—
“Miss Walker, you have your driver. There’s no need for me to trouble myself,” he replied coolly.
Not giving up, she said, “Why don’t you come to my place? I have an excellent bottle of wine we could share.”
Livinus’s expression remained neutral. “Thank you for the offer, but I already have a bottle at home that I plan to enjoy tonight.”
His unwavering rejection left Walker Riley feeling humiliated. Men usually fell at her feet with just a crook of her finger. She was wealthy, famous, and considered a national goddess—yet Livinus treated her like she was no different from anyone else.
“Are you sure you won’t come?” she persisted, her voice soft and pleading. “You know I’m very obedient and won’t cause you any trouble. You should understand what I mean.”
The cold night air made Livinus’s long coat billow slightly as he stood outside, his sharp features frosty.
“Miss Walker, some things are inherently troublesome. Even if you promise not to cause any, the trouble still exists. I don’t like unnecessary complications in my life.”
Turning to her driver, he ordered, “Take Miss Walker home.”
As the car started to drive off, Walker Riley eaned out of the window, unwilling to give up. She noticed Livinus on the phone, his expression soft and gentle—completely different from the man she had just encountered.
Her heart sank. What kind of woman had captured his heart so completely that he wouldn’t even consider her advances? Even when she promised to keep their rendezvous a secret, he still refused.
Such a man was… so rare.
Walker Riley let out a bitter laugh. After a decade in the entertainment industry, she had longed for stability. Though she had never resorted to the casting couch, she had fought hard to rise in the industry. Her beauty had brought her opportunities, but now, at 35 (despite claiming to be in her early thirties), she yearned for a home. While her reputation made it possible for her to marry into a wealthy family, Livinus was clearly not a man she could manipulate.
They had underestimated men—this man was different.
—
Livinus had a late-night engagement. By the time he returned home, Sophia was already asleep.
She was deep in slumber, and he didn’t disturb her, simply pulling her into his arms and holding her through the night.
However, the next morning, the internet was abuzz with rumors involving him and Walker Riley .
It started with a post from a person, a paparazzo known as the “ethics committee” of the entertainment industry, who shared some blurry photos.
Enzo cryptically added clues, hinting that a top-tier actress had fallen for a billionaire CEO. This actress, he described, had started her career playing supporting roles and was known for her seductive beauty. She had many rumored romances but had never confirmed any. The CEO, meanwhile, was none other than a famous business magnate, the head of a prestigious company, and a “golden bachelor” who had no personal social media presence.
The hints were too obvious, and fans quickly deduced the identities of both people. Comparing Livinus’s photos to the man in the leaked images, they confirmed it was him.
Social media exploded.
The photos showed Livinus and Walker Riley behaving ambiguously as they exited a hotel, with him personally escorting her to a car. The scene naturally led to speculation.
– *”My goddess is in love? Congratulations! Livinus is handsome and wealthy; she has great taste.”*
– “Wait, doesn’t Livinus already have a girlfriend?”*
– *”Didn’t they just attend the Scott Corporation annual gala together? Everyone online was praising his loyalty. And now this? What’s going on with Walker Riley ?”
– “Walker Riley isn’t worthy of him! He’s hardworking, decent, and has no scandals. He only cares about money—how could she be a match?”
– *”Can anyone find out who Livinus’s girlfriend is?”*
Scott Corporation’s public relations team was in a frenzy. Their boss was paying them a hefty salary, and yet they had let him fall prey to tabloid gossip.
“President,” the PR director entered his office hesitantly, holding a document. “This is our proposed response plan. Please review it and let us know if you’d like to add anything.”
Livinus glanced at the proposal, then tossed it onto the desk without a word.
He continued writing, his indifferent demeanor leaving the team anxious and confused.
“President…”
“Ignore it,” he said flatly.
“Ignore it?” The PR director was stunned, doubting if he had heard correctly. “But this rumor could damage your reputation…”
“Follow my instructions.”
“Understood.”
Once the team left, Livinus leaned back, his brows furrowed as he gazed out the window.
—
Meanwhile, at Sophia’s clinic, patients were buzzing about the news.
“Did you see the gossip on Instagram? Walker Riley is dating the head of Scott Corporation!”
“Really?”
