Chapter 7 Ivy Apologizes to Emma

“I didn’t want to disturb Liam either. But if the whole design department found out, it would be even harder on you,” Emma said, her tone laced with feigned concern.

She held up her phone and played the video for Ivy.

Liam chuckled quietly, choosing not to step in.

“You…” Ivy’s face went chalk white, her legs trembling. She hadn’t expected Emma to secure evidence in just one day.

“Don’t you care about the designers’ reputations? If Liam hadn’t stopped me, I would’ve already shown this to everyone in the design department,” Emma said calmly, eyes fixed on her.

Seated in his office chair, Liam frowned slightly as he watched the scene unfold.

“Ivy, apologise and leave,” he ordered.

“Liam!” she protested, lower lip jutting out.

“Call me Mr. Hayes.”

“Why can Emma call you Liam, but I can’t?”

“She can’t either.” His voice sharpened.

Emma pressed her lips together and stayed silent.

Under the weight of his authority, Ivy could only bow her head.

“I’m sorry, Emma. I shouldn’t have accused you,” she muttered.

“Fine,” Emma replied, letting out a soft breath.

Liam waved them both toward the door. The argument between the two women was giving him a headache.

Ivy stormed out.

“Wait.” His voice cut across the room.

She stopped and turned, and he asked, “When you left that night, did you see anyone else?”

Emma’s fingers tightened at her side. * So he saw it too. *

“No,” Ivy answered.

He gave a slight nod. “You can go. Close the door behind you. Emma, stay.”

Ivy shot Emma a venomous look before stalking out.

Emma’s heart tightened. “What are your instructions, Mr. Hayes?”

“Come here.”

She obediently walked up to the desk.

He leaned back in his swivel chair, hands resting casually on the armrests.

“Are you that sure I’m not going to reprimand you, hm?” he asked.

“I don’t understand what you mean,” she replied, feigning confusion.

“Why not call me Liam now?”

“Sorry. It won’t happen again.”

She looked away, her gaze finally landing on his collar.

He followed the direction of her eyes.

“What’s that look supposed to mean?” he asked.

She shook her head quickly.

“What is it? Still after my body?” He leaned forward, studying her expression.

“No… I’m not.” She stumbled over the words. “I should go.”

Before he could respond, she turned and fled.

He let out a soft laugh.

…

At lunchtime, Iris sat down across from Emma with her tray. “Did you see the news?”

“No. What news?” Emma asked, sounding indifferent.

“I wish I had half your composure,” Iris sighed. “I heard the drafts they found on your desk were misplaced by Sarah Davis, that new intern who’s on leave. She probably didn’t know the procedure.”

Emma answered with a faint smile.

“Did the boss chew you out this morning? You looked… off,” Iris pressed.

“Getting yelled at is normal. He’s just cold,” Emma said mildly.

“Really?” Iris asked, unconvinced.

“Yeah. Don’t let his face dazzle you,” Emma replied, humming under her breath as she set down her knife and fork.

When she looked up, she saw Liam approaching with a tray.

She quickly nudged Iris under the table and forced a smile. “Good afternoon, Mr. Hayes.”

Terrified, Iris ducked her head and focused on her food.

“Mm.”

He didn’t spare them a glance, walking straight to the window to talk business with Ryan.

“Do you think he heard us?” Iris whispered anxiously.

“Relax. Gossiping about your boss isn’t a crime,” Emma said with a shrug.

…

Finally, the workday ended.

Emma slipped into a vibrant red gown and drove straight to Ben’s workplace, parking in the most conspicuous spot she could find.

As the after-work crowd streamed out, heads turned toward the stunning woman by the car.

She smiled to herself. This was exactly the effect she wanted.

Ben walked out of the office building, completely unaware he was walking into a trap.

The moment he saw her, his eyes locked on her and didn’t move.

“Ben.” She stepped forward and slid her arms around his waist.

He stiffened, surprised by the uncharacteristic display of affection.

Swallowing her disgust, she took his hand, her touch light and intimate.

“Let’s go. Dinner,” she said with a sweet smile.

“Alright.”

Ben opened the passenger door for her, leaned in to buckle her seat belt, then walked around to the driver’s side.

Emma discreetly wiped her fingers with a tissue, revulsion flickering across her eyes.

“How about The Oak Room?” he suggested. As a rich second-generation, he was a regular there.

“Perfect,” she replied, her smile dazzling.

…

At The Oak Room, she deliberately ordered dishes she would never usually splurge on.

Before the food arrived, Ben’s phone rang. It was his father.

“Emma, I have to take this,” he said nervously, shielding the screen with his hand.

“Sure. Go ahead.”

Emma gave Ben a flirtatious look, and his ears instantly turned red.

As soon as he stepped away to take the call, her smile vanished. She turned her head and was caught by a familiar gaze.

Liam.

Why is he here?

Her fingers trembled slightly as she grabbed her glass and took a sip.

I’ve done nothing wrong. Why am I panicking?

She snuck another glance and found Liam still watching her.

Only then did she notice the elegant woman seated across from him.

So he does dine alone with women. That’s rare.

“Liam, what are you looking at?” the woman asked, following the direction of his gaze.

Emma immediately ducked her head.

“Nothing,” he said, withdrawing his eyes. He raised his glass and clinked it lightly against hers.

…

Emma propped her chin on her hand and gazed out at the city lights beyond the window.

Ding.

A WhatsApp notification popped up from Chloe: [I’m pregnant!]

“…”

Her hand trembled as she stared at the screen, her eyes going red.

• So fast. Did their families already start planning the marriage? *

** No wonder Ben didn’t dare answer that call in front of me. It must have been Chloe. **