Ch. 1171..1180
Chapter 1171
Blake smiled as she said, “I’ve been busy with work lately, but I promise I’ll make sure to come back in the future and have dinner with you two.”
Grace smiled as she put some vegetables into Blake’s bowl. “That’s good to hear. No matter how busy you are with work, you must take good care of yourself. Come back to live here. Both your room and Mya’s room have been unoccupied for a long time, but I have the maid clean them every day.”
Blake responded, “Thank you. You treat me so well.”
It was only when Blake was with them that she could finally experience the long-lost feeling of home again.
After dinner, Blake took a shower in the bathroom. She sent a text to Kevin to tell him about her work and what she had done today, including what she had for lunch and afternoon tea.
However, she received no response from him at all.
Being able to quarrel with Kevin felt like a luxury to Blake now. She sat on the swing on the balcony, hugging her knees and staring into the pitch-dark night sky.
She muttered to herself, “When will we be able to go back to the way we used to be? Kevin, I miss you so much.”
Kevin had not replied to Blake’s messages for days. She even wondered if they were really in a relationship. A message notification sound could then be heard.
Blake thought it might be a reply and quickly picked up her phone.
It was a message from Liam: [When are you coming back? I’ve made soup for you.]
Blake stared at her conversation with Liam as she deleted and edited her reply several times before decisively replying: [I’m not going back today. Liam, I might be living at home from now on.]
The next second, Liam called.
Liam sounded a little weak, “Is it because I’ve caused you trouble? I’m sorry!”
Blake responded, “Liam, it’s not your fault. It’s because I haven’t been home for a long time; it’s not your fault. I’ll drink the soup tomorrow. The food you make is always really good, especially the soup.”
There then came knocking sounds from outside the door.
“Blake, are you asleep?”
Blake turned to glance, covering her phone mic, and shouted, “Not yet, Grace.” She then turned back to her phone, “Liam, if you have something to say, can we talk about it tomorrow? You’re still sick, so you should rest early.”
Liam replied, “Okay.”
After hanging up, Blake went to open the door, “Grace.”
Grace smiled. “I thought about how you and Mya used to love having late-night snacks, so I made you supper.”
Blake quickly reached out to take it. ” Are these caramel cupcakes?”
Grace responded, “Yes! I’ve been keeping the caramel sauce in the fridge for you all. Now that you’re back, I made some caramel cupcakes for you.”
Blake sat at the dressing table, eagerly eating. “The caramel cupcakes you make are the best.”
Grace asked, “I heard you talking to someone on your phone. Was it your boyfriend?
“You’re not getting any younger, you know. It’s about time you start dating.”
Chapter 1172
Blake said honestly, “No, the person I just talked to on the phone is my superior. I’ve been transferred to StartReading as the editor-in-chief’s assistant. My salary remains the same as before. My boyfriend used to be the CEO’s assistant, but something happened, and he’s not working at the company anymore.”
Grace replied, “The CEO’s assistant? That should come with a decent salary!
Blake responded, “I never asked, but he’s an orphan and doesn’t have many people around him. I try to spend time with him occasionally, but he’s pretty busy.”
Grace pondered before nodding. She held Blake’s hand and patted it. “When you two have some free time, bring him home. Let me see if he’s someone worth spending your life with.” Grace suddenly remembered something and asked, “By the way, what about the guy your mother introduced to you last time? Are you not satisfied with him?”
Upon hearing this, Blake did not know where to start, so she told Grace roughly everything that had happened recently.
Grace then said, “It seems like a complicated situation, but relationships are indeed unpredictable. If you like him, then you like him. However, from what you said, you seem particularly fond of this guy named Kevin. I’m curious how he managed to make you so upset. Growing up, you’ve been around many men from prestigious families, although not as prominent as the Jent family or the CEO of Jardin Corporation. Compared to ordinary families, our families are quite decent too.”
After that, Grace added, “How’s the Arnold family doing now? Back in the day, the Harper family used to receive a lot of help from the Arnolds, but now we rarely hear about them for some reason. Simon and I wanted to visit them a while ago, but we found their place empty. I wonder if they moved away or got into some trouble. We were planning to ask Ms. Jent, but unfortunately, we never got a chance to talk to her.”
Blake, looking anxious, hurriedly said, ” No, the situation is complicated now. No matter what, we mustn’t bring up anything related to the Arnold family. It’s a long story, but we shouldn’t talk about the Arnold family to anyone, especially Mr. Jardin and Madelyn.”
Blake, being an insider, knew a lot that the outside world was unaware of, such as a previous incident where an entertainment news outlet had reported a story about the entanglement between the Arnold family and Zach for easy money and more clicks on their website.
The article had been published online for less than twenty minutes before Jardin Corporation’s public relations department discovered it. After the discussion among the Jardin Corporation’s top management, their legal department took action on that very same day. By the next day, the legal representatives of that media company were all behind bars, and rumor had it that they would not be out for at least three to five years.
The Arnold family instantly became a taboo topic in all of Ventropolis.
Grace and Blake chatted a lot. When Blake noticed Grace covered her mouth and yawned, she said, “I just checked the time, and it’s already eleven at night. Grace, you should go back to your room and sleep. After I finish work tomorrow, we can chat again.”
Grace put her hand down. Her eyes were filled with sadness. “I took up so much of your time. I didn’t expect we could chat for so long. I’ll go and sleep now. You should sleep early too. Let me know what you want for breakfast, and I’ll make it for you.”
Blake replied, “Don’t trouble yourself. I’ll just grab something when I go to the office.”
Grace responded, “Let’s just have breakfast at home tomorrow. You’re already back home, after all. How could I possibly let you buy your breakfast outside?”
Blake did not reject Grace, she nodded. “Sure.”
Blake chatted with Grace energetically just now, and once they stopped talking, she felt very sleepy. She heard her phone vibrate again.
It was a text from Liam: [Good night.]
Blake replied: [Good night.]
The moment Blake put down her phone, she picked it up again and sent a message to Kevin, who still had not replied to her.
She texted: [Are you home? I’m going to sleep now. Good night.]
After switching off the lights in the room, Blake tried to stay up as she held her phone. After waiting for a while without receiving a reply, she fell asleep with the phone in her hand.
Meanwhile, in an apartment, Kevin was sitting on the sofa skillfully wrapping bandages on himself. On the coffee table, there were alcohol wipes that had been used to clean his wounds.
The phone on the glass coffee table lit up for a moment. Kevin picked up the phone with his hands bloody, as the light from the phone reflected in his dark pupils. After glancing at his phone, he immediately put it back down.
Chapter 1173
Perhaps due to being too exhausted, Blake slept soundly until the next morning. Upon waking up to the alarm, she heard it beep just once before her phone automatically shut down.
She was not in a hurry. The Harper residence was not far away from her office. She got up to freshen up and left her phone charging on the bedside table.
By the time her phone automatically switched on, Blake had already finished freshening up. She then went down for breakfast in her pajamas. She planned to only change her clothes after breakfast.
When the maid carried some medicine and went upstairs, Blake asked, “What is this?”
The maid answered, “This is the herbal medicine for Mr. Harper. He needs to rest in bed, so he isn’t accompanying you for breakfast.”
Blake nodded, “Is he feeling better now?”
“Yes, he can eat now.”
“That’s good.”
Grace walked out of the kitchen holding a plate of cinnamon rolls. ” Blake, you’re awake. Come down and have breakfast.”
Blake had not expected such a hearty breakfast. “There’s so much food; I can’t finish it.”
Grace replied, “Come on, eat more and help me finish it.”
Blake said, “Okay.”
While she was eating her breakfast, Grace suddenly saw a silver car arriving at her house. “Whose car is that?”
Curious, Blake glanced at it and saw the familiar license plate. She was surprised, “Liam?”
The maid quickly went to open the door. Blake hurriedly stood up, and when Liam got out of the car, she walked toward him in her slippers.
“W-Why are you here? Come in.”
Liam said, “I texted you and told you I’d come.”
Blake awkwardly responded, “I’m sorry! My phone ran out of battery and I’m still charging it.”
Grace walked over with a smile, “Is this the Mr. Xander you mentioned last night? Truly talented and young. Would you like to join us for breakfast, Mr. Xander?”
Liam’s complexion today looked good, and his thin lips were red. He smiled slightly as he nodded. “Much appreciated, Mrs. Harper, but I’ve already had breakfast. I’m here to pick Blake up.”
Blake was a little too embarrassed to ask him to leave. She ran her fingers through her hair, still holding a piece of bread in her other hand, and glanced at the half-empty bowl of soup on the table. “Give me ten minutes; I’ll be quick.”
She then ran to the dining table. Grace, watching Blake from behind, shook her head with a smile. “Take your time. No one’s going to take the food away from you.
‘Come on Grace, can’t you read the room?’ Blake thought as she quickly finished drinking the soup and went to change into her work attire, along with the black coat provided by the company. She also grabbed two more pieces of bread before leaving.
Liam opened the front passenger seat door for Blake, and she got into the car.
On the way to the company, Liam suddenly said, “Sorry, Blake. I know this is sudden, but the dinner with my family is happening today.”
Chapter 1174
Blake said, “Today? Wasn’t it this weekend? I haven’t prepared at all yet. Won’t it be inappropriate if I go meet your family dressed like this?”
Liam slowed down the car and stopped at the traffic light. He then held Blake’s tightly clenched hands as he gently comforted her, “Don’t worry. It doesn’t matter what you wear. What matters is you’ll be there. Just treat it like a casual family dinner, no pressure.”
Blake looked at her hands being held and calmly pulled them away. She looked out of the car window with a smile on her face. “Okay, as long as you don’t mind me embarrassing myself.”
“Okay.”
When they arrived at the company, they entered the office together.
It seemed like a common sight for those in the company to see them always together.
However, there was much gossip about Blake, especially considering her previous admission of being with Kevin. Now that she had transferred to Start Reading Literary, she was always seen being together with Liam. In a secret group chat, Blake was being called fickle.
Some even placed bets on who Blake would end up with in the end, and people had bet quite a lot of money. Currently, the majority bet that Blake would end up with Liam.
Not long after Blake and Liam entered the office, Blake, as his assistant, reported his schedule for the day to him and helped with some contract agreement documents.
She organized a set of documents and handed them to Liam. “This is the cooperation agreement with Dreamscape Comic Studio, it needs your signature.”
Liam took the documents. His attractive eyes twinkled with a hint of a smile as he looked at her. “Today, your task is still to help me review manuscripts. Also, I need you to keep an eye on a recently launched TV series adapted from a historical novel. I’d like your feedback on a few episodes.”
As he spoke, he grabbed a tablet from nearby and opened the internal channel for Blake. Inside were completed but not yet scheduled TV shows, all adapted from web novels on StartReading Literary’s website.
Blake felt guilty. Since her transfer, she had been spending her time in Liam’s office binge-watching shows and snacking. Even the water she drank was poured by Liam himself.
She quickly shook her head. “There’s a dedicated review department for these matters. I should focus on more serious tasks.”
Then, there was a knock on the office door.
Liam said, “Come in.”
Blake looked at the person entering and was surprised to see Janice. Janice responded, “Hi, Mr. Xander. Blake, Ms. Samford is looking for you.”
Blake replied, “Looking for me? Isn’t she still at the hospital?”
Janice said, “She’s back at the company today.”
Blake glanced at Liam before responding, “Okay, I got it.”
Liam said, “No matter what it is, come back and discuss it with me.”
Blake nodded. “Sure.”
After Blake left with Janice, walking in the company corridor, Janice warned Blake, “Be careful. Susan’s going with you to Ms. Samford’s office. It’s probably about the CEO’s assistant position.”
Chapter 1175
Blake did not respond. “The CEO’s assistant? Me and Susan?’
Blake had been with the company for less than a year, she believed if she were to compete for that position with Susan, logically, she would lose.
There were many qualified and experienced secretaries in the secretarial department. Blake did not understand why Cecilia insisted on asking her to go over.
Blake continued thinking, ‘Susan has been with the company for a long time. With her connections over the years in this company, the people in the secretarial department will definitely support her.
‘This matter surely isn’t that simple. Cecilia has some hidden agenda. Susan has probably already been working for Cecilia for a long time. Her behavior at the company was so suspicious back then; she clearly had some malicious intentions.’
When Blake entered Cecilia’s office, Susan had already been waiting inside. Blake was the last one to arrive.
Blake asked, “Ms. Samford, are you looking for me?”
Cecilia, sitting on the sofa, waved her hand to ask the caregiver beside her to leave. “Don’t be nervous, it’s just a trivial matter. Sit down and let’s talk.”
Susan sat opposite Blake. Susan then poured a glass of water for Cecilia to flatter her. “Ms. Samford, you must be thirsty. Have some water.”
Cecilia smiled faintly without responding to Susan. Blake noticed Cecilia had cut her hair short, just to the neck. sharp and delicate. However.
Cecilia did not look too well. Cecilia had makeup on her face, but some powder was noticeably not fully blended into the skin.
Cecilia said, “I believe both of you can guess why I’ve called you here. Mr. Harrison has suddenly resigned, and now this position is vacant. Someone needs to fill this position. I’ve called you two here because one of you was my former subordinate and the other is my current assistant. To me, you are both the company’s most outstanding employees. Do you have any suitable candidates to recommend? Or if you’d like to volunteer for this position?”
Blake observed Susan’s reaction. Surprisingly, Susan did not say a word. Coupled with the way Cecilia looked at Blake, Blake believed something fishy must be going on.
Blake smiled as she said, “I’m not suitable to become the CEO’s assistant.
Ms. Samford, you do know that I’m not too good with heavy responsibilities. I prefer staying at StartReading Literary to work comfortably, and I’m very happy with my current salary.”
Cecilia picked up the teacup in front of her and took a sip. With her eyes lowered, it was difficult for others to read her thoughts.
She smiled as she put down the teacup. “In that case, Susan will take up the position of the CEO’s assistant. You can continue to be my assistant. What do you think?”
Blake replied, “I’m sorry! Ms. Samford, I’m afraid I can’t do it. The pressure of this position is too much. I haven’t been feeling well lately. I don’t know why but I’ve been having frequent headaches.” Blake put her hand to her forehead. “Ah, I can’t take it anymore. Ms. Samford, my headache is so bad now. It hurts so much.”
Cecilia was looking at Blake with a gaze that was difficult to read. Her mind drifted back to memories of a conversation with her younger sister.
“Cecilia, ah, I have a headache again… Ah…”
“Are you okay?! Let me take a look at you. Stop doing the work; let me handle it.”
“Haha, I fooled you. I’m perfectly fine.”
As Cecilia snapped back to reality, Blake quickly ran out of the room, saying she was going to take medicine.
Susan expressed her dissatisfaction to Cecilia, “Ms. Samford, Blake is just faking it.”
Cecilia, in contemplation, shook her head. “You may leave now.”
A few minutes later, Cecilia suddenly made a phone call, “Help me investigate Blake Dion’s background.”
Chapter 1176
Blake went to the restroom. After she walked out and waited for the elevator, Susan stood beside her with her arms crossed as she said, “Blake, you really don’t know what’s good for you. Are you really content just being an assistant in a small company instead of taking up the position of the CEO’s assistant? This doesn’t seem like you. I heard you’ve dumped Mr. Harrison and have now thrown yourself at Liam Xander! Blake, why didn’t I realize you were so popular before?
“We’ve been colleagues for so long, why don’t you tell me, who’s better in bed, Mr. Harrison or Liam?”
Blake did not tolerate her attitude at all and slapped Susan. Susan furiously glared at Blake. “Bitch! How dare you hit me!”
Blake responded, “Who’s the bitch? I slapped you, so what? From now on, watch your mouth. You’re just an assistant. Who are you to make irresponsible remarks about me? With your character, do you really think you can handle being the CEO’s assistant? When Mr. Jardin returns, not only will you lose your position, but I’m afraid you might even be kicked out of Jardin Corporation.”
Susan, covering her face in anger, could not find a way to release her rage. This made her look very ugly. “Blake Dion, don’t think I don’t know. Something happened to Mr. Jardin on his wedding day. He’s now in the hospital, unconscious. Who knows if someone else will end up being the person in charge of Jardin Corporation? I warn you, you’d better hope you don’t end up working under me one day! Otherwise, the first thing I’ll do is fire you!”
Blake squinted as she stared at Susan. ” When did you find out about Mr. Jardin being unconscious? Besides you, how many people know about this?”
Susan, with a smug expression, said, ” Don’t think you’re the only one with strong connections. Mark my words, your happy and carefree days are over!”
Blake thought, ‘It seems like she and Cecilia have indeed started to conspire, taking advantage of Mr. Jardin’s unconscious state to try to take control of the company.
When the elevator arrived, Blake pressed the button for the tenth floor. When she saw Susan was about to enter right before the elevator closed, Blake forcefully pushed her out without saying a word and gave her the middle finger.
Susan said, “Ah! Blake Dion, you damn bitch!”
The elevator’s doors completely closed, leaving Susan angrily watching the elevator slowly descend.
Blake returned to Liam’s office in the Editorial Department. The room was not very cold. She noticed Liam had taken off his suit and was wearing a dark royal blue shirt. He walked out of the lounge, holding a large, plump bunch of cherries. His hands were still dripping with water, indicating that he had just washed the cherries. His knuckles were distinct, and his attractive hands were red from the cold.
Blake hurriedly walked forward and took the cherries. “Have you forgotten that you’ve just recovered from your illness? You’re the editor-in-chief, and I’m your assistant. I should be the one to handle this kind of thing. Give them to me quickly.”
She did not know that the fruits in Liam’s office had all been washed by him. Whenever she came to his office, what she referred to as “episode review “was actually just binge-watching dramas. She had been able to slack off at work all because Liam allowed her to do so.
She enjoyed her fun at work so much that she had forgotten her responsibilities. Blake felt a bit embarrassed and even guilty. Only now did she realize how she used to slack off.
She said, “I’m sorry!”
Liam became worried because of her sudden shift in mood. He asked, “What did Cecilia say to you? Did she say something that upset you?”
Blake shook her head. “It’s just that I suddenly realized you’ve been too indulgent with me. Liam… I hope you won’t be so good to me anymore, really! The way you treat me makes me feel guilty. Everyone has been busy these days. I’m your assistant, but you’ve been preparing all these things for me.”
She looked over to the couch where she usually lay and saw that Liam had already prepared a blanket and some lemonade for her.
Chapter 1177
Blake thought, ‘Liam is the editor-in- chief. Those who didn’t know might think I’m not here to work but to enjoy my time in the company.
Liam tapped Blake’s forehead with his fingers. “This is approved by me and is part of your job. No matter what you do, whether you’re busy with work or leisurely at the office, it doesn’t matter to me. I just want to be able to see you every second of every day!”
Anxious, Blake pinched the edge of the bowl filled with cherries. “I really don’t understand why you seem to have been unreasonably nice to me since our blind date. I don’t think we’ve met before that.
“Have we met before our blind date?”
Liam’s gaze was intense as he looked at Blake. ‘She really doesn’t remember it.”
He grabbed a few tissues from his desk, wiped his hands, and said, “Do I really need a reason to like someone? You have a boyfriend now, so I won’t force you to answer this question of mine. I have time, I can wait for you.”
The word “wait” implied an uncertain and distant future.
Blake was a very stubborn person. She would not reconsider her choice, even when faced with a challenge. When she was in university, her parents had advised her to study medicine, but she did not. Instead, she chose the dull field of financial management, which was neither too difficult nor too easy, just right.
However, Blake’s family had no family business for her to take over, so everyone told Blake that she would be wasting her time studying as she would not graduate. She did not listen to them, and to prove everyone wrong, she not only graduated but also received recognition as an outstanding student. She knew how competitive it was at Ventropolis University.
Slowly, her thoughts drifted to Kevin.
Even though everyone believed Kevin and Blake could never have a future together, she did not want to give up on him. Once she set her mind to be with him, she was determined to stay in the relationship with him. She had never intended to end their relationship so easily.
She thought, ‘No matter how long he’s away, whether it’s three years or five, I won’t give up.
‘I don’t shift my romantic interests so easily. I won’t string along one person while having feelings for another.’
Blake said, “Liam, I believe Kevin will come back. No matter what he’s doing, I believe he’ll return. I can wait for him.
I’m a stubborn person, so I’ve just decided that I won’t disturb you anymore. I’m planning to go back to Jardin Corporation. I’ll take it step by step, do what I need to do well and deliver outstanding performance. When I have the capability and become the CEO’s assistant, I’ll wait for him to come back and give this position back to him.”
A hint of sadness crossed Liam’s eyes. He clenched his fists and a suppressed emotion welled up in his throat as he said, “All right, no matter what you decide to do, I’ll help you.”
Blake rejected him, saying, “No. This time, I want to do it on my own. Susan’s right. Besides my ability to rely on others, I’m not capable of taking on the position of an assistant.
“Even when Kevin was still in the company, he always covered for me.
This time, I want to do it all by myself.”
Blake thought, ‘If I continue like this without doing my job well, no matter where I go, people will inevitably say I got the position through connections.”
Chapter 1178
Liam smiled slightly as he stared at Blake. “All right, I’ll always be your support. If you encounter any difficulties, make sure to reach out to me, okay?”
Blake grinned as she patted Liam’s shoulder like they were good buddies. She responded, “Don’t worry, if something really happens, I won’t hesitate to look for you.”
The position of the CEO’s assistant was quite coveted, with many people fighting over it. Susan had set her sights on this position a long time ago; otherwise, she would not have joined Cecilia. Susan had been in the company for quite a long time, and her capabilities stood out among all the other secretaries.
For Blake to compete with Susan, she believed she still needed some time to become better.
Blake thought, ‘I’m not in a hurry for this position as I’m still young. From today onward, I’ll officially start working properly, instead of Liam always being busy doing my work, and me just doing the simple tasks.’
After work, Liam was the last one to leave the office. Blake had gone home and changed into a more decent outfit. She asked, “Do I look presentable?”
They were walking in the parking lot together. Liam was holding a briefcase. Blake was by his side, having lightly applied makeup for this dinner.
Liam carefully looked at her and nodded. “You look gorgeous.”
Blake felt a bit awkward from the compliment. “Really? Thank you for the compliment.”
As the car started moving, she still felt a bit nervous. She felt a little weird pretending to be Liam’s girlfriend to meet his family.
Blake gripped the seatbelt as she looked at Liam in the driver’s seat. ” Liam, your family probably won’t be able to tell that I’m pretending to be your girlfriend, right? Did you mention to them that I’m joining the dinner?”
Liam held the steering wheel, driving carefully. “They don’t need to know. Blake, don’t worry. It’s just a simple dinner, think of it like a business dinner.”
Blake nodded. “Okay.”
When they arrived at a low-key luxurious hotel, they got out of the car. Liam walked to Blake’s side and held her hand. He smiled as he said, “Don’t be nervous, I’m here.”
Blake held Liam’s arm as they walked toward the private room pre-booked by the Xander family. The waiter said, “The private room Mr. Xander reserved is right here.”
After the waiter led them to the door, they heard a heated argument from inside involving a girl.
“Dad, I don’t want an outsider at home. I’m your only child. Anyway, I want him to leave after this meal. If you bring him home, I’ll run away from home.”
Blake pondered, ‘Wait, is she talking about Liam?’
She worriedly looked at Liam, who gave her a reassuring smile. Julian Xander said, “Shut up! One more word, and you can leave right now!”
Lylia Rood, concerned, looked at her daughter, Ixia Xander, as she defended her. “Why scold her? Ixia is still young and immature. Let’s see what kind of a person he is. After all, it’s been so many years since you’ve seen each other. Even if he really has ulterior motives, don’t worry. I won’t let him, an outsider, into our home.”
Julian responded, “Outsider? Liam has been sensible since childhood; he’s my own blood. He’s arriving soon, so make sure you two behave yourself.”
Just as he finished saying that, Blake pushed the door open, appearing before everyone with an uneasy expression.
The three people in the room looked at the door direction at the same time.
Julian stood up, walked to Liam, and sized him up. “You’ve grown so big in a blink of an eye.”
When Julian was about to touch Liam’s shoulders with his hands, Liam calmly pulled Blake to sit at the round table. There were two empty seats on both Liam’s and Blake’s sides, creating some distance from the other three people, making this table look quite big.
Lylia chuckled and patted Ixia who was sitting beside her. “What are you staring at? Quick, greet Liam!”
Chapter 1179
Ixia seemed lost in thought as she stared at Liam. She quickly came back to her senses and said in a friendly manner, “Liam.”
However, Liam was resolute, cutting her off coldly, “No need to be so friendly, we’re not that close.”
Spoiled since childhood, Ixia had always gotten what she wanted. Even Yvonne, who was arrogant and domineering, avoided bossing Ixia around. Now, despite the Young family doing well, they still relied on the support of the Xander family.
Ixia thought, ‘Who does he think he is?’
She pouted with a displeased expression and turned to Lylia. “Mom, did you hear him?”
Lylia patted Ixia’s hand. “Well, you said things that angered him. Later, put more food on his plate, so that he’ll forgive you. You’re still young, he won’t blame you.”
Blake was extremely annoyed by them. ‘ They’re all just putting on an act.’
Julian looked at Blake. “Is this the girlfriend you mentioned?”
Liam replied, “Yes, but it’s none of your business.’
Blake did not expect Liam to have this attitude toward his own father. She was lost in her thoughts, ‘But then again, when Liam was sick, his father just abandoned him. What right does he have to ask Liam about his affairs?
‘And he’s only now asking Liam to join them for dinner. He’s so insincere.’
Under the table, Liam held onto Blake’s hand the whole time. She could feel his hands trembling slightly. She knew he must be feeling uncomfortable.
Liam and Julian were not friendly to each other as soon as they met.
Julian furiously slammed his hand on the table. “You didn’t have this attitude when you were begging me back then. Is this how you talk to your own father now?”
Liam did not respond.
Lylia forced a laugh and immediately eased the tension, saying, “All right, you two finally got to see each other, don’t be angry. I’ll have the waiter bring in the dishes.”
When all the dishes were served, Lylia noticed Ixia had secretly glanced at Liam several times. She realized something and said with a smile, “Silly girl, what are you staring at? Why not take some food and put it on Liam’s plate?”
Liam, peeling shrimp, declined without looking up, “No need.” After peeling it, he put it on Blake’s plate. “Eat it, I’ve washed my hands.”
Blake replied, “How did you know I like shrimp? Nice job, here’s a thumbs up.” She then raised her thumb.
Liam finally smiled. “Okay.”
Ixia said, “Liam, try this too. I love the food from this place the most.”
In the blink of an eye, Liam’s expression changed as he looked at the barbecue ribs on his plate. He did not look displeased, but his eyes were filled with coldness.
Blake said, “Ixia, sorry, but Liam doesn’t like this dish.”
Ixia responded, “Liam, what do you like then? I’ll take it for you.”
Blake felt uncomfortable hearing Ixia’s high-pitched voice. ‘Is this the same person who didn’t want Liam around her? Now, it seems like she’s infatuated with him.’
Liam just ignored Ixia and asked Blake, “Are you full?”
He nonchalantly wiped his hands with a napkin.
Chapter 1180
Lylia smiled. “Leaving so soon? There’s still so much food left.”
Julian said, “Wait, I have something to say to you.”
Liam replied, “If you want to ask me to move back in with you, you can forget it. I have my own life now. This will be our last time meeting. We won’t cross paths again.” Liam’s words were cold and decisive, leaving no room for negotiation.
Liam helped Blake take the coat draped over the back of the chair. Everyone stood up. Blake looked at them with a hesitant expression. When she and Liam reached the door of the private room, she stopped walking, turned around to the other three people in the room, and said, “You three, when talking bad about someone behind their back, it’d be best to keep your voices down from now on. You’re all adults, and it’s shocking how careless you all are.”
Before Blake left, she even made a disdainful expression at them.
Liam smiled as he patted Blake’s head, and the two left the hotel. Liam sat in the driver’s seat, and at that moment, he received a long text message on his phone.
Julian texted: [Liam, I know I’ve wronged you. I shouldn’t have abandoned you back then, but I had my own difficulties at that time. Now, I have the ability to protect you. If you come back to me, everything the Xander family owns will be yours. Consider it as my compensation. Ixia is considered family. She’s still young. Once she reaches the legal age to get married, I’ll witness you two get married, and I’ll have no regrets.
[I’ve investigated your girlfriend’s background. Her background is complicated. But in short, this kind of woman isn’t suitable for you.]
Blake observed Liam’s expression. ” What’s wrong? Did that jerk send you a message that made you angry? Do you need me to teach him a lesson?” She rarely saw such a vulnerable side of Liam. Even though he was smiling at her now, she knew deep down he was feeling hurt.
Liam came back to his senses. He gripped the steering wheel tightly and said, “I-I’m fine.
“Sorry about today. I’m sorry you had to witness such an embarrassing scene.
Blake responded, “It’s okay. Everyone has things they can’t let go of. But, Liam, do you know? I’m actually very happy that you consider me a true friend. You’ve behaved very well in front of them!
“You’re truly outstanding. I admire you a lot. You’ve been famous since you were a teenager. And now, you’ve already sold so many copyrights for your books. You’ve achieved so much, so don’t feel pressured and don’t think you’re not good enough. To everyone, you’re the best! You know how many girls in the company are head over heels for you, right?!”
Blake’s response was long. Suddenly, Liam leaned over to hug Blake, which caught her off guard. Liam embraced her very tightly.”
Blake… Now, you’re the only person I have.”
Blake wanted to hug his arms, but she slowly put her hands down when she thought about another person. Liam drove away. When Blake saw the subway station ahead, she asked him to stop.
“Just stop here,” she said.
Liam asked, “You’re not going back?”
Blake shook her head. “I’m not going back right now. I need to go buy something.”
“I can drive you,” Liam offered.
Blake replied, “It’s fine! I just want to stop by to see him. I don’t know if he’s back, and I want to get him something on the way.”
Liam tightened his grip on the steering wheel. “All right.”
Blake knew that bringing up Kevin now would make Liam feel uncomfortable, but it was unavoidable.
Liam watched Blake get out of the car, and he kept staring at her through the rearview mirror until she slowly disappeared from his sight. He still did not drive the car away long after she had left.
Then, the sky started slowly raining heavily, cleansing everything in its path.
Pedestrians, caught off guard by this sudden downpour, scattered to seek shelter.