Chapter 356

Vivian Bennett coughed violently.

Her cheeks burned crimson.

She clutched her phone tightly, unsure how to react.

Ryan Johnson watched her through the rearview mirror.

"Miss Bennett, do you need assistance?"

His voice held genuine concern.

Vivian shook her head in a fluster.

"It's nothing."

Her voice sounded weak, her eyes avoiding his gaze.

Ryan frowned slightly.

"Are you sure?"

He clearly didn't believe her.

Vivian nodded emphatically.

"Really, I'm fine."

She forced herself to appear calm.

Ryan returned his attention to the road.

Vivian looked down at her phone.

She typed quickly.

"Can you be serious for once?"

Liam Sullivan replied instantly.

"When have I not been serious?"

He threw the question back at her.

Vivian fell silent.

She bit her lip as she typed.

"Focus on your business meeting. How will you provide for me if you get distracted during negotiations?"

The message went unanswered.

Liam didn't reply again.

Vivian pouted and put her phone away.

Liam stared at his phone screen.

The text message made his lips curve upward.

He casually set his phone down.

He looked up at the middle-aged man across from him.

He offered an apologetic nod.

"Mr. Marshall, my apologies. My little temptress is being rather demanding today."

Mr. Marshall gave a dry laugh.

"It's rare to see Mr. Sullivan taken with someone. Quite understandable."

His words were flattering, but his eyes held no warmth.

Liam's lips curved slightly.

"Indeed, she shouldn't be neglected."

Mr. Marshall's expression stiffened.

Liam's arrogance was well known.

No one would willingly deal with him unless driven by profit.

But Liam had the capital to be arrogant.

Mr. Marshall swallowed his pride and repeated his earlier pitch.

"Our company just received a shipment of premium building materials. The quality far exceeds industry standards. Your real estate division might have use-"

Liam leaned back lazily in his chair.

He picked up his tea cup, moving deliberately.

"I heard this shipment was originally destined for Hudson Group. The contract was supposed to be signed tomorrow?"

He raised an eyebrow.

Mr. Marshall's heart tightened.

Liam's gaze was too sharp.

It felt like he could see right through everything.

He forced a smile.

"Businessmen naturally seek the best partners."

Liam gave a low chuckle.

The sound was icy, sending chills down the spine.

He set down his tea cup and produced a contract.

He pushed it across the table toward Mr. Marshall.

"Double the price. Sign it."

Mr. Marshall stared, utterly speechless.