Chapter 168
As she was fluent in German and English, Diana's main responsibility included handling investment cases in international markets. She quickly emailed the completed investment proposal to Liam, printed and bound a copy, and heaved a sigh of relief. Glancing towards Liam's office, she intended to deliver the proposal in person.
The doors to Liam's office were double-sized, with one of them wide open. But after only a few steps, remembering the alcohol she'd consumed, she feared her scent might still be too strong. Diana turned back, left the paperwork on her desk, and hurried into the restroom.
In the restroom, she rinsed her mouth frantically and splashed water on her face repeatedly, hoping to mitigate the telltale odor of alcohol.
About four or five minutes later, she dabbed her face dry with a tissue and reapplied her lipstick before she headed out, clutching the proposal as she made her way to Liam's office.
"Knock, knock..."
"Come in."
Diana took another deep breath as she was granted permission, and walked over to where Liam was sitting at his desk, his head bowed in deep concentration on his work.
"Liam, here's the investment proposal for Global Shopper," Diana said, holding out the documents with a respectful gesture as she approached Liam's desk.
Liam, who had been engrossed in a file, furrowed his handsome brows noticeably as Diana neared. As he looked up, their gazes locked in a momentary silent exchange.
Noting her unusually reddened face and the slight haze in her eyes, Liam was almost certain she had a bit too much to drink.
"If you're not feeling well, you can clock out early and go home to rest." With just one glance at Diana, Liam avoided further eye contact, casually accepting the paperwork from her hands without directly addressing the fact that she had been drinking.
In all honesty, given that Diana was one of Teresa's close friends, he felt a measure of leniency and concern for her that others might not receive.
Standing there in her high heels, Diana seemed to sway a bit, possibly drunk, her balance precarious, but her mind clear enough to catch the meaning in Liam's words. She bit her lip apologetically, "I'm sorry, Liam, I shouldn't have had a drink at lunch."
"Were you drinking with Teresa?" Liam asked nonchalantly, his head down, eyes on the documents.
"No, it was with Hayden. She was feeling down, so I kept her company," Diana replied honestly.
Teresa hadn't drunk.
Liam had assumed it was Teresa who was upset and had taken Diana out for a drink, but it seemed he had been wrong.
Of course, Gabriel was so smitten with Teresa, what could possibly go wrong with such a lovey-dovey relationship to warrant her going out for drinks to cool off?
"Okay, you're free to go," Liam said indifferently, nodding slightly, his emotions unreadable.
"Alright." After a final lingering look at Liam, who was immersed in his work, Diana turned to leave.
"Ah!"
Clearly, she was indeed drunk. Only a few steps away, Diana's heel wobbled, and with a startled cry, she toppled to the side, crashing to the ground with a dull thud.
The sound made Liam look up sharply, and although his first instinct was to rush over and catch her, it was too late.
Crashing to the floor with a thump, Diana could only feel the pain from the bottom. Her eyebrows knotted tightly, tears welling up in her eyes, and with the alcohol fueling her unsteadiness, she found herself unable to get up.
After sitting dazed on the ground for a few seconds, as the sharpness of the pain began to fade, she tried to plant her palms on the floor to push herself upright. But it was at this moment that a pair of strong arms reached out, effortlessly lifting her up.
Surprised, Diana looked up to see Liam's handsome face just inches away.
Maybe it was the alcohol's full effect hitting her, but her mind began to blur. Fixated on the face she adored, she reached out, wrapped her arms around his neck, and in a whispered breath that carried a hint of sake's allure, she murmured, "Liam."
The way she said 'Liam' was soft and seductive, sending a shiver down his spine. He lifted his eyes to her.
Her cheeks were flushed a beautiful shade, her eyes shimmering, soul-stirring, and her slightly parted lips seemed to be inviting him. The fragrance of her breath was nothing less than tantalizing.
"Are you alright?" Liam's voice grew husky.
"Liam," she answered, her voice even softer and her smiling expression even more enchanting. "Liam, I’ve had feelings for you..."
"Diana, say that again." he urged, enchanted by her words.
"Heh... Liam," Diana was truly intoxicated, not by the drink, but by Liam's nearness and tenderness. Boldly, she leaned in and kissed his chin, "I’ve had feelings for you... for a very long..."
