After a split second of hesitation, Olivia Davis flashed a grin and said, "Mr. Davis, what if I told you I came here to ask for leave? Would you believe me?"
So, as long as Ethan Davis gave his approval, it wouldn't count as an absence, right?
Emma Johnson was used to Olivia's usual bold and domineering attitude. Seeing her act like a scared little lamb in front of Ethan today, she couldn't help but laugh, nearly choking on her own amusement.
"Do you think your boss is an idiot? Do you really expect me to buy that?" Ethan glared at her fiercely. "Your performance bonus for this month is gone. And tomorrow, write me a self-criticism. What kind of behavior is this? Does Pinnacle Corporation have no rules?"
"Oh, I understand, Mr. Davis..." The moment she heard her bonus was gone, Olivia's heart sank instantly.
How could she afford to lose her bonus?
That Ethan Davis—he fooled around outside just as much as anyone, yet he was so quick to dock her pay!
Christopher Martin had been standing nearby, silent. He had probably pieced together the whole story from their conversation.
He looked up at Emma, who was still visibly upset and didn't want to say a word to him. He patted Ethan on the shoulder and said, "Alright, since she's my wife's friend, Ethan, don't make a big deal out of it. Let's go over there and grab a drink."
Ethan nodded, raised an eyebrow, and walked off with Christopher.
Olivia turned around, grabbed the champagne from the table, and downed it in one gulp. "How do I run into him everywhere? Emma, should I go to the temple and burn some incense? Ethan Davis is my personal curse..."
"Well, I think Liam Williams is my curse too. If we go together someday, we should find a high monk to wash away all our bad luck. Maybe then we'll catch a break."
Emma said from the side.
These past few days, hadn't she been tortured by Liam just as much?
There was hardly a peaceful day.
Soon, they forgot the unpleasantness from earlier and found a secluded table where they chatted and ate desserts.
From time to time, bursts of laughter rang out, drawing glances from those around them.
No matter who it was, seeing Emma today made them look twice.
At that moment, she was radiant—pink and flawless, red lips and white teeth. When she smiled, two shallow dimples appeared on her cheeks. Paired with her elegant evening gown, she could only be described as a vision of beauty.
However, no one dared to approach her. Who didn't know that she was no ordinary woman? She was the famous wife of Liam Williams. Who had the nerve to provoke him?
Even when Liam was giving his speech earlier, everyone had seen those discordant scenes. No one dared to stand up and criticize, out of respect for Mrs. Williams's reputation.
Near the large French window, a straight figure caught Liam's eye.
Was that him?
He saw the man, holding a goblet, gently sipping red wine, but his eyes were fixed on the opposite side, a faint smile curling at the corners of his mouth.
His dark brown eyes were full of tenderness and interest.
Following his gaze, Liam realized that the man was staring at his wife, Emma!
A flame of anger burned in his heart, and his eyes turned sharp and cautious.
If looks could kill, that man would have been struck down by Liam a thousand times.
Just then, Christopher Martin walked over and said, "Sir, your brother is here. Do you want me to take him to meet the shareholders and partners of the group?"
"How did that man get in?" Instead of answering his question, Liam raised his hand and pointed at the man not far away.
Christopher looked up and immediately recognized who Liam was referring to. "Oh... His name is Elijah Clark. He's here with Mayor Reed. I hear he's a famous brain surgeon. Mayor Reed specially invited him back from abroad for a surgery."
"I see. You can handle the arrangements over there. I have something else to take care of here..." Liam's cold voice showed no emotion. Christopher nodded and glanced again.
Sir, why are you suddenly so interested in a doctor?
After he left, Liam carried his wine glass in one hand and slipped the other coolly into his pocket. He walked slowly toward Elijah.
A trace of coldness flickered in his dark pupils. "Mr. Clark, we meet again?"
Elijah pulled at the corner of his mouth, then withdrew his gaze from Emma and looked at Liam with a smile. "Yes, I've had the pleasure of basking in the mayor's glory. Congratulations, President Williams?"
His voice wasn't as cold as Liam's, but full of a rebellious and unruly tone. He continued, "I really envy you. You have such a vast business empire under your name. It's no exaggeration to say you're one of the wealthiest men in the world... And on top of that, your wife's beauty makes me salivate."
Elijah didn't mean anything else by it. He just wanted to tell Liam that he simply admired his wife. So what?
Liam suppressed his anger and replied coldly, "Even if you admire her, you wouldn't give such a valuable gift, would you? I have to say, Mr. Clark, your hand is quite generous. But my wife—I will take good care of her." Remembering the dress Elijah had sent, Liam felt an indescribable emotion in his heart.
Jealousy?
Or envy?
As soon as he finished speaking, his eyes lingered on Emma again. She was laughing so happily. When she wore the clothes he bought for her, he had never seen her smile so beautifully!
Elijah was taken aback. What?
A valuable gift?
He thought he had only sent a bracelet a few days ago.
It wasn't worth much, let alone valuable?
Although he had many doubts in his heart, he still nodded. "Don't misunderstand. Emma and I are just friends. You wouldn't be jealous over such a small gift, would you?"
Small?
Was Liam blind?
It was clearly a big deal. You could tell it was expensive and custom-made.
And he called it small?
After hearing that, Liam's face turned green.
"Well, I wouldn't say I'm jealous. My wife often mentions you, saying you're her most important friend. She wanted to refuse the gift at first, but I advised her to accept it."
After hearing this, Elijah felt very uncomfortable.
In Emma's heart... did she really think that way?
She actually wanted to refuse?
At this time, the banquet hall was filled with joy.
Only around Elijah and Liam was there such a dangerous atmosphere that people dared not approach them.
The two stood there, straight and silent, their sharp eyes locked in confrontation, neither willing to back down.
Until Mayor Reed walked up to them and patted Liam on the shoulder. "I was just about to introduce you two. It seems you've already had a drink. What's the matter, Liam? Do you know each other?"
Liam nodded, and his eyes softened. "I've seen Mayor Reed a few times. I'm very honored that you could come to Pinnacle Corporation's event."
"You don't know the relationship between me and your father. Even if you hadn't invited me, I would have come. By the way, how is your old man doing lately?" Mayor Reed had once served under Henry Williams, and now he was the mayor of City A. Naturally, he wouldn't forget the old man's kindness.
So this favor, he was willing to give.
"He's doing well, Mayor Reed. Feel free to visit us at home whenever you're free."