Chapter 274

Vivian Bennett felt a tightness in her chest.

She suddenly missed her mother intensely.

Frank Evans’ hand was just about to undo her buttons when the door was abruptly thrown open.

He paused, looking up. His brow furrowed when he saw who it was.

Frank straightened up and sat back on the sofa. He offered a thin, insincere smile. "To what do I owe the pleasure, Mr. Sullivan?"

Vivian opened her eyes and turned her head at the sound.

It was indeed Liam Sullivan who walked through the door.

Liam strode directly to the sofa. He reached out and helped Vivian up.

He sat down between her and Frank, pulling her into his arms. She leaned limply against his chest.

He turned to Frank with a composed smile. "You'll have to excuse this, Mr. Evans. This girl is mine. She's been throwing a tantrum these past few days. Refusing to see me. Not answering my calls. I was just wondering how to coax her when a waiter mentioned she was here with you. I didn't believe it at first. I was passing by and thought I'd just pop in. You've always been so generous and straightforward, Mr. Evans. I knew you wouldn't mind the intrusion. And to my surprise, when I opened the door, she really was here!"

He looked down at Vivian in his arms, his tone both doting and exasperated. "Why are you being so mischievous? Coming here to cause trouble for Mr. Evans?"

Vivian found his words both ridiculous and amusing. But nestled against him, looking into his eyes, hearing his voice, she just wanted to cry.

The fragility after her narrow escape made her instinctively burrow deeper into his embrace. She buried her face in his chest, refusing to look at Frank again.

In this moment, she felt utterly safe.

Liam looked at Frank, smiling slightly. "I hope she hasn't caused you any trouble? If she has, I apologize on her behalf."

Frank narrowed his eyes, his smile not quite reaching them. "Mr. Sullivan, she's just a woman. Let's be direct. I'm quite taken with this girl."

Vivian wasn't sure if she flinched.

She only felt Liam's arm tighten around her.

She heard Liam say, "You're absolutely right, Mr. Evans. She's just a woman. Why let a woman come between us? I've been wanting to get to know you for some time, but never found the opportunity. Today, it seems, was a happy accident. Since we're both here, why don't we discuss some business? A successful partnership would be far more beneficial than any woman!"

Frank raised an eyebrow. "Oh? What kind of business did you have in mind, Mr. Sullivan?"

Liam gave a light laugh. "The city wants to develop the XX Plaza into the nation's premier square. Unfortunately, the project stalled halfway due to a shortage of raw materials. The original contractor ran into cash flow problems. The project has been delayed repeatedly. The city has decided to reclaim it and put it out for tender again. I found myself with some free time lately, so I bid on the project. I heard you happen to have a batch of steel and cement looking for a buyer. How about a collaboration? I'll purchase your materials to complete the XX Plaza as quickly as possible. What do you say?"

Liam saw that Frank was already interested. He pressed his advantage subtly. "I've wanted to work with you for a long time, but my schedule was always too packed to pay a proper visit. Since fate has brought us together today, why not settle it now?"

He quoted a price and asked if it was acceptable to Frank.

Frank's face broke into a wide grin. "Mr. Sullivan, you're certainly going all out for Miss Bennett! Letting your old brother here profit so handsomely, while you yourself are taking a loss on this deal!"

Liam waved it off dismissively. "You're too kind, Mr. Evans. I'll take the loss this time. Next time, you can let your little brother here make it back!"

Frank stroked his chin, thoughtful. "Everyone says the new head of the Sullivan Group is shrewd and never takes a loss. It seems because of Miss Bennett, I've stumbled upon a fantastic bargain this time!"