Chapter 32

In his office, Liam was buried in paperwork when the sound of the door creaking open drew his attention.

Without looking up, he asked, "Did you get a hold of Campbell Group's project lead?"

"Mr.Graham, Tricia is in the lounge."

Liam raised his head to see Felicia standing in the doorway.

His brow furrowed. "Did she finish her task? Why is she in the lounge?"

Felicia shifted awkwardly, clearly conflicted.

"Speak," Liam ordered, his voice sharp.

After a pause, Felicia said, "We ran into your wife downstairs at the cafe. She seemed upset with Tricia.She threw coffee on her."

Liam didn't wait for more. He strode out, heading straight for the lounge.

Inside, Tricia was trying to clean herself up, blotting at the coffee stains on her white blouse.Her shirt was slightly open, black lace peeking out beneath the fabric.

The moment Liam entered, his eyes were drawn to the skin exposed beneath the drenched shirt.

He loosened his tie and took a breath to suppress the heat rising in his chest.

Tricia quickly turned her back, tugging her shirt closed. Her voice trembled with barely held tears.′′Mr.Graham,why are you here?"

He ignored her question. "Did you see Kayla?"

Tricia nodded.

"What did you say?" e some issues with me."

Liam stepped closer, taking in her disheveled appearance-her damp hair, smudged makeup, and the large coffee stain on her white shirt. "Was this her doing?" he asked.

Tears welled up in Tricia's eyes, though she tried to appear strong. "She accused me of seducing you and even called you a scumbag. I understand if she doesn't like me. It's fine; I'll keep my distance from her in the future."

Oddly enough, Liam felt a trace of satisfaction stir in his chest. If Kayla was so angry-angry enough to lash out and throw coffee at Tricia-then that must mean she still cared.

She still loved him. The thought eased some of the frustration that had been festering within him lately.

"Next time, don't provoke her. Stay out of her way.Understand?"

Tricia kept her gaze down, hiding the resentment in her eyes. "Yes."

He removed his jacket and draped it over her shoulders. "Go home and rest. Come back tomorrow."

He turned to leave, but shé caught his wrist.

Her voice was soft, trembling with desperation. "The power and water are out at my apartment. May I stay at your place tonight?"

Liam paused, torn. He wanted to refuse, but Kayla hadn't been home in days. She'd clearly moved out.

It was just one night. It wouldn't hurt.

"Come to my office later. I'll give you the key."

Tricia's face lit up. "Thank you."

At the care facility, Kayla had just finished a walk with Marsha when her phone rang. It was Archie.

"Kayla, have you made your decision?" he asked. Kayla helped Marsha settle at the table before answering, "I have one condition."

Archie was unfazed. "I'm listening."

She glanced back at her grandmother and lowered her voice. "Give me one month. Pl land the projects you're targeting.If I succeed, I want Cooper Group returned to me."

There was a brief pause. "You're saying you'll only work for a month?" he asked.

"My grandmother's health is deteriorating. I can't commit long-term. Call this a trial."

After a brief silence, Archie agreed. "Deal. After one month, the choice will be yours."

The call ended.

Kayla returned to Marsha, who was watching her curiously.

"Kayla, why hasn't Liam come by lately?"

Even with her fading memory, Marsha still remembered Liam's name.

Kayla's face stayed composed. "He's been busy. But I'll be here from now on.I promise."

The next day, Kayla visited Newton Group to sign her contract. By the time everything was finalized,it was nearly noon.

Archie handed her an envelope. "We're hosting a business gala tonight. It'll be a good chance for you to get to know our network."

Kayla accepted the invitation with a polite nod. "Thank you."

The evening came quickly. The venue buzzed with industry elites, all dressed to impress.

Kayla kept her look simple-a blue evening gown, soft curls, and modest heels. Archie's car dropped her off at the front entrance.

Just as she stepped out, she saw Jeremy and Dewitt arriving together.

Archie exchanged polite nods with Jeremy. As business partners, they kept things civil. Kayla, however, instinctively shifted behind Archie, hoping to avoid Jeremy's gaze.

But Jeremy didn't so much as glance at her. He walked past without a word.

Dewitt, of course, noticed everything. He grinned, eyes gleaming with mischief. "I didn't expect you to be Archie's date tonight."

Archie answered coolly, "Kayla has joined Newton Group. She's part of the team now."

"Is that so?" Dewitt said, his gaze lingering on Kayla a little too long before following Jeremy inside.

Kayla felt her stomach twist. Dewitt's look had been loaded-curióus, amused, maybe even speculative.

Archie gently prompted, "Shall we?"

She nodded and followed him in, lifting the hem of her dress as they entered the grand ballroom.

Inside, Dewitt leaned close to Jeremy. "Your nephew's wife is working for Archie now. Looks like she's serious about cutting ties with Liam."

Jeremy's eyes briefly followed Kayla's figure-poised, elegant, completely untouchable. His voice was flat."What does that have to do with me?"

Dewitt chuckled, clapping him on the shoulder. "Isn't it obvious? This is your chance to steal her for yourself."