Chapter 51: Clearing the Misunderstanding
Cora told the chairman and his wife everything that had happened to her—except the truth about their contract marriage.
When she finished, she let out a quiet sigh. “I don’t know how you see all this. But in my heart, Julian is a responsible man. As a husband and as a father, he’s done nothing wrong. I believe our future will turn out well.”
As Cora spoke, the chairman’s wife dabbed at the corner of her eyes. Hearing how Cora had been sold out by her ex-boyfriend and beaten by her own family left her shaken.
“What a poor child,” she murmured, turning to her husband. “Yes, they deceived us—but I’ve seen it for myself today. Mr. Watson truly loves his wife. I believe their feelings are genuine.”
The chairman’s sharp gaze fixed on Cora. “Do you love your husband?”
Cora hesitated. Do I? Do I even have the right to?
But with them watching, what could she possibly say?
“I like him,” she answered softly.
Liking wasn’t the same as loving, right?
That wasn’t a lie.
After all, Julian had given her a stable home, a life without worry, and their child a proper name. What more could she ask for?
Her answer seemed to satisfy them both.
“It’s getting late,” the chairman’s wife said, checking the time. “Since your health’s fine, why don’t we have dinner together?”
“I should be the one treating you!” Cora replied quickly, flustered.
“Let’s not fuss over that,” the chairman said, rising to help his wife stand. “Consider this our way of thanking you again.”
Cora bit her lip. I can’t lose momentum now. Not after all this.
She smiled brightly. “Then I’ll gladly accept.”
The couple exchanged pleased glances.
By the time the three of them settled in the VIP dining room on the sixth floor, the tension between them had melted away.
“I’ve always heard the best food in Linzhou is right here at the Majestic,” the chairman said, admiring the view. “It truly lives up to its reputation—wonderful cuisine, wonderful setting.”
“Exactly,” his wife agreed with a smile toward Cora. “We came here to taste the local specialties. But two people dining alone feels lonely. We’re lucky to have Mrs. Watson to keep us company tonight.”
“You’re far too kind,” Cora said quickly. “Anything you need, I’ll be happy to arrange.”
They sat down gracefully.
Across the wall, Liam paused mid-conversation, a flicker of disbelief in his eyes. That voice—
He almost thought he was imagining it again.
By the time he tried to listen closer, it was gone.
He shook his head with a wry smile. What’s wrong with me lately? Why does that girl keep haunting my thoughts? Is it only because she looks like Qara…?
Before he could dwell on it, a knock came at his door.
“Mr. Mayer, what a surprise to find you here!” A warm baritone carried from the doorway—Julian’s. “Since Linzhou is Watson territory, it’s only right that we host you properly. We can’t possibly let our guest pick up the check.”
Liam looked up as Julian strode in.
“Mr. Watson, you’re too polite,” Liam said, rising to shake his hand. “It’s only right that I apologize in person. It was our mistake, after all.”
Their palms met—firm, assessing. In that instant, both men measured the other’s strength.
So this is him, Julian thought. No wonder everyone talks about him.
Watson’s even more dangerous than I expected, Liam thought in turn.
Each smile hid calculation. Julian’s aura was sharp, dominant; Liam’s, calm and deceptively mild. Different styles, same predator’s instinct. Neither missed it in the other.
The conversation that followed was flawlessly civil—apologies, polite refusals, business talk about future cooperation. All form, no warmth.
Meanwhile, next door, the mood was far lighter. Having earned the couple’s trust, Cora finally relaxed. Her stories from childhood—the countryside, her mischievous adventures—made them laugh more than once.
“I never imagined your early years were so eventful,” the chairman’s wife said fondly. “Have you ever thought about finding your birth parents? Maybe they had no choice back then.”
“I’ve thought about it,” Cora admitted. “But maybe everything happened the way it was meant to. If I meet them one day, I’ll still honor them—but my adoptive mother will always be my mother. I’d never abandon her.”
Her eyes shone. “My only wish in life is for her to live well. Money, status, power—none of that matters compared to that.”
The chairman studied her quietly. No heavy makeup, no flashy jewelry, just a neat dress chosen for comfort, not for show.
A girl like this couldn’t be manipulative, he thought. She’s sincere. And if this is the woman Julian married, the Watson family’s future is secure.
After dinner, Cora set down her utensils. “Excuse me, I’ll just step out for a moment.”
They nodded, smiling.
Inside the restroom, she leaned against the sink and exhaled. Finally. I pulled it off. Maybe this time nothing will go wrong.
She washed her hands, drying them with slow, steady movements—already thinking through what she’d say next—
When a familiar, surprised voice came from behind her.
“Wait… it is you! I thought I was seeing things. You’re really here!”
Cora turned.
A tall, elegant man stood there, eyes bright with recognition and amusement.
She blinked. He looked familiar somehow.
“You’ve forgotten again, haven’t you?” He laughed. “I’m Liam. We’ve met twice already. Third time’s the charm—maybe this time you’ll remember my name.”
Third time? She stared, puzzled, until it clicked. “Oh—right! You’re the guy from before. Don’t tell me you followed me here just to pay me back for the car repair?”
Liam was speechless.
Women usually chased him for far less, yet in her world he existed only as a walking repair bill. With a sigh, he took out a sleek black card and pressed it into her hand. “Here—my repair fee. Consider our debts settled.”
Cora gawked. First man I’ve ever met who insists on paying twice.
“Now that I’ve paid you back,” Liam said with an easy smile, “will you finally tell me your name?”
Up close, she looked even more like Qara.
“I’m—”
Before she could finish, nausea hit. Her stomach lurched; she clapped a hand over her mouth and darted for the stalls.
Liam moved instinctively, then stopped short at the women’s sign and let out a helpless laugh.
He’d never had trouble getting a woman’s attention in his life. Yet this one had managed to escape him three times—without even leaving her name.
“She’s… different,” he murmured, smiling to himself.
“Mr. Mayer,” his assistant came hurrying over. “Mr. Watson says something urgent came up—he’s leaving.”
Liam cast one last glance toward the restroom door, reluctant but amused. “All right.” He followed the assistant out.
When Cora finally stepped back into the hall, the spot was empty.
She looked down at the black card in her hand and muttered, half-laughing, “There really are good people in this world. Who knew someone would chase me down twice just to pay a repair bill? At least when I leave Julian someday, I won’t owe him a cent.”