Chapter 77

Vivian Bennett's stomach growled loudly.

The sound echoed in the quiet night.

She rubbed her empty stomach and finally decided not to wait any longer.

Liam Sullivan's invitation had been too sudden, and she hadn't held much expectation for it.

The corner food stall run by a married couple still glowed with warm yellow lights.

Vivian walked straight to an empty table by the roadside.

She ordered a bowl of spaghetti bolognese and two cold side dishes.

The steaming pasta had just been served when she eagerly picked up her fork and knife.

A starving person cares little about appearances, and she ate until her forehead glistened with sweat.

Just as she was fully engrossed in her meal, the surroundings suddenly fell silent.

Whispers came from the neighboring table.

Vivian looked up with a vague sense of awareness.

Liam Sullivan stood right beside her table.

His black suit was sharply tailored, accentuating his tall and upright posture.

The dim streetlight fell on his shoulders, casting a cold glow.

He looked completely out of place in this lively, down-to-earth food stall.

The gazes of the surrounding diners were glued to him, filled with both curiosity and fear.

But Liam only stared at Vivian.

His eyes were deep and unreadable.

Three hours earlier, in the CEO's office.

Liam Sullivan stood before the dressing mirror in the lounge.

Ryan Johnson stood nearby, holding two ties.

"Mr. Sullivan, the gray one appears more approachable."

Liam took the tie and deftly tied it with nimble fingers.

The man in the mirror had sharp, cold features and an intimidating aura.

Ryan hesitated before speaking. "Would you like to change into something more casual? A suit might be too formal for a date..."

Liam paused. "Is it inappropriate?"

"Not exactly inappropriate..." Ryan forced a dry laugh. "It's just that ordinary dates don't require such formality."

Liam glanced at him. "Do you have experience?"

Ryan choked on his words.

His boss was clearly mocking his thirty years of singlehood.

He quickly changed the subject. "I've reserved a table at the French bistro by the sea. Red wine and roses are already prepared."

Liam nodded, a flicker of satisfaction in his eyes.

He had specifically ended the meeting early to free up his entire evening.

But he never expected—

He would eventually find her at a greasy plastic table.

Vivian felt her scalp prickle under his gaze.

Nervous, she let out a loud burp.

She hurriedly covered her mouth, her ears turning bright red.

"I... I've already eaten..."

Her voice grew softer, almost burying itself in her bowl.

Liam remained standing motionless.

His shadow enveloped her entire body.

He suddenly pulled out the plastic chair opposite her and sat down.

"Boss." He beckoned to the stall owner. "I'll have the same."

Vivian stared at him in shock.

Liam picked up the disposable fork and knife, slowly unwrapping them.

The steam from the pasta blurred his sharp, cold outline.

He looked up at her. "Keep me company while I eat."