Chapter 79
“You were responsible for the upgrades,” Izzy said. She looked at the view of Macau from the deck as she felt Liam approaching from behind. She thought the flight upgrades were simply a part of her perks as a VVIP member. Then the hotel was simply her being lucky. It turns out, it was him.
This means that she wasn’t hallucinating about him too! He might just be on the plane with her! She simply didn’t notice him!
When she didn’t hear an answer, she took a deep breath and focused on the view before them.
The view from the deck was breathtaking. Below them, the city of Macau sparkled like jewels under the evening sky. Neon signs and golden lights from the casinos reflected off the water,ving the horizon an almost otherworldly glow.
Farther out, the iconic Macau Tower stood tall, its spire reaching into the sky like a silent sentinel. The faint hum of life below was muted by the crisp chill in the air, sharp enough to bring color to Izzy’s cheeks.
As the wind picked up, she instinctively pulled her blazer tighter around her. Behind her, Liam approached, his steps silent. Without a word, he draped his coat over her shoulders. The heavy fabric carried his warmth. She stiffened for a moment, caught off guard by the gesture.
Izzy glanced at him. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
Liam’s lips twitched, the hint of a smile playing on them. He leaned on the railing beside her, his hands resting lightly against the cold metal. “It was meant to be a surprise,” he said, his eyes flicking to the cityscape below. “And I didn’t think you’d appreciate the drama that came with it.”
Izzy turned back to the view, her hands gripping the railing as she processed his words. He must be talking about Calen and his family.
The cold wind bit at her ears, but the warmth of his coat kept her from shivering. “Are you really planning to work with the Weiss family?” she asked, her voice more tired than accusing. Calen had always viewed Liam as a rival–not because of Liam’s family connections, but because Liam had built his company without relying on his family name.
Calen had often grumbled about Liam’s so–called ‘arrogance. Izzy never imagined Liam would actually team up with Calen and his father’s company.
What was this man really up to?
Liam was silent for a moment. For some reason, a part of her expected him to say something that would once again upset her–something irritating and childish. Instead, he said, “I just want to work together with you.”
She let out a soft sigh, her gaze drifting over the shimmering expanse of the city below. This wasn’t how she had envisioned the project unfolding. Liam’s unexpected involvement had unsettled her plans, but there was no denying the reality of the moment. “This is… unexpected,” she admitted, a faint, bittersweet smile tugging at her lips as she glanced back at him. “But what choice do I have?”
The decision had clearly been made, likely long before she’d been informed. She briefly wondered how he had managed to secure the government’s approval–what strings he had pulled to make it happen but dismissed the thought. Whatever his methods, it wasn’t her concern anymore.
Her hand lifted, hovering for a moment before she held it out to him. “To a happy cooperation, Mr. Horvath.”
Liam looked at her hand, his expression unreadable for a beat. Then he reached out, but instead of shaking her hand, he took it gently and raised it to his lips. His eyes locked with hers as he pressed a light kiss to the back of her hand.
The unexpected action made her eyes widen slightly. She pulled her hand back, her cheeks tinged with a faint flush. “That wasn’t necessary,” she muttered, brushing the moment off as she turned toward the view again.
1/2
Chapter 79
But behind her, Liam smiled a quiet, private smile as the city lights twinkled around them.
“Miss Rossi… I have been looking for you.”
The two of them turned toward the door to find Miss Johnson standing there. Izzy’s gaze flicked to Liam, who merely gave a nonchalant shrug in response. What was this woman doing here Izzy couldn’t help but wonder. Pamella had to know by now that Calen had cheated and that she and Calen were no longer together. If Pamella was so eager to take Calen for herself, shouldn’t she be downstairs, seizing the opportunity to be by his side?
“May I know why Miss Johnson is looking for me?” Izzy asked as her eyes lingered on Pamella
But Pamella’s attention wasn’t on her. Her gaze shifted to Liam. beautiful smile bloomed across her face. “Mr. Horvath, what a pleasant surprise. It’s nice to see you again,” she said, extending her hand toward him. “My father speaks highly of you.”
“Miss Johnson.” Liam gave her a brief nod, completely disregarding the hand she had extended. The smile on Pamella’s face faltered, her expression stiffening at the unexpected slight. Even Izzy couldn’t hide her surprise. Pamella’s father was a prominent businessman, and it was hard to believe this was the first time Liam and Pamella had crossed paths.
What was he doing? Was he deliberately choosing not to acknowledge the Johnson family’s influence?
“Well…” Miss Johnson awkwardly pulled her hand back. She turned toward Izzy. “I came to congratulate you on winning the bid. Although, I wasn’t expecting this…”
“You didn’t expect what?” Izzy asked. Pamella was still holding a glass of champagne despite already looking drunk. “You and Mr. Horvath, of course,” Pamella smirked. “Considering Mr. Weiss has been looking for you downstairs.” Izzy’s lips curled into a pleasant smile, her expression calm as she regarded Pamella. “Oh, I didn’t know you loved these kinds of situations, Miss Johnson,” she said, her tone polite but pointed. “Thank you for letting me know.”
Pamella’s face stiffened, her polished demeanor faltering for a moment as she processed the jab. The smile she had been holding onto wavered. Her grip on the champagne glass tightened. “Letting you know what? What do you mean by that?” she demanded, her eyes narrowing as she glared at Izzy.
Izzy didn’t answer. Instead, her smile deepened, remaining as cool and composed as ever. She shifted her attention to Liam, who stood silently observing the exchange. Without giving Pamella the satisfaction of a response, Izzy reached out, her fingers brushing against Liam’s arm. She tugged him gently but firmly.
“Shall we?” she asked, not waiting for an answer as she turned and began walking toward the door, Liam falling in step beside her.
7
Pamella stood frozen in place, her expression darkening as she watched them leave. “Hey! What do you mean by that!?” Sadly, the only answer she received was the sharp, clipped sound of Izzy’s heels as she walked away.
SEND GIFT
