Chapter 19

Vivian Bennett thought she must have misheard.

Liam Sullivan actually wanted to come inside her apartment?

Her modest rented studio was hardly suitable for a man of his status.

Besides, it was already late at night.

"Mr. Sullivan, it's quite late. It wouldn't be appropriate," she politely declined.

She never brought men home to spend the night.

Not even if it was the big boss himself.

Liam's eyes darkened. "Are you dismissing me?"

No woman had ever dared to reject him like this.

Yet she kept pushing him away again and again.

"Of course not." Vivian felt a flicker of alarm.

She hadn't expected him to actually intend to come in for tea.

She couldn't afford to offend him.

"Mr. Sullivan, welcome to my humble home." She forced a humble smile and stepped aside to let him enter.

Liam remained silent, his deep gaze fixed intently on her.

Vivian grew uncomfortable under his stare.

She truly couldn't understand his intentions.

He was displeased when she refused him.

Now that she invited him in, he wasn't moving.

Vivian decided not to wait any longer. She walked inside and turned on the light.

After changing into slippers, she went to the kitchen to pour a glass of water.

When she returned to the living room, Liam was already standing silently by the window.

He gazed at the night view outside, his profile sharp and severe.

An aura of untouchable restraint surrounded him.

Vivian hadn't actually expected him to grace her home with his presence.

But since he was here, she had to play host.

"What would you like to drink, Mr. Sullivan? I don't have good tea or coffee here," she asked as she approached.

"Water," Liam replied curtly.

"Alright." Vivian nodded and turned back to the kitchen to pour a glass of warm water.

She handed the glass to him. "Your water, Mr. Sullivan."

Liam turned his head.

Unreadable emotions swirled in his deep eyes.

Vivian's heart skipped a beat.

She had to admit, Liam was physically perfect.

What woman could resist being stared at by those midnight-dark eyes?

Vivian took a deep breath, reminding herself to stay clear-headed.

"Do you have a boyfriend?" Liam suddenly asked.

Vivian froze, instinctively shaking her head. "No."

Liam narrowed his eyes. "Then why refuse me?"

Vivian's expression stiffened.

"Mr. Sullivan, you must be joking..."

A man like him would never lack for women.

She truly couldn't understand why he insisted on marrying her.

They were clearly from different worlds.

"You think I'm joking?" Liam frowned.

Vivian mustered her courage to retort. "Aren't you? Someone of your status should marry a socialite from a suitable background."

She muttered under her breath, "A mistress would be more appropriate..."