Chapter 84: Official Introduction

Liam Mayer was nothing like Julian.

Where Julian’s power was sharp and consuming, Liam’s restraint only deepened his allure. Even a simple frown from him could draw a woman’s breath away.

“I’m Dina,” she said quickly, voice honeyed. “We met once—at a charity gala. I only saw you from afar.”

Liam’s blue eyes flicked toward her, polite but distant, and he gave a single nod.

That was enough. Dina caught the shift in his gaze—the way it lingered on Cora.

So it wasn’t her he was curious about. It was Cora.

A flash of envy twisted through her chest. Do they already know each other?

“I’m dining alone,” Liam said with effortless charm. “Would I be lucky enough to have your company?”

Cora hesitated. She had planned to talk privately with Dina, to ask what she intended to do next.

She opened her mouth to decline—but Dina beat her to it.

“Of course, Mr. Mayer,” Dina said brightly. “Who could refuse such an invitation?”

Cora shot her a look. I don’t eat alone with strangers.

The only men she’d ever shared private meals with were Matt—and Julian.

Dina leaned close, whispering, “Liam’s a close friend of the neurosurgeon handling my operation. A good impression could help me.”

Cora sighed. “Fine.”

Liam’s smile deepened, eyes glinting. “Excellent.”

The restaurant manager personally escorted them to a private suite—Liam’s reserved room, clearly.

Outside, his aides and security waited. Inside, Liam held the door and even pulled out a chair—for Cora.

Not for Dina.

Dina noticed. Her eyes flashed, then dropped, hiding the jealousy curling beneath her lashes.

For weeks, Liam had been frustrated. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t trace this mysterious woman named Cora.

No address. No records. It was as if she’d vanished into thin air.

He’d only just arrived in Lindon City himself—his network still limited. But fate had handed him another chance tonight, and this time he wouldn’t let it slip.

“Are you local?” Liam asked casually once the waiter poured the wine. “What line of work are you in?”

Cora hesitated, unwilling to expose her private life. They were strangers—nothing more.

Before she could answer, Dina jumped in with a practiced smile.

“Cora works for Watson Group’s Lindon City branch. We’re both not originally from here, but we’ve settled now.”

That was all Liam needed. A name and a company—enough for any competent investigator.

He didn’t press further, simply ordered food. His conversation flowed with the easy cadence of someone who’d mastered charm. He spoke little, but every word hit the perfect note—enough to draw out smiles from both women.

Even Cora found herself relaxing.

Then Dina “accidentally” spilled her drink.

“Oh no, I’m so sorry. I’ll clean up—excuse me.”

Cora immediately rose. “Do you need help?”

“No, I’ve got it. You two keep eating,” Dina said, slipping out.

Once outside, she stopped pretending. Her polite mask fell away.

“Mr. Mayer said you don’t need to wait here,” she told the guards sweetly. “People are staring—it’s inconvenient.”

They exchanged a glance and moved farther down the hall, none the wiser.

As soon as they left, Dina took out her phone, aimed through the glass door, and clicked off several photos.

Inside, Liam was leaning toward Cora, speaking. She smiled politely, hands resting near her plate.

Perfect.

Click.

The sound was soft, but the satisfaction was sharp. A slow smirk curved Dina’s lips.

Cora, after everything you’ve been through, you’re still this naive? Some people are born to be used.

She ducked briefly into the restroom, rinsed her hands, and returned, all grace again.

By then, Cora had finally realized who Liam was.

“Wait—you’re that Mr. Mayer? From the Mayer Group?” she asked, flustered. “I’m so sorry about the other day—I didn’t realize—”

Dina’s ears pricked. The other day? So they had met before.

Her smile tightened. Lucky girl.

“Cora,” Dina said lightly, “Mr. Mayer is one of the most eligible bachelors in the country. His family background—honestly, it’s enough to scare people.”

“Ah?” Cora blinked.

Liam interrupted with a small laugh. “Please, Miss Dev. I’m not as impressive as the rumors. I’m just getting settled here in Lindon City. I may even need your advice.”

“Of course,” Dina said sweetly. “It would be our honor.”

Cora checked the time. It was getting late, and she hadn’t managed to talk to Dina about the things that really mattered.

Sensing it, Liam set down his napkin.

“How will you two get home?” he asked. “Let me give you a ride.”

Before Cora could answer, Dina chirped, “Perfect! Cora doesn’t drive, so we’ll trouble you, Mr. Mayer.”

Cora glared at her.

“I have to stop by the hospital for treatment,” Dina whispered. “You’ll be fine with him. He’s reliable.”

With that, Cora couldn’t refuse without seeming rude. “It’s all right. I’ll take a cab,” she said. “It’s close.”

“Please,” Liam insisted gently. “I’d like to.”

Cora’s cheeks warmed. “That’s not what I—”

He smiled. “It’s my pleasure.”

She went quiet, unsure how to respond. He was so effortlessly courteous that saying no felt rude—and saying more felt presumptuous.

Still, his gaze unsettled her. Whenever he looked at her, it was as if he were seeing someone else through her.

Dina watched them leave together, her expression cooling the moment their backs turned.

Outside, she scrolled through her photos, picked the most damning one—Liam leaning close, Cora smiling—and hit send.

Inside the car, traffic crawled. Neither spoke.

Cora turned toward the window, pretending to admire the city lights. Her reflection flickered against the glass.

At a red light, Liam looked at her—and for a heartbeat, his chest tightened.

So alike.

That profile, that quiet poise—it was Qara all over again.

His hand moved unconsciously to his chest. It hasn’t beat like this since you died, he thought. Are you sending her to me, Qara?

Cora caught his reflection in the glass—eyes dark, almost pained—and frowned. When she turned to look, he’d already faced forward again.

She had him drop her a few blocks from home.

“Thank you for the ride,” she said politely.

“My pleasure,” he said softly, watching her walk away. The sound of her heels faded into the night, leaving him with an emptiness he hadn’t felt in years.

Dozens of women had tried to catch his attention. None had ever come close.

But this one—this woman who looked so much like Qara—had pulled at something he thought was long dead.

Cora, however, walked off with a flare of irritation.

People said Liam Mayer was the perfect gentleman—calm, elegant, unfailingly kind.

So why did his gaze feel so… intrusive?

She didn’t look back.

Not even once.