Chapter 23: Just a Novelty 

Mark paused.“Wait, you said who took care of you 

last night?” 

“Riley. Who else?” 

(税込) 

“Wasn’t it your new girlfriend? I called her last night.” 

At the mention of Ava, Jake’s face darkened. He hadn’t expected Ava to lie to him. He’d been too kind. He decided to give her the cold shoulder for a few days; if that didn’t work, he’d break up with her. He never intended anything long–term anyway; she was just a novelty. He hadn’t expected her to 

to be so bold, to try to deceive him right under his nose. 

Riley headed straight for the Fowler Corporation building, her bag heavy with food. After checking in at reception, the receptionist smiled.“Ms. Aldrin, this way, please.” She led Riley to a private elevator. After inputting the floor, the receptionist said politely, “Mr. Fowler is waiting for you in his office. The elevator goes straight there.” 

“Thank you.” 

The elevator stopped on the 29th floor. Liam was waiting by the doors. Riley was surprised.“Are you going down?” 

Liam shook his head, stepping forward to naturally take the bag from her. She realized he’d en waiting. 

It was her first time in Liam’s office.“Is this your office?” 

Liam sat at his desk, nodding curtly. Riley noticed his poor condition; dark circles underscored his eyes.“You didn’t get much sleep last night?” 

Liam nodded. His gaze fell on 

the food containers.“You brought this for me?” 

Riley nodded.“Someone said they weren’t familiar with the area.” She opened the containers, revealing the food: stir–fried beef with celery, seaweed and pork rib soup, and a small box of dessert. 

Liam raised an eyebrow.“An ‘I love you‘ lunch?” 

Riley hesitated, pushing the containers closer.“Try it. The food here is good, especially the soup It’s really flavorful.” 

Liam looked up.“You’ve tried it?” 

Riley nodded. “It was delicious, so I got it for you.” She watched him expectantly, 

Liam picked up his chopsticks, taking a bite of beef. Riley waited, her gaze hopeful.“How is it?” 

Liam swallowed, nodding.“Okay.” 

Riley pouted;“Okay” meant he wasn’t impressed. Liam was notoriously picky; he’d been difficult about food even as a child. 

A Persistently, she gestured to the soup.“Try this?” 

Liam hesitated, then took a sip. 

“Sp?” 

am nodded again. 

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Chapter 23. Just a Novelty 

Rifey relaxed.“Eat more; you said you skipped breakfast.” Liam looked at the food, then nodded slightly. 

Riley stood, offering him another bag.“This is for you.” 

Liam looked at it questioningly. “What’s this?” 

“Your scarf. I washed and dried it.” 

Menu 

‘Liam put down his chopsticks.“So you came here just to give me my scarf back?” 

Riley nodded. 

Disappointment flickered across his face.“Leave it.” 

After putting down the bag, Riley smiled.“I’ll then. Make sure you 

go 

finish 

your 

lunch.” 

“Let me walk you out?” 

Riley shook her head.“No, you work. It’s your first day; make a good impression.” She waved and left his office. 

As soon as she was gone, Liam grabbed his phone and called Peter. 

“Get to the office, now.” 

Peter hesitated.“Liam, what’s wrong? You sound terrible.” 

“Get here and take me to the hospital.” 

9 

Riley reached the lobby. The receptionist greeted her.“Ms. Aldrin, are you leaving 

Riley smiled and nodded. 

Outside, snow began to fall. She walked towards the subway station, her phone ringing. It was Chloe. 

“Riley, come quick, come quick…” 

Chloe’s panicked words were barely coherent. Riley finally understood: After leaving the restaurant, Noah had driven them home. Due to rush–hour traffic, Chloe had complained about Noah’s choice of motorcycle over car. Noah had grumbled the whole way, displaying classic road rage. Chloe had asked him to stop, but he’d sped up, eventually colliding with a luxury car. Both of them were now in the hospital. 

Riley arrived to find Chloe in bed, her leg in a cast. 

“Wan Wan, are you okay?” 

Chloe sobbed, clinging to 

Riley.“Riley, 

it was SO dangerous, 

SO 

scary!” 

“It’s okay now, it’s okay.” Riley comforted her. 

But Chloe continued to cry. Riley understood. Chloe, a pampered heiress, had never experienced anything like this. 

Wan Wan, stop crying.” 

Chloe sniffed.“My leg hurts so much. I thought I’d be crippled!” 

“Don’t talk nonsense. Where’s your boyfriend?” 

Mentioning Noah made Chloe even angrier.“He’s awful! He ran away after the accident. I’m 

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Chapter 23: Just a Novelty 

breaking up with him.” 

“Why would he run?” 

Chloe sniffed.“Why? Because he’s worried about paying! The car he hit cost over ten million.” 

The door opened, and two police officers entered, questioning Chloe. Because Chloe had violated traffic laws, she was at fault. The exact compensation would depend on the repair estimate. Riley hadn’t expected it to be this serious.“Wan Wan, have you contacted the car owner?” 

Chloe shook her head.“No, I woke up here.” 

“Then how do you know your boyfriend ran away?” 

“I can’t reach him by phone! What else would he be doing? I was wrong about him.” 

Riley was puzzled. Even if she had to pay millions, it shouldn’t be a big deal for Chloe. Why Would Noah run? 

ould 

Seeing Chloe’s swollen eyes, Riley suspected she still cared for him. 

“Wan Wan, maybe it’s a misunderstanding?” 

Chloe scoffed.“Misunderstanding my ass! I’ll call him now.” She dialed Noah’s number.