Chapter 1216

“Liam, isn’t the food here delightful? Let’s plan on coming here again, okay?” Ixia’s voice was tinged with excitement.

Blake’s eyes widened in surprise at the entrance upon seeing Liam and Ixia together.

With a gentle but firm motion, Liam eased Ixia’s hand off his arm, turning toward Blake. “Blake, what brings you here?” he inquired, his tone even.

Blake, momentarily flustered, darted at Ixia before averting Liam’s gaze. “I was dining with Ms.

Samford. I should leave now,” she said, her voice slightly strained.

“Blake,” Liam called out, following her retreating figure. On the other hand, Ixia, teetering in her high heels, cried out, “Liam, wait for me!”

Outside, Liam caught up with Blake, grasping her wrist decisively. “We need to talk,” he said, a serious undertone in his voice.

Ushering Blake into his car, Liam swiftly secured the seatbelt around her. Ixia, having caught up, knocked on the car door, exasperation clear in her voice, “Liam, you promised to dine with me. How can you just leave?”

Rolling down the window, Liam replied tersely, “Just take a cab home.

With that, he accelerated away. Ixia’s figure diminished in the rearview mirror, her frustration palpable.

Blake spoke up, a note of concern in her voice, “It wasn’t kind to leave her like that. I can manage on my own.”

Liam, glancing at her, wondered about the subdued tone in her voice.

He asked, “Are you coming back to work?”

She nodded, determination evident, “Yes, I have to return at some point. I won’t let anyone disrupt my life.”

Sensing her distraction, Liam filled the silence with music. He suggested, “Maybe we could grab a bite?”

“No, thank you. I’m not hungry.” Blake declined politely.

“Should we head back to the office then?” he offered.

“Yes, if you don’t mind,” she replied, maintaining a formal distance.

The rest of the drive was quiet. Liam, sensing the barrier between them, chose not to press further. Upon reaching the office, Blake’s silence was more pronounced than usual.

Inside, she immersed herself in work, sorting through documents and schedules. Liam, who had a dinner with some film executives scheduled, made a decision. He said, “Let’s cancel the dinner. We don’t need it.”

Blake, with the signed documents, nodded, “Okay. I’ll send them an email reply now.”

At his computer, Liam stole glances at Blake, who seemed deep in thought but undisturbed. Opening a file, he mentioned casually,” Running into Ixia was unplanned.”

Blake paused, meeting his gaze, “Mr. Xander, that’s your personal affair. You don’t owe me an explanation.”

After a moment’s pause, she added, somewhat awkwardly, “Liam, I presume the charade of me being your girlfriend isn’t necessary anymore, right? Or did I seem too distant at The Deli?”