“Yeah, with a few senior executives and some leaders from other companies,” he replied, pausing briefly before adding, “It’s not a family-included event, so I won’t bring you along.”
Sophia chuckled. She hadn’t planned on going anyway.
The evening banquet was hosted by a few prominent business leaders within their circle. After some polite exchanges and small talk, Livinus found his seat. A while later, Wilson Mark entered, accompanied by a well-known actress.
Joanna frowned as soon as the woman entered and whispered to Felix,
“What’s going on? Why is she here?”
Felix tugged at her sleeve, keeping a polite smile as he watched Wilson Mark , but said under his breath,
“Shut up!”
“Shut up? That Walker Riley is definitely up to no good,” Joanna grumbled.
The presence of Walker Riley , Wilson Mark’s female companion, surprised everyone. Such gatherings typically had an unspoken rule—no significant others were brought along, let alone someone who wasn’t even a spouse.
Walker Riley was an actress under Wilson Mark’s company. Though she had been in the industry for quite some time, she was now in her early thirties and remarkably well-maintained. At this age, she exuded a mature charm, a combination of sophistication and allure that made her irresistible to men. Her every move seemed calculated to enchant and captivate.
“Well, Wilson Mark , who’s the beauty? Aren’t you going to introduce us?” someone joked.
“Indeed, Wilson Mark , you’re lucky. Miss Walker looks even more stunning in person than on TV,” another chimed in.
Wilson Mark greeted everyone with a smile, but he soon noticed that Livinus’s expression remained indifferent, showing no sign of interest in Walker Riley . This left Wilson Mark uncertain.
Initially, he hadn’t planned to bring Walker Riley along. But when she heard about the gathering and learned that Livinus would be attending, she insisted on coming. When Wilson Mark questions her, she vaguely hinted that she and Livinus have some history together. She even suggested that she might rekindle something with him. Wilson Mark, thinking that it could benefit his company if Walker Riley could get closer to Livinus, decided to let her tag along. However, to his surprise, Livinus hadn’t given her even a second glance.
After all, for someone like Livinus, investing in a film or TV series was trivial. A relationship with Walker Riley would have seemed mutually beneficial.
Walker Riley was the epitome of sultry beauty—bright red lips, pale skin, and dark hair. She was the center of attention wherever she went, leaving men completely enamored. Yet, Livinus showed no reaction.
“President, it’s been a while,” Walker Riley said, smiling delicately and learning slightly toward him.
Most men would have played along in such a situation. After all, to them, harmlessly enjoying a little flirtation wasn’t a big deal—especially when it was offered so willingly. But to everyone’s shock, Livinus blatantly avoided her.
His avoidance wasn’t subtle but conspicuous enough to cause awkwardness.
Walker Riley ’s face fell, and an older executive quickly stepped in to lighten the mood. Wilson Mark , pretending to scold her, said,
“Come on, sit over here! Haven’t you watched the news? President has a girlfriend—he even brought her to the company’s annual gala.”
The other executives quickly shifted the conversation.
“I saw the video, but I haven’t met President’s girlfriend yet.”
“Neither have I. From the video, she looks tall and beautiful.”
“Whoever captured President’s heart must be extraordinary!”
Walker Riley fumed inwardly, frustrated by Livinus’s lack of interest. In her years in the entertainment industry, she had grown used to men falling over themselves for her. So many powerful executives had pursued her, but she had ignored them all. She had set her sights on Livinus. They had attended an event together before, and she had made subtle advances, yet he acted as if he were blind, never sparing her a glance. She refused to believe that any man could resist temptation.
During the dinner, Walker Riley deliberately toasted Livinus several times. However, his attitude remained cold and indifferent, treating her no differently than the older male executives at the table. Her stunning looks and alluring demeanor didn’t seem to interest him at all.
This only fueled Walker Riley’s determination. As the dinner ended, most of the guests left, intentionally leaving Livinus and Walker Riley alone to “create an opportunity” for them.
“President,” Walker Riley said softly. Her cheeks were flushed from the alcohol, and her eyes sparkled seductively. With her naturally alluring features enhanced by the wine, she exuded an irresistible charm.
“Miss Walker,” Livinus said coldly, his lips pressed into a thin line. “Where’s your driver? Let me escort you to your car.”
He was purely acting out of gentlemanly concern. If a female guest got drunk and something happened to her, it wouldn’t sit well with him.
But Walker Riley interpreted his words differently. To her, this was a sign of interest—a test, perhaps.
She got into the car and tried to pull Livinus inside with her, but he immediately pushed her away.
She stared at him in shock. “President, aren’t you taking me home?”
