Chapter 45 Ms. Muse
First-floor lobby.
A woman in knee-high boots sat with one leg crossed over the other. She wore a black mink coat and oversized sunglasses, her sleek red hair radiating an aura of uncompromising intensity.
She sipped hot coffee while flipping through a Vexel Apparel magazine.
The first-floor elevator doors opened, and Liam stepped out briskly.
Spotting the woman seated on the sofa, surprise flickered briefly in his eyes.
She removed her sunglasses, revealing sharp, composed eyes, and slowly stood.
“Mr. Hayes.”
“Hello.”
Liam finally recalled who she was—Claire, Emma’s close friend.
They exchanged brief greetings before sitting down on the sofa.
⸻
“Are you searching for Muse, Mr. Hayes?” Claire asked.
“Yes.” Liam nodded.
“Take a look. Sign it if it’s acceptable.” She pulled a contract from her bag and handed it to him.
He paused before taking it. “Are you Muse?”
“No.”
“Then where is she?”
“I’m representing her for this collaboration. She dislikes dealing with people, so she won’t be involved moving forward.” She opened the platform software, logged into the backend, and showed him Muse’s account.
“Shouldn’t you vet us first?” he asked.
“Emma’s man can’t be that bad, right?” Claire said casually.
Ryan, seated beside him, broke out in a cold sweat.
“I’ll give you an answer the day after tomorrow,” Liam said.
“Fine.” Claire picked up her Chanel bag, slipped on her sunglasses, then paused. “Is this your assistant?”
She lowered her sunglasses slightly and narrowed her eyes at Ryan.
Ryan’s back stiffened; he flinched.
“Yes.”
“Can I borrow him for a couple of days?”
“Sure.” Liam agreed without hesitation.
“Let’s go, Ryan.” Claire strode toward the company entrance.
Ryan shot Liam a pleading look.
Liam ignored him, focusing on the documents in his hands.
⸻
After putting away their luggage, Ryan brought Claire to meet Emma.
“He really knows how to arrange things. Such a big villa, yet only one bedroom—he clearly doesn’t want anyone disturbing the two of you.”
Claire surveyed the space while chatting with Emma on the living room sofa.
Ryan was busy preparing lunch in the kitchen.
“Actually, I heard his legs were bad a few years ago. He didn’t want to be disturbed, so he only set up one bedroom,” Emma explained.
“His leg? Can he… perform properly?” Claire asked.
“We haven’t gone that far yet,” Emma murmured, flushing instantly.
“Still just kissing?” Claire asked expectantly.
“Pretty much.”
“You’ve been together for two months already. Does he still have to handle it himself?” Claire frowned in confusion.
Emma is so beautiful—how could he possibly hold back?
“He’s coming back to stay tonight.” Emma pursed her lips, visibly embarrassed.
“Finally coming back? What got into him?”
Emma recounted everything that had happened over the past few days.
Claire listened, eyes widening in disbelief.
“What should I do? I’m so nervous,” Emma said, frowning.
“What’s there to be nervous about? It’s not your first time,” Claire said calmly.
…
“Dinner’s ready.” Ryan carried the dishes out from the kitchen.
The two put down their snacks and headed to the table.
“I can’t cook, so just bear with it,” he said.
Claire offered a polite smile.
After tasting the food, she realised it was genuinely awful.
“Mr. Hayes is hosting tonight at the Oak Room,” Ryan added awkwardly.
…
That evening, Emma and Claire chatted continuously while Ryan drove.
“Found a place yet?” Emma asked.
“Not yet. That’s why I borrowed Ryan from Liam to check out the places you recommended,” Claire said helplessly.
“Great! Then we can hang out together.”
“I still have to work, sorry,” Ryan muttered, gripping the steering wheel.
“Once we find a place, I’ll take you clubbing, Ryan. You helped Emma out big time—she owes you.” Claire grinned mischievously.
Ryan chuckled softly.
“Hey, did you see him on your alt account?” Claire leaned close to Emma.
Emma opened her alternate WhatsApp account and spotted the familiar profile picture.
“Haha! How about flirting with him using a fake account? Let’s see what he does.”
“You’re crazy!”
The two whispered conspiratorially in the back seat.
⸻
The car stopped on the first floor. Emma and Claire stepped out while Ryan drove down to the basement.
They happened to run into Rosalind on the first floor.
Ignoring her, they entered the elevator.
⸻
In the private room, everyone had already arrived.
Anna was nearby, busy checking documents.
“You’re very punctual, Mr. Hayes,” Claire remarked.
Liam hummed in acknowledgement, his gaze settling on Emma.
Emma walked over and sat beside him.
He curved his lips slightly and whispered, “Did you sleep well last night?”
“My neck’s stiff,” Emma murmured, rubbing it lightly.
“No more drinking tonight,” he chuckled.
“…”
“Hey, could you please show some respect?” Claire pouted, clearly annoyed.
“Don’t worry, Claire. The food’s already been ordered,” Liam said with a faint smile.
Soon, dishes arrived one after another, accompanied by soft drinks.
“Claire’s planning to open a studio nearby. Do you have any suitable places to recommend?” Emma asked, handing Liam the knife and fork.
“Alright. Send me the space requirements and specifications later, and I’ll have my contacts keep an eye out,” he replied.
“Thanks, Mr. Hayes.” Claire raised her drink toward Liam.
⸻
After finishing their meal, Anna and Ryan were busy handling work on the sofa beside the private room.
Claire had devoured her food and looked thoroughly satisfied.
Emma went to the restroom as Liam opened Muse’s WhatsApp and studied it closely.
He scrolled through her status updates and Moments, then checked her profile information.
So familiar.
Emma returned from the restroom and passed a partially open private-room door.
“That Rosalind…” An overweight, middle-aged man’s voice drifted out.
She slowed her steps.
“Just two days in business and already thinking about success? It’s not that easy.”
“Relying on family connections to rush us into a meeting? She’s in quite a hurry.”
“Being in a hurry is fine, but it depends on how she treats us.”
A burst of laughter echoed down the corridor.
“Don’t scare her off. We’ll still need to do business together later,” a coquettish female voice chimed in.
“Business is business, but other things can be done together too.”
More laughter followed.
“Enough joking. Whoever gets her to finish this glass gets my family’s project!”