Chapter 5

Morning sunlight filtered through the blinds, casting patterns across the desk.

Vivian Bennett had just stepped into the office when Daniel Lopez summoned her to his executive suite.

Mr. Lopez beamed, personally pouring her a cup of tea.

"Vivian, you've truly brought honor to our company!"

She stood frozen, completely bewildered.

What had she done?

Mr. Lopez grinned from ear to ear.

"Boss Liam personally requested to see you. Tonight at nine, penthouse suite of The Ritz-Carlton!"

Vivian's pupils contracted sharply.

Liam Sullivan?

The legendary CEO known for his indifference toward women and ruthless demeanor?

She instinctively took half a step back.

"Mr. Lopez, tonight I..."

His expression darkened immediately.

"Don't be ungrateful! Countless people would kill for this opportunity!"

She clenched her fists.

"But my cousin arranged a blind date for me..."

Mr. Lopez sneered.

"A blind date? How could that compare to meeting Mr. Sullivan?"

He gave her a meaningful look.

"Seize this chance. It will benefit you greatly."

Vivian bit her lip.

She had joined this company simply to prove herself to her brother-in-law.

She never intended to climb the social ladder.

But his next words offered slight relief.

"The meeting is at nine. It won't conflict with your date."

Vivian reluctantly nodded.

However, Mr. Lopez's suggestive gaze left her uneasy.

Seven PM, Le Bernardin.

Crystal chandeliers cast dazzling reflections while the air carried notes of expensive perfume.

Vivian sat by the window, absently tapping her fingers on the table.

Her blind date arrived twenty minutes late.

A man in a gray suit lounged casually into the seat opposite her.

"Vivian Bennett?" He raised an eyebrow, his gaze tinged with arrogance.

"That's me." She nodded politely.

As her brother-in-law had described, he was strikingly handsome with a roguish charm.

But his tardiness for a first meeting was unacceptable.

"Zachary Hudson." He delivered his name with indifference.

"I assume you know my background?"

Before she could respond, he interrupted.

"I have no intention of marriage." He crossed his legs.

"But my family keeps pressuring me."

Vivian frowned.

"If you're willing to behave after marriage, ignore my affairs, and focus on bearing children—"

"Mr. Hudson!" Vivian stood abruptly.

"We might not be compatible."

Zachary's expression darkened.

"You dare reject me?"

No woman had ever refused him to his face.

She maintained a polite smile.

"We're truly not suitable."

Zachary narrowed his eyes, radiating danger.

"You'll regret this." He delivered the cold statement before storming off.

Vivian massaged her temples wearily.

As she prepared to leave, someone else sat across from her.

She looked up and froze instantly.

Liam Sullivan?

Why was he here?

She pinched herself sharply, gasping at the pain.

"Vivian Bennett." His low voice resonated.

She forced a professional smile.

"Mr. Sullivan."

His gaze deepened.

"Blind date?"

She nodded hesitantly.

"Yes..."

The air solidified instantly.

Liam radiated intimidating pressure.

Vivian's palms grew damp.

She couldn't comprehend what she had said wrong.

"Mr. Sullivan, if there's nothing else..." She attempted to rise.

"Sit." His commanding tone brooked no argument.

Vivian reluctantly resumed her seat.

He locked eyes with her, enunciating each word clearly.

"Now, I'm your blind date."