Chapter 59 Trying Every Possible Means
“Are you going to hand the boss over to someone else?” Ryan hinted carefully.
Emma glanced in Liam’s direction, and he gave her a confused look.
“I checked—the driver was already there the night I got drunk. Why did I get into Liam’s car?”
Ryan looked troubled and shot Liam a pleading glance.
Emma kicked him under the table, forcing him to look at her.
“Don’t look at him!”
“I–I can’t say,” he stammered.
“Tell me, or I’ll beat you up.”
“No, if I say it, the boss will kill me.”
“You!” She looked completely exasperated.
“Fine. If you tell me the truth today, I’ll grant you one favor.”
“Really?”
“Yes!”
“That’s great!” He grinned.
“Spit it out!” Emma glared at him impatiently.
“The car did arrive that day, but you were already drunk. The boss gave the driver five hundred dollars and sent him on his way,” Ryan blurted out.
“Go ahead,” she said.
“The boss found out about Ben’s affair. He made sure you saw it on purpose.”
“!” Emma froze.
Did Liam commission this ring after learning about Ben’s betrayal?
Or even earlier?
“When did he start paying attention to me?” she pressed, her gaze sharp enough to flay him alive.
Ryan took a deep breath and blurted out, “Before we applied for this job, the boss had his eye on you. He made me his assistant specifically to spy on you.”
“He arranged the apartment you rented at Am Lindenpark. He only charged you half the rent. And the car… he had someone push the price down just for you…”
“Stop! Stop right there.” She cut him off.
Ryan looked at Liam again.
“Stop looking at him, or I’ll gouge your eyes out!” Emma warned.
“He lived in S Country three years ago. Do you remember?”
Emma froze.
Three years ago?
Is it going back that far?
She hesitated, then stammered.
“That day… when I… with him…”
Ryan panicked and cut her off. “Emma, you’re married now. Don’t dwell on this.”
“…”
“You pinned the boss against the backseat and kissed him. He’s a man, you know…”
“Couldn’t you have stopped?” she asked.
“How could I have stopped you while I was driving? You even pulled his pants down before you got home,” he said cautiously. “The moment I pulled over, I bolted.”
“Enough, stop talking!” She exhaled deeply and glanced at Liam eating nearby.
After a while, she left.
⸻
As soon as she stepped into the elevator, she bumped into several colleagues from the design department.
“How much did you pay for that ring, Emma?” someone asked.
“Where would I get that kind of money? It’s just from a jewelry store,” Emma joked, winking.
Everyone laughed; they clearly assumed she’d simply latched onto some rich man.
⸻
After they left, Emma swiped her card and headed up to the 30th floor.
She knocked on the heavy door of the CEO’s office.
The door opened a crack, and an arm shot out, pulling her inside.
Then it slid shut behind her.
A familiar scent instantly enveloped her. Before she could react, his mouth claimed hers, trailing down to her cheeks and neck. He wrapped one arm around her waist and cupped the nape of her neck with the other hand.
“Liam!” she gasped, pushing against his chest with both hands.
She stumbled backward, her calf bumping against the edge of the sofa. Losing her balance, she tumbled backward and sat down.
He covered her, pinning her beneath him completely.
Any protest was silenced by his scorching lips and tongue, reduced to muffled whimpers.
Cool air brushed over heated skin as fabric gave way.
Their breaths tangled, the air thickening with unmistakable tension.
“No, not here, Liam.” She turned her head to avoid his kiss, her voice softening.
His movements paused as he lifted his head.
“No worries. The soundproofing is excellent.” He lowered his head to kiss her again and reached for the remote beside the sofa, pressing a button.
The massive floor-to-ceiling curtains facing the desk slid shut, sealing the room off from the outside world.
She hadn’t expected this to happen in the office.
His hands roamed over her body, stirring up that familiar tremor inside her.
Emma soon went limp under his skilled touch, losing all strength to resist.
…
After an intense encounter, everything calmed down.
Emma sat on the edge of the sofa, adjusting her clothes; the color lingered on her cheeks.
a flush still lingered on her cheeks.
He silently wiped the leather upholstery with a damp cloth, unmaking any traces of their encounter.
Then, he switched on the exhaust fan, dispelling the lingering, suggestive air.
She watched him, a flood of questions forming on her lips, but she held back.
“Still afraid of me?” he asked.
“No, not at all…” she stammered.
“Not at all? Show me the bossy attitude you had yesterday.” He smiled faintly, slipped on his glasses, and fastened his watch.
“Grandfather isn’t taking on new orders next year. He’s transferring the shop. It’s perfect for Claire’s needs. Take her to see it when you have time.”
Emma nodded.
Silence hung between them for a moment.
“What did you talk about with Ryan today?” he asked.
“Just small talk.” She took a sip of coffee.
He didn’t press further.
…
That afternoon, Ryan drove Claire to wait for Emma outside the company building.
After Emma slid in, they headed to Hunter’s studio.
Claire rested her head on her shoulder and spread her hands, admiring her freshly done nails.
“How come your boss isn’t upset? I’ve borrowed Ryan for so many days?” Claire asked.
“Of course not. He arranged this specifically to gather intel,” Emma sneered.
“That’s not gathering intel—it’s called showing his love,” Ryan chuckled.
“I hear you always introduce people to great matches. Is there anyone suitable for me, Ryan?” Claire asked.
“That’s easy enough.” He smiled.
⸻
The car pulled up to the studio entrance.
As soon as they got out, a commotion erupted from inside.
Emma looked toward the noise.
A man, in his forties or fifties, was dragging Hunter out while shouting furiously. Two men in suits stood nearby.
Emma hurried over.
“I’ll have this place shut down tomorrow!”
“You dare! You’re getting too bold!”
“Let’s see!”