The mention of Liam ignited a fire in Vincent's chest, his words seething with venom. "Just watch," he hissed, "So what if he's by Corie's side? Kaison's set his sights on her, and he won't let anyone get in his way!"Vincent's rant was a tangled mess, leaving the preppy guy next to him baffled.However, the guy shrugged it off, figuring Vincent was just spouting drunken gibberish out of heartache.As for the other men who were eyeing Corie, hoping to woo her, they all quietly retreated to their seats once Kaison showed his interest. Those who did not make a move yet quickly shelved their plans.They all knew who Kaison was, no one was foolish enough to cross him or the powerful state Nasso Group over a girl.Besides, in their world, Kaison was a legend. Any woman he wanted, he got. So, the men played it smart—they dropped the idea like a hot potato.In the VIP room, the air was thick with envy and jealousy. All the women, except Corie and Yennifer, had their eyes set on Kaison.
Wren's argument was a familiar one at any drinking table—if you do not drink, it's as if you're snubbing the host.Corie felt cornered, trying to explain, "It's not about respect, Wren. I just really can't handle my liquor."However, it dawned on her, even with her naivety, that Wren was intentionally pushing her toward Kaison.The realization that her old college pal would so easily cast aside their friendship to curry favor with Kaison left Corie's expression darkening, her voice growing icier by the second.Wren was oblivious to Corie's reluctance, her mind set on winning Kaison's approval. However, Corie's lack of cooperation quickly got under her skin."Corie, are we friends or not? I'm just asking you to have a drink. Why are you dodging the question? If you value our friendship, you'll drink this glass!" Wren declared. With that, she plopped down in a chair, arms crossed, and turned away in a huff.The room fell silent, the mood turning awkward.Kaison, ever the gentleman
Liam was not taken aback by Kaison's comment, he was all too familiar with those little games, having played them himself seven years earlier. With everyone's eyes on him, he remained composed and spoke with a nonchalance that belied the tension in the room. "I wouldn't say it's all that grand. I'm a bodyguard with the Bristow Group here in Drunham City."The moment the words left his lips, Kaison clapped a hand over his mouth, his eyes wide with mock astonishment. "No way! You're a bodyguard for the Bristow Group in Drunham City? The Bristow heir is a pal of mine—I had no clue you were on their payroll! Man, you're something else. Hats off to you!"Kaison's performance was over the top, his gaze dripping with scorn. The crowd was savvy enough to see right through him, and they piled on with their jabs."Come on, Mr. Nasso, you're impressed by a mere bodyguard? Don't make us laugh. That's beneath someone of your caliber.""Exactly, Mr. Nasso. You're the big shot of the Nasso Grou
Liam was not bothered, but Corie was. She brought him there, and the crowd's ridicule was a direct hit to her pride.If word of tonight's fiasco got out, Corie would be the laughingstock of the whole town.That was something she just could not stand for.With a swift grab of her clutch, Corie whipped around to face Yennifer and Liam, her voice seething with frustration, "Yennifer, Liam, we're out of here!"Yennifer's expression was sour. She had no love for the petty games those spoiled heirs and heiresses were playing. At Corie's signal, she snatched up her bag, ready to bolt. However, to everyone's surprise, Liam, the butt of their jokes, did not budge. A smirk played on his lips as he nonchalantly replied, "Ms. Doyle, why rush off? Didn't we come for dinner? Let's not leave hungry. I mean, I've got nothing to eat back at home!"His comment threw the room into a stunned silence, which quickly erupted into raucous laughter."Hahaha! What's he even saying? No food at home? Is h
As his words hung in the air, the room erupted into raucous laughter once more.Qasim, the wealthy heir who first said hello to Corie, then stood up, grinning from ear to ear. He exaggerated his surprise as he spoke, "Ms. Doyle, I just can't figure you out. Why befriend a little bodyguard like him? Aren't you just dragging down your reputation? Look at the guy, he can't even spring for a meal without blushing with shame!""Mr. Calnan, that's a bit harsh, don't you think? The Royal Terrace Restaurant isn't exactly a diner off the highway. For a small-time bodyguard to snag a dinner here, he'd have enough bragging rights to last a lifetime!""Right? Hey, bodyguard bro, why don't you ask me for a favor? Forget about one more meal, how about we treat you to a week's worth of dining?"The taunts from Qasim sparked a wave of jeers from the other trust-fund kids. However, Liam? He just sat there, cool as a cucumber, as if their words were nothing but background noise.Liam might have bru
Wren was visibly taken aback by Corie's blunt dismissal, her face a picture of shock. The room was plunged into an uncomfortable silence. Corie, with a mocking laugh, gave everyone a chilly look and added, "Let me make this crystal clear one last time: I don't need anyone's approval for who I befriend. Sure, you all come from fancier backgrounds than Liam. He's just a bodyguard, but to me, he's worth ten of you. He's out there working hard to better himself, without any silver spoon. And you? What's the point of your fancy pedigrees if all you do is party your life away and mooch off your folks?"Corie did not mince her words, her candor cutting through the pretense. After all, most of the crowd lived off their wealthy families, aimlessly drifting from one social event to another, with no real purpose or ambition.They were all guilty of mooching off their folks, sure, but nobody had the guts to call it out in front of the whole crowd—until Corie did. Her words were like a slap in
However, when Wren looked at Corie, her eyes betrayed not just anger and envy but also a touch of scorn.What a laugh!"Everyone knew about Kaison's charm. Was there ever a woman who caught his eye that could resist him?No chance. Corie might maintain her composure, but it was only a matter of time before she would fall for him, too."Vincent, seeing Corie's irritation and previously too scared to cross Kaison, could not hold back any longer. He was smitten with Corie for ages, so he stood up to defuse the tension, lightening the mood in the room.With a warm smile, Vincent rose and teased Wren, "Ms. Engel, take it easy. You know how Corie is. Let's not sweat the small stuff, okay? Do it for me."It's worth noting that Vincent and Wren were classmates, though they hardly mixed in the same circles.Wren was not about to let Vincent off easy. With a cold huff, he taunted, "Really, Vincent, you could save yourself the trouble. You're like a satellite, always circling her, but does
Kaison finished his spiel, holding his glass aloft with an air of conceit, eyeing Liam.Corie might scorn those pampered trust fund kids, but Liam? He would surely come crawling for that three grand a month and the fancy title of department manager.However.Liam remained seated, a look of disbelief plastered on his face as he calmly addressed Kaison. "Mr. Nasso, right? Well, for Ms. Doyle's sake, I'll offer you a shot at redemption. Serve me coffee and apologize, and I'll let your earlier disrespect slide. How about that??"The room fell into a stunned silence at his words.Was that guy out of his mind??Did he have any clue what he was saying?Demanding Kaison to serve him coffee and apologize??The shock was written all over the faces of everyone in the room, including Corie and Yennifer, who were right next to Liam, staring at him in complete astonishment.Kaison's face darkened, his eyes sharp and icy as he glared at Liam, his voice a cold blade, "What did you just say?