Chapter 18

Vivian Bennett had just finished lunch with her best friend Sophia Miller when her phone rang.

It was a real estate agent.

He mentioned a rental property with an urgent need for a tenant.

The owner lived abroad long-term and wanted a tidy, quiet woman to look after the place.

The rent was surprisingly low.

Sophia frowned.

"You get what you pay for. This sounds like a scam."

But Vivian felt a spark of interest.

She had been searching for a place recently.

This seemed like a perfect opportunity.

She decided to go see it.

The agent took them to Lakeside Manor, a famous luxury neighborhood in Seattle.

The security was tight.

The tree-lined streets were spacious.

It was clearly an affluent area.

When the door opened, Vivian's eyes lit up.

It was a three-bedroom, two-bathroom unit with an open layout.

Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

The entire space felt bright and welcoming.

The decor was elegant.

The furniture was complete.

Even the curtains were made of high-quality velvet.

The agent explained, "The owner isn't short on money. They just want a reliable tenant to keep the place lived-in. The rent is purely symbolic."

Sophia still felt suspicious.

But Vivian liked it more and more.

She signed the contract on the spot and paid the deposit.

With this major worry resolved, she breathed a sigh of relief.

That afternoon, they headed straight to the supermarket to buy daily necessities.

Bed sheets, towels, kitchenware, plants...

They filled and emptied the shopping cart two or three times.

While cleaning the apartment, Vivian wiped the windows and couldn't help but marvel.

"This place is like a gift from heaven."

Sophia mopped the floor and muttered, "It feels too good to be true. Be careful."

Vivian laughed it off.

By evening, the apartment was spotless.

Vivian insisted on treating Sophia to dinner as thanks for her help.

Just as their food arrived, Sophia's phone rang.

She glanced at the screen and her expression changed.

"Vivian, I have to go. It's an emergency."

Vivian understood.

Sophia worked as a nightclub hostess.

The night was her prime time.

She nodded. "Go ahead. Stay safe."

She finished dinner alone.

It was almost nine o'clock.

Vivian took a taxi back to Lakeside Manor.

The night breeze was cool.

The streetlights cast a hazy glow.

Tree shadows danced in the wind.

She entered the building and pressed the elevator button.

The elevator ascended slowly.

The numbers lit up one by one.

With a ding, the doors opened.

She stepped out and suddenly collided with a tall, solid figure.

"Ah!"

She gasped in surprise.

The motion-sensor light flickered on.

In the dim yellow light, a sharp, cold face came into view.

Liam Sullivan.

Vivian's pupils contracted.

Her heart skipped a beat.

Why was he here?

How did he find her?

And why... was he standing at her doorstep?

He stepped closer, his shadow enveloping her.

"You're back late," he said, his voice deep and imposing.

Vivian tightened her grip on the keys.

Her fingertips turned cold.

She wanted to talk back but held her tongue.

This was her boss.

The richest man in the city.

Someone she couldn't afford to offend.

She forced a professional smile. "Good evening, Boss Liam."

Her tone was respectful but distant.

She sidestepped him and hurried to the door.

She inserted the key into the lock.

The door opened a crack, letting out a warm glow.

Just as she was about to step inside, his cold voice came from behind.

"Aren't you going to invite me in?"

Vivian's spine stiffened.