Chapter 86

Liam Sullivan met her gaze steadily. "Don't worry, Grandma. I will be there on time for Grandfather's seventieth birthday."

Eleanor Sullivan's expression softened slightly. "That's more like it."

She suddenly remembered something and pulled a stack of carefully prepared photos from her pocket.

"These are pictures of several young ladies from good families. See if any catch your eye? If you find one you like, you can bring her to meet your grandfather at the banquet."

The old woman's eyes shone with anticipation, eager to arrange her grandson's marriage immediately.

Liam remained unmoved.

He didn't even glance at the photos and walked directly toward the foyer.

"I'm going to the office."

"Stop right there!" Eleanor's anger flared at his dismissive attitude.

Liam didn't pause, his figure quickly disappearing outside the door.

Eleanor stamped her cane in frustration.

"This child, is he really determined to remain alone forever?"

He was the only heir to the Sullivan family, yet he showed no interest in women.

She had gone through great efforts to introduce so many society ladies and famous actresses, but he hadn't favored a single one.

Eleanor turned her sharp gaze toward Isabella Sullivan beside her.

Was this adopted daughter still scheming for her grandson?

"Isabella, the Sullivan family has given you everything you deserve all these years we've raised you. Don't entertain thoughts about things that aren't meant for you." Eleanor's warning was low and pointed.

Isabella seethed inwardly.

She knew the old woman looked down on her orphan background, fearing she would taint the Sullivan family's noble bloodline.

Moreover, as an adopted daughter of the Sullivans, being with Liam would create a huge scandal.

The Sullivan family couldn't afford such embarrassment.

Was her love destined to be sacrificed?

"You misunderstand, Grandma. I've always regarded my brother as my real sibling." Isabella forced a smile, quickly defending herself.

"It better be that way." Eleanor's authority remained undiminished.

Isabella's eyes shifted cunningly as she lowered her voice with feigned concern. "But I've heard there's a woman at the company who has designs on my brother?"

Eleanor's eyes turned icy. "Who?"

Isabella leaned closer. "I think her name is Vivian Bennett. She's always trying to cling to my brother, dreaming of rising to the top overnight."

"Vivian Bennett?" Eleanor frowned thoughtfully.

She had never heard that name before.

"What's her background?"

Isabella curled her lip disdainfully. "She's just a low-level employee."

Eleanor's brow furrowed deeply. "Isabella, your grandfather and I placed you in Sullivan Group so you could keep a close watch on Liam..."

Isabella immediately understood the implication.

"Don't worry, Grandma. I won't let any of those unworthy women get close to my brother." She pledged confidently.

With Grandma's support, she felt even more emboldened to deal with Vivian.

Her brother could only belong to her.

If she couldn't have him, no one else would either.

Eleanor nodded in satisfaction. "At least I haven't spoiled you all these years for nothing."

"Grandma, shall I make you something else to eat?" Isabella asked solicitously.

"No need. I'm not accustomed to your cooking." Eleanor refused coldly.

Isabella's smile froze instantly.

Grandma only treated her kindly when Liam was present.

The moment he left, she became nothing.

If she couldn't marry Liam, she would always remain an outsider in the Sullivan family.