Chapter 5: Are You Bullying a Girl?
Riley froze, her mind reeling. She couldn’t hear the chatter around her, only staring at the man. He was wearing a black shirt, his suit jacket casually draped over his arm. His slightly longer hair, compared to the shorter cut from five years ago, made him look more mature, angular and aloof, The overhead lights cast a long shadow, stretching until he stood before her.
The moment their eyes met, tears welled up in Riley’s eyes. Ava’s taunts, Jake’s mistrust – none of it had bothered her. For five years, she’d lived like an emotionless machine. But the moment she saw him again, her vision blurred with tears. She bit her lip, stubbornly holding them back, yet her body trembled uncontrollably. Her gaze swept over his features, finally resting on the mole beneath his eye.
Liam. It was Liam. The face that had haunted her dreams countless times, even the mole under his eye. He wasn’t dead. He was back. Her prayers had finally been answered.
A single tear escaped.
Jake, who was supporting Ava, lost his earlier arrogance. He mumbled, “Liam.”
Liam said casually, “Since when are we close enough for you to call me by my first name?”
Jake’s face tightened. Before he could speak, Liam continued, “So, this isn’t a meeting. Aren’t you bullying a girl? Impressive.”
Jake panicked, waving his hands.“No, no one’s bullying her.”
Liam’s languid “Oh” hung in the air.“Then what are you doing?”
Jake grew anxious.“Just stay out of this.”
Liam scoffed.“While I’m not a saint, I can’t stand by while a girl gets bullied.” He glanced at Ava, his disgust evident.
“Mr. Perry, the woman in your arms doesn’t look like my sister. When did she get plastic surgery?”
Jake froze. The guests didn’t understand, but Jake knew. Liam was referring to his young sister, Anna Fowler. The Perrys had been trying to arrange a marriage between him and Anna.
Before Jake could answer, Liam continued, “Wait a minute… I met my sister this morning. So… Perry, you’re a bully and a cheater?”
The room fell silent. Guests looked at each other, their expressions varying. Everyone knew Liam Fowler, the ninth son of the richest family, was ruthless and unforgiving. As the spoiled youngest son, he had taken pleasure in bullying since he was a child.
No one expected that he’d become a champion of justice who would stand up for a girl after years abroad. He would definitely look down his nose at all the things Jake had done. If Jake had really cheated on Anna, he’d be in deep trouble with the Fowlers.
Jake, familiar with Liam’s character, hastily explained, “No, Anna and I haven’t even met.” He glanced at Riley.
Liam casually looked at Riley. Her eyelashes were fluttering, her eyes still red. He subtly shifted his gaze.
“Got it,” Liam said languidly.“Perry, your judgment in women is terrible.” Everyone’s eyes shifted to Ava. She looked distraught and started to
Pake…”
cry.
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Chapter 5: Are You Bullying a Girl?
Mare
Jake reacted and impatiently pushed her away.“So, you were trying to frame Riley?
Ava sobbed.“I… I didn’t mean to. I… I love you so much.” Her family was working–class, and she’d do anything to keep Jake.
Jake turned to Riley.“Riley, this is a misunderstanding. Ava was just insecure.” Liam interrupted, “That’s it? If I wasn’t here, you’d definitely kick her ass. You want to sweep under the rug with a ‘misunderstanding‘?”
Jake was annoyed but dared not mess with Liam.
“What do you want then?”
“Didn’t you just ask her to apologize?”
it
Jake looked at Ava, who was still crying. She had intended to humiliate Riley, only to be humiliated herself. She was resentful but didn’t dare show it. Tears streamed down her face as she said, “Riley, I’m sorry.”
Riley, who was still looking at Liam, was startled. Liam lowered his gaze, meeting hers. A faint smile played on his lips.
“What are you looking at? Someone’s apologizing to you.”
Riley looked at Ava, saying coldly,“I’m not part of your relationship drama. Don’t drag me into it.”
Jake glared at Riley and left with Ava. The guests dispersed, leaving only Liam and Riley.
Riley, fighting back tears, softly called his name.
“Li…Liam.” Even with him standing before her, she was afraid of scaring him away. Liam looked at her, his eyes softening.
“It’s been a long time.”
Riley stared at him, her mind racing. Why was Liam, who had died five years ago, still alive? And why hadn’t he contacted her all these years? The questions caught in her throat, making her cry A man behind Liam, who’d been watching this, saw Riley’s tears.“Liam, what are you doing? Don’t bully that girl!” He walked towards Riley, jokingly saying, “Hey, beautiful lady, Liam’s cold and heartless. If you want to pay him back, why not marry me instead? I’m not any worse than he is.”
Riley looked up and rejected him outright.
“No.”
Peter didn’t know what to say. She was pretty devoted, wasn’t she?
He nudged Liam.“Liam, come clean. When did you hook up with this beautiful girl?”
