Chapter 34

Liam pressed his lips against Kayla's ear and murmured without a hint of shame,"Just play along, will you?|need to discuss business with Mr. Campbell."

Kayla shot him a look of pure disbelief. "And why would I do you that favor?"

Even now, he couldn't stop using her.

Instead of backing off, Liam pulled her closer until there was barely any space between them.

His voice dropped to a hushed murmur."lntroduce me to Mr. Campbell. If I can close a deal with him tonight, I'll agree to any one condition you name."

Kayla arched an eyebrow, not missing a beat. "Even a divorce?"

Liam's jaw tensed. For a moment, he looked ready to argue, but then, he nodded. "Yes. Even that."

A cold, cynical laugh slipped from Kayla's lips. "Afte everything, you think I'd actually buy that?"

Liam faltered, then tried again, his tone gentling, almost coaxing. "Kayla, Perennia Group is ours-something we built together from scratch. All this success,it should mean something to both of us. Even if you're not in charge anymore, we're still married. We're still a team."

Kayla had heard it all before. Empty promises, recycled assurances-none of it moved her anymore.

From a distance, the pair looked like a couple sharing a tender moment, locked in each other's arms,their closeness painting a perfect illusion for anyone watching.

Jeremy watched the entire exchange from across the room, swirling his wine with an air of detached interest.

Standing beside him, Edwin glanced at his boss before commenting."Looks like Kayla and Liam have patched things up." "Stay out of it!" Jeremy snapped, then pivoted and strode off.

Edwin stayed behind, his brow furrowed in confusion. What was Jeremy thinking when he told him that?

if it wasn't his concern, why had Jeremy been staring at Kayla for so long, ignoring everyone else who tried to greet him?

On the other side of the room, Liam wasted no time dragging Kayla into his schemes, eagerly drawing Zane into friendly banter.

"I have to say, your husband's quite the catch. You two look made for each other." Zane and his wife smiled at Kayla.

"Thank you. Kayla and I go way back-we were each other's first love. Five years together, and we've always been inseparable." As he spoke, Liam tried once more to pull Kayla into an embrace. But she nimbly sidestepped his arm, slipping just out of reach.

Liam laughed off her evasiveness without a trace of embarrassment.′′She′Sa little shy when it comes to public displays of affection."

The Campbell couple chuckled, convinced Kayla and Liam were the picture of marital bliss.

Liam seized the moment, eager to ingratiate himself."Mr.Campbell, why don't we head over there and have a real conversation?"

Watching the smug curve of Liam's lips, Kayla fought the urge to wipe that expression off his face.

Beneath his polished facade, he was a complete fraud, always performing for an audience.

Murmuring a polite excuse, Kayla slipped from the group and made her way toward the restroom.

As soon as the door closed behind her, she gripped the edge of the sink and drew a shaky breath.

Something in her body felt off, a subtle unease twisting in her stomach. Maybe it was the sliver of cake she'd nibbled on earlier.

She stared at her reflection in the mirror: delicate features, lips with a natural blush, teeth bright as pearls. But the eyes that met her gaze were clouded with uncertainty, a shadow of confusion flickering in their depths.

Liam would never agree to a divorce without a fight. How much longer would this exhausting battle drag on?

After collecting herself, Kayla smoothed her hair and stepped out of the restroom. As she crossed the garden, a familiar silhouette caught her eye-a lone figure seated in the pavilion ahead.

If she wanted to reach her destination, she would have to pass by.

Kayla faltered for a moment, uneasy about seeming impolite by not greeting him.

But before she could make up'her mind, a woman in a blush-pink dress strolled over to him.

Kayla froze mid-step and quietly slipped back into the shadows.

Zoe, curves accentuated by her designer dress and expensive handbag swinging from her wrist, greeted Jeremy with practiced charm.

Her tone was honeyed, her smile deliberately sweet. "Jeremy, I really appreciate you inviting me tonight.Everyone's been so welcoming. I've already made some new friends."

Jeremy looked her way, cool and unreadable, but he didn't rebuff her.

Thanks to Edwin's thorough investigation, he was nearly certan this woman was the same one from that night.

That alone compelled him to treat her with more consideration than usual.

When Zoe asked him to bring her to the banquet, Jeremy hadn't hesitated. He saw it as a matter of responsibility-something he couldn't shirk.

"There are plenty of people worth knowing here," he replied, his voice even but distant. "Networking's important."

Zoe spotted a bottle of wine on the table and moved closer, her movements fluid and calculated. "Thank you for this opportunity." As she poured him a glass, the deep V of her dress dipped, offering an unobstructed view of her delicate collarbones and the alluring line of her chest.

Aware of Jeremy's distaste for overpowering fragrances, Zoe had deliberately chosen a rose-scented bath earlier, leaving her skin with only the faintest trace of roses-a gentle, natural aroma that lingered softly in the air.

The subtle scent wrapped the space in a soothing warmth, barely noticeable, yet undeniably pleasant.

Yet when Jeremy showed no reaction at all, Zoe grew uneasy, worrying the scent might be too light. She subtly closed the distance between them,hoping he'd notice.

"There's really no need to lean in just to pour me a drink," Jeremy remarked, his tone calm but unmistakably distant.

Zoe drew back immediately, her eyes lowered in compliance. "I know you're always busy. That's why l treasure every moment I get to spend by your side."

Jeremy didn't answer, absently swirling the wine in his glass, his expression unreadable.

Sensing an opening, Zoe pressed on. "My parents have been hoping to invite you to dinner. They wanted to apologize for last time-when our meal got cut short so unexpectedly."

The previous dinner had ended poorly due to Kayla's unexpected arrival.

Zoe fidgeted anxiously, her heart thudding as she waited for Jeremy's answer.

After a few seconds of silence, he nodded. "You can set it up."

A bright smile broke across Zoe's face. "Thank you. My parents will be over the moon."

Nearby, Kayla caught every word. She couldn't help but sneer inwardly-Jeremy had completely fallen for Zoe's act, convinced she was the woman from that night. Zoe wasn't shy about seizing the opportunity; she and her mother really were experts when it came to manipulation.

While Kayla mulled it over, Jeremy's deep voice interrupted her thoughts. "Zoe, do you remember what happened that night?"

Zoe's fingers hesitated over the fruit she was peeling, a flicker of unease passing through her eyes."Why are you suddenly asking about that night?"

"You don't want to answer?" Jeremy's brow furrowed.

Zoe looked away, lowering her head as if bashful, her fingertips toying nervously with the hem of her dress."Oh,that night..."

Jeremy probed further, his gaze unwavering."Wat happened that night?"

Her face grew even redder. "You were so passionate that I could hardly walk the next day."