pressure.

......

Half an hour earlier, in the CEO's office.

Liam retrieved two ties from the lounge.

"Which one is suitable?" he asked Ryan Johnson.

Ryan chose the light gray one. After a careful look, he frowned. "Sir, don't you have a more casual suit? This one is too formal."

Seeing the boss, for the first time ever, ask him to pick a tie, Ryan guessed a date was involved.

So the boss did know how to date.

He had assumed the boss only knew work.

This was good. With the boss's personal life settled, maybe he'd have a chance to find love too.

Liam frowned. "This doesn't look good?"

Ryan gave an awkward laugh. "Truthfully, I don't know much about date attire either, but you look good in anything."

Any woman dating their boss was already incredibly fortunate.

Even if his clothes weren't quite right, she wouldn't dare say a word.

Liam glanced at him, remembered Ryan was also single, and decided not to ask further.

"Is the restaurant reservation confirmed?" He finished tying his tie.

Ryan nodded quickly. "Booked the best French bistro in the city, with a prime ocean view..."

"The roses?" Liam asked next.

"Roses?" Ryan slapped his forehead. "I forgot!"

Liam's face darkened. "Have them air-freighted to the restaurant immediately!"

"Yes, sir!" Ryan hurriedly agreed.

He thought tonight's romantic date would surely make the woman's heart flutter.

Perhaps the boss might even get to spend a wonderful night with her.

......

But no one could have predicted.

They would ultimately find Vivian at a noisy, crowded food stall.

Vivian was mid-slurp of spaghetti when she saw Liam.

She was so startled she let out a loud, undignified burp.

Mortified, she fumbled awkwardly.

Under his sharp gaze, she forced herself to speak. "I... I'm full..."

The implication was clear: he could leave now.

Weren't they supposed to have dinner together?

She wasn't worthy of sharing a meal with the big boss.

She could handle her own meals.

But Liam only frowned, his tall figure remaining firmly planted in place.