Moreover, that tattoo appeared to have been there for quite some time, deeply etched into the skin, unlike a recent addition.If Wendy's statement held true, then 0825 must be the birthday of someone special to him! After all, Suzy was aware of Liam's birthday; it fell in April. In contrast, the birthdays of the Park Group Chairman and his wife, who were Liam's parents, both fell in July.Of course, it had no connection to her!Her birthday was on November 14th.None of those four numbers aligned with hers. Reflecting on it, the fact that Liam, a man so reserved to his core, would engage in such a wild and somewhat immature act as getting a tattoo, suggested he must be deeply in love with someone.Suzy suddenly regretted acting impulsively the previous night. Why hadn't she thought to ask whether Liam was single? Liam might be attractive and possess impressive capabilities, but due to her strong sense of morality, she wouldn’t want to get involved with someone else's man, no mat
"Wendy, this is an extremely urgent situation! Can you please find a way to get Mr. Park's phone number?"Suzy had blocked him on WhatsApp and even left all the shared groups. Now, her only hope lay in Wendy!On the other end, it was clear that Wendy had not yet fully awakened, and her voice carried a hint of drowsiness. "Who?""Liam Park...""You must be sleepwalking. You should go back to your bed.""I don't have time to provide a detailed explanation. This is a serious matter!"The supervisor from the collaborating company had left the country immediately after signing the contract. Suzy couldn't possibly ask them to return just to sign a new contract with her!Wendy also sensed that Suzy wasn't joking. She sat up in bed and thought for a moment. “I definitely can't get you his number, but you can go to his room and find him.”Right, of course!Suzy quickly hung up the phone, threw on some clothes, and rushed to the hotel's presidential suite.However, as soon as she got o
"Mr. Park."Suzy took only a few seconds to respond, "I have a boyfriend."This kind of unbelievable stroke of luck had never happened to her in her entire life, and she couldn't bring herself to believe it now. Whether he was testing her further or genuinely needed a marriage partner for some reason, she had no interest in getting involved. So, she lied about having a boyfriend, which she believed would resolve the entire issue.Upon hearing her words, Liam pressed his thin lips together slightly, and his gaze grew more serious."Really?""Why would I lie to you, Mr. Park?"Before he could say anything, Suzy inclined slightly and said, "I won't bother you any longer, Mr. Park. Please give me the contract.""Alright."Mr. Park nodded curtly, and without further ado, he mentioned that the contract was with his secretary and then closed the door to the suite.Suzy hurriedly left with the contract, wanting to believe that the conversation just now had been a figment of her imagination.Li
Finally, pushing the matter aside, Suzy returned to her room to start packing her luggage. It was fortunate that this business trip had been uneventful, and she wasn't just referring to the incident that had upset Desmond.Suzy tried hard to suppress her thoughts, not to dwell on Liam's face. Unfortunately, her mind had a mind of its own, persisting until her phone, resting on the table, began to ring incessantly. She hurried over to answer it, and as soon as she saw the hospital's number, her heart sank. Even her hand trembled unconsciously as she pressed the answer button. "Is this Miss Chase? Your mother suffered a sudden heart attack, and her condition is critical. She has been taken to the emergency room. Please come quickly!"Suzy's mind went blank, and she almost couldn't stand on her feet. But time didn't allow her any further delay. After just a few seconds of hesitation, she immediately rushed to change her flight. Only after she had boarded did she remember to as
She thought about what Liam had said to her.He mentioned he could cover her mother's medical expenses and find the best doctor for her!Now, this was the only option!Suzy frantically started searching for the phone numbers of her middle school classmates. Fortunately, she found one and begged him to add her back to the class WhatsApp group. However, to her surprise, after she had exited the group, Liam had also departed from it!"Can anyone reach Liam now?"She immediately sent a message to the group, not caring how others would privately discuss the matter.Soon, her classmate Daniel Mills responded, "Huh? Wasn't he in the group before? I saw him in it a few days ago. Why did he leave?""What’s so strange about him leaving? He's the CEO of Park Group now, a far cry from us ordinary folks. There's nothing for him to chat about with our bunch.""Haha, look at you being all bitter!"The group members gradually drifted away from the topic, and Suzy's message was quickly buried.
However, it wasn't Liam's voice on the other end; it was his personal assistant, John Smith, calling back.Suzy felt a bit disappointed but still wanted to give it a try. "I'm Mr. Park’s classmate, my name is Suzy Chase. Could you please pass on a message to him? I hope he can return my call.""Of course, Miss Chase. Is there anything else I can help you with?""...No, thank you."She hung up the phone, suddenly able to empathize with her mother's feelings when she had leaped from the building that day. In moments of desperation when she was pushed to the brink by unexpected circumstances, the thought of simply ending it all could become tempting!The hospital was chilly.In the late hours of the night, Suzy abruptly woke up on the companion chair, realizing she had dozed off. She glanced at her mother who was still asleep and adjusted the blanket for her.On her phone, she had received numerous messages from Wendy."Suzy, don't worry. I've already called my parents, and they agreed to
Suzy couldn't believe how quickly everything had unfolded, but at this point, she figured she should just go along with whatever he said. She didn't have the right to object.Wearing Liam's clothes, she couldn't help but notice the faint tobacco scent that clung to them, giving her an unexpected sense of comfort. Surprisingly, it brought her a sense of comfort, maybe because it helped ease her earlier anxiety.However, at that moment, her stomach decided to make a few untimely growls, and Suzy felt embarrassed. "Have you eaten?" "I ate," she replied, feeling awkward and not wanting to continue this conversation.Liam didn't press further. Instead, he checked his wristwatch and said, "I've arranged a VIP room for your mother with a dedicated caregiver. The doctor will notify you when she wakes up. For now, come with me."Suzy was puzzled. "Where… Where are we going?""To have dinner.""I already ate!"He smirked, and for a moment, his usually aloof and distant face showed a h
As she watched Liam finish his call outside, she then exited the car and walked over."This is Italy cuisine," he said, his voice slightly cold and low, like a cello."Ah." Suzy was a bit surprised. Did this mean that Liam remembered they were deskmates in junior high school? Or perhaps... he had known from the beginning.Standing next to Liam, Suzy couldn't help but feel like an odd fit. He looked distinguished in his sharp suit, clearly someone of high status, while she couldn't shake the feeling that her face might as well have had "employee" written all over it.As they entered the restaurant and took their seats, Suzy began to feel increasingly uneasy.What should she do in this situation? She couldn't just bring up memories from junior high, could she?In contrast to her awkwardness, Liam seemed to treat her like a friend he saw every day. He adjusted his shirt cuffs with his long, slender fingers, and then signaled the waiter to order a few dishes."Are you the one who is
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