"Yes, you have been my friend for many years, and... I even liked you once, but now you scare me.""...What did you say?" Sophia was stunned."Nothing. I have to go, I'm busy."With that, he hung up the phone and ignored all her subsequent calls.Meanwhile, Arthur was calmly eating crab and looked up at him."Is that your girlfriend?""No, just someone who fantasizes about becoming your stepmother."...Suzy and Wendy were checking flights abroad when Jeffrey called."I found out that Arthur did return to the country!"Suzy felt her heart nearly stop. "Where did he land?""Northorn City," Jeffrey replied gravely, as he had his suspicions too.Suzy instantly understood."I'm going to Northorn City to find him!""I've also bought a ticket to return. I'll be boarding soon," Jeffrey said, hesitating before adding, "But... before anything stirs up at Liam's end, why don't you let Wendy go to Northorn City to find Arthur? If we can intercept him before Liam finds out, everything will be mana
"Oh, come on, I have an urgent matter!" Clive glanced at the still-sleeping Arthur. "Let me ask you, are you sure Suzy had a daughter and not a son?""...Yes, she had a daughter. I've seen her.""Are you sure? Could it be that the child was just really pretty, and you mistook her for a girl?"Ryan didn't understand why Clive was asking this, but he was certain Suzy had a daughter."Impossible. Do you think I'm stupid?""Oh... then I guess it really isn't."Clive just wanted to confirm.He figured if Suzy's child resembled Liam so much, Ryan would have mentioned it to him. Ryan knew about his close relationship with Liam and had met Liam before."What are you talking about?" Hearing Suzy's name snapped Ryan wide awake.He was worried that saying the wrong thing could tip off Liam or Clive about something."It's nothing. I just suddenly discovered that Liam might have an illegitimate child.""...What? How is that possible? Mr. Park is known for his integrity. There have never been any ru
"Ryan, if a little boy suddenly showed up claiming to be your son, and after confirming it with a paternity test, wouldn't you be confused?"Ryan was speechless. Of course, he would be.He had slept with so many women, some whose names he couldn't even recall. He couldn't be absolutely sure that none of them had ulterior motives."But hasn't Liam always been known for his integrity? Can he be compared to me?" Ryan scoffed. "Maybe in private, he has more tricks up his sleeve than either of us!""That's absolutely impossible! Since he left Suzy, he's been practically living at the office, always online on the company's system.""Would being online prevent him from doing that kind of thing?"Clive raised his voice. "Hey! Why do you have such a grudge against Liam?"Even someone as insensitive as Clive could sense it."I'm just being realistic," Ryan replied with a smile. "Alright, if it turns out the kid is his son, let me know. I'd love to see how it unfolds.""Screw you!"Clive hung up
Clive thought Sophia was genuinely in pain, so he ignored his phone and drove straight to the hospital.Once they arrived, he carried Sophia to the cardiology department.After a flurry of activity, he was exhausted and drenched in sweat. Only then did he remember that someone had called him earlier.He checked his phone and saw several missed calls from his assistant, followed by one from Liam.Unable to reach Clive by phone, Liam had sent a message on WhatsApp. “I've boarded the plane back to Northorn City. Reply when you see this.”Just as Clive was about to reply, his assistant called again.Thinking the kid might have caused trouble, Clive answered immediately."Hello? What's going on?""Mr. Clive! You asked me to come to the hotel to look after the child. I came, but... there's no child here!"Clive sprang up from his seat."What did you say?!""There's no child in the room. I tried calling you, but you didn't answer. I asked the hotel front desk, and they said... a man came and
"What if it's someone with bad intentions? Or someone who noticed he looks like Liam and wants to kidnap him for ransom!""You worry too much! Think about it. He was clearly taken by someone looking for him. How else would they know exactly where to find him? There are so many hotels in Northorn City!"Clive considered it and realized she might be right.Theoretically, her guess made sense."What do I tell Liam when he gets back?"He had specifically returned for this child."Just tell him you were joking if necessary. I can make sure no one at the company says anything," Sophia offered.But Clive, after thinking it over, declined her "help.""I can't do that. The child was really here. Liam needs to find out if he's truly his son and what the other party's intentions are." Clive believed it was better to get scolded by Liam now than to risk potential harm to Liam later.Since the issue had been discovered, it was best for Liam to investigate.He was sure Liam could uncover some clues
He had given all his firsts to Suzy and to no one else....The person most delighted by the news of Liam potentially having an illegitimate child was Ryan.Upon learning the news, he was wide awake.It was still too early to call, so he didn’t want to disturb Suzy and her daughter. He waited until nearly noon before he couldn’t contain himself any longer.After a few rings, Suzy's voice came through. She sounded hoarse, likely from stress and worry."Hello, Ryan.""Have you found your daughter yet?"Suzy was about to say no, but hearing him mention her daughter, she quickly changed her answer to avoid further complications. "Yes, we found her.""That's great!" Ryan sighed in relief."However, my daughter is quite clingy, so I might need some more time before I can return to work. Could I extend my leave a bit...?""No problem! I've got things covered here at the company. If needed, I'll handle it myself. Just focus on spending time with your daughter!" Ryan chuckled. "And you don't ha
Ryan figured Suzy was just having a hard time accepting Liam had slept with another woman. He was sure she'd come around, given some time.In any case, he had said what needed to be said. He had achieved his goal of letting Suzy know that that Liam had fathered a child, and that any hope of reconciliation between them was impossible."I wouldn't know, Suzy, but don’t be too upset about it!"Suzy was speechless.She wasn't upset; she was worried!It had to be Arthur who went to see Liam. And if Liam had Arthur under his thumb, even if she rushed over there now, chances were slim she'd be able to bring Arthur back.Suzy couldn't bear to think about what would happen if Liam found out about Arthur. Would she ever see her son again?After hanging up Ryan's call, she immediately sought out Jeffrey and Wendy to discuss the matter.They were still trying to figure out how to start looking for Arthur in Northorn City when they heard the news from Suzy."Are you saying Arthur went to see Liam?!
Jeffrey hesitated for a moment but eventually agreed, understanding Suzy’s sentiment"Alright! I'll use my ID to book a room for you, then I'll stay at a friend's place. That way, you won't be traced.""Okay, thank you, Jeff.""Stop it! I don't want to hear your thanks."Suzy ended the call and stared at her phone, a knot tightening in her chest.Since she didn't plan to accept Jeffrey, she should have drawn a clear line with him long ago! But now, she still needed his help all the time.Suzy sometimes felt guilty. She couldn't ignore the reproach of her conscience.Wasn't she just wasting his time?...After meeting with Clive, Liam found out that Clive had already checked all the suspicious surveillance footage around.However...The person who took the child seemed well-prepared. They were fully disguised when they came to the hotel and deliberately avoided the surveillance cameras when leaving with the child!As a result, there was no trace of them."Liam, do you think it's possibl
This statement could easily be misunderstood.Noticing the sudden defensiveness in Suzy's eyes, Liam softened his tone, abandoning his aggressive stance and returning to his usual gentlemanly warmth."It's just a dinner.""And then you'll let me see B7?""Yes."Suzy had no other options.She crossed the street to Jeffrey's car and tapped on the window.Before she could speak, Jeffrey anxiously said, "Suzy, I can't reach B7 anymore!""Liam took him.""...Then I'll go confront Liam!"Suzy quickly stopped him. "He's been acting strangely today. Don't provoke him! Confronting Liam head-on isn't wise. You should go home. I'll handle him.""You want me to leave you alone with Liam? He just—""Jeff, I'm so close to the truth! I can't afford any setbacks.""But if Liam finds out why you're meeting B7, he'll definitely intercept the evidence! Do you really think he'll choose you over his parents?"Of course not.Even Suzy understood that Liam would likely protect his parents.As their son, it w
Suzy remembered the last time she heard him say those words was when Melissa insisted she bring a boyfriend to the hospital.His tone then was just like now—gentle, heartfelt, as if he wanted to drown her in his affection…Unfortunately, the first time, she didn't trust his love.And this second time… she couldn't believe he would turn against his own family."Liam, you won't want to know the truth.""I do." Liam gently cradled her face, his eyes firm and unwavering. "Suzy, tell me."He didn't want Suzy to push him away whenever something happened. He didn't want to be left to investigate everything on his own. He wanted to be her support, to hear her out, whether it was bitterness, grievances, or anger, and then face it together.Countless possibilities flashed through Suzy's mind, and finally, as if waking from a dream, she pushed Liam forcefully."The truth is, I hate you, and I hate everyone in your family. I want you to stay away from me! I've fallen in love with Jeffrey and—"Her
Suzy couldn’t bring herself to continue. After tasting the blood, she stopped biting and merely struggled, unable to bear hurting him again.It wasn't until Jeffrey came over and punched Liam on the shoulder that he finally stepped back from Suzy. Liam staggered a few steps, just barely managing to regain his balance as Jeffrey, consumed by anger, readied himself to strike again.Seeing this, Suzy quickly intervened to stop Jeffrey."Jeff, don't! Don't fight!"He halted his fist just in time, looking at Suzy.Her lips were visibly red and slightly bloody, showing how intense Liam's kiss had been.It was clear this was a deliberate display."Suzy, he bullied you!""No, he didn't! Jeff, go back to the car. I'll come to you in a moment!"Suzy couldn't let them actually start fighting because Jeffrey was no match for Liam.Whether in strength or background..."Suzy!"Jeffrey, feeling infuriated, looked up at Liam standing a short distance from Suzy.Liam wiped the blood from his lips with
Previously, Liam hadn't continued investigating the death of Suzy's mother because he believed Suzy and Jeffrey were happily together. As an outsider, he thought intervening would only make Suzy resent him more.At that time, he truly wanted to let go of Suzy, start over, and completely say goodbye to the past.Based on these reasons, Liam didn't pursue the matter.But clearly, he was wrong—terribly wrong!He had taken 99 steps toward Suzy, only to halt just shy of the hundredth!...Unaware of all this, Suzy was busy organizing her materials, eagerly anticipating her meeting with Jeffrey to see B7 after work.Having finally managed to contact this elusive network hacker, she couldn't afford to miss the opportunity.Even if Liam canceled her entire month's salary, she had to go tonight.It had taken her four years of earning and saving money and seeking contacts to reach B7.She needed the restored surveillance footage to uncover the truth about her mother's death. She knew she had onl
Liam's voice carried a hint of helplessness, starkly contrasting his usual demeanor.Seeing him like this, Arthur felt a pang of discomfort. After some thought, he tentatively reached out and grasped a few of Liam's fingers.Liam's eyes shot up to meet his.What did this gesture mean?Arthur was acknowledging what Liam had just said!He was confirming Liam's suspicions.When Liam spoke again, his throat felt tight, and his voice trembled. "She... she's really your mother, isn't she?"Arthur instinctively wanted to play dumb, but he knew that his acting skills couldn't fool Liam. Moreover, the sadness and disappointment in Liam's eyes seemed genuine.After a few seconds of contemplation, Arthur decided to stop resisting. "You mustn't tell her I told you."Liam's entire body stiffened. Despite all his suspicions, hearing the truth confirmed left him shocked and speechless.Suzy... she had given him a child...No!Not just one!"You have a sister too, and she's my child as well?"Arthur
Liam furrowed his brows and turned to face her directly, their gazes locking."I am not lying to you."His eyes were so intense, so sincere as if they were trying to draw Suzy in completely!She began to regret bringing up this conversation with Liam, realizing she was now in a situation she couldn't easily escape.Suzy cleared her throat, feigning calmness, and averted her gaze. "Mr. Park, let's talk about work.""Alright, let's talk about work," Liam agreed readily. "You're working overtime today.""Liam—"Suzy was so angry she was grinding her teeth. "What exactly do you want? You said you hated me when we divorced. What, has the high and mighty Mr. Park decided to go back on his word and, after being dumped once, still intends to shamelessly pursue me?"Her words must have stung, as Liam's handsome face paled, and a hint of rationality returned to his eyes.He had been thrown off balance by Jeffrey's phone call.Hearing Suzy so affectionately tell Jeffrey to pick her up after work
Seeing Arthur like this, Suzy knew she had to play along. "Mr. Park, I'll wait outside then. Let's not upset the child."She expected some reaction from Liam, but he merely nodded. "Alright."Suzy turned and left Easter Bay, feeling increasingly uneasy about Liam's attitude, though she couldn't pinpoint exactly why.If he brought her to see Arthur to test her, why hadn't he done anything suspicious? He had gone straight to the kitchen to cook upon arriving home!What hidden trap could she have missed?With a restless heart, Suzy waited in the car for a while before seeing Liam come out of the house carrying a paper bag.Once in the car, he handed the bag to Suzy."I packed this for you.""No need, skipping one meal won't hurt me. I'll eat after work."Liam glanced at her, his thin lips moving slightly. "You'll be working late tonight, I’ll triple your pay."Hearing about overtime, Suzy quickly protested, "I can't tonight, I have plans!"Jeffrey had finally helped her arrange a meeting
"...I-I don't know what you're talking about!"Liam leaned down, his handsome face getting close to hers. "Then what do you mean by ‘leave bite marks’?"Suzy immediately averted her gaze, pretending to be calm. "Are you saying that you and your wife are in a sexless marriage? We're both adults; do I really need to spell it out?""Heh." Liam suddenly laughed. "You're blushing."Suzy was at a loss for words.She looked at the man in front of her as if she didn't recognize him anymore!When did Liam become so shameless?"Since you're already out of the car, come in and have something to eat."After saying that, Liam didn't give her a chance to refuse and walked away.Suzy stood there for a few seconds, took a deep breath, and then followed him.She could only hope that Arthur wouldn’t give anything away when he saw her......As soon as the door opened, she saw Arthur lounging on the sofa, playing with his computer.He knew his "lunch" had arrived as soon as he heard the noise! Slipping o
She realized Liam had a calculated plan for bringing her back to Park Group. On day one, he was already rushing to take her to see Arthur to test her!Recognizing this, Suzy reminded herself to be cautious around this man; who knew where the traps might be?She hoped that when she saw Arthur, she wouldn't give anything away!And... she also wanted to see her son, at least to know how he was doing!"You don't seem surprised that I have a son," Liam suddenly said.Suzy quickly snapped back to reality, shrugged, and acted indifferent. "Should I be surprised? We've been divorced for over four years. You're a normal man. Getting remarried and having children is normal, right?""I announced my marriage this year.""Oh, congratulations!"She had no desire to continue this conversation.Nor did she want to discuss Liam's new wife! That would remind her of the bite marks on his shoulder!"I thought you might be curious."Suzy forced a professional smile. "Mr. Park, we're here for work! This isn