Chapter 244
When she had listed Teresa as her emergency contact, she knew that in times of danger, Teresa would be there for her.
That’s the thing about having wealth, power, and influence.
Not only is everyone fond of you, but you can also get things done swiftly and efficiently. Things ordinary people wouldn’t dare dream about are just a matter of speaking the word for them.
“You’re foolish,” Teresa said, reaching out to hold Diana’s hand, her smile brightening, “foolish for wanting to hurt yourself over a man who doesn’t love you. But who hasn’t done something foolish? Just make sure it doesn’t happen again.”
Diana mirrored Teresa’s smile and nodded emphatically, “Yeah, don’t worry, I’ll never make the same mistake again.”
“Good,” Teresa responded with a decisive nod, “I’ll get someone to bring you some food. You need to get better fast, get back to looking fabulous, even more so than before.”
Watching Teresa, Diana just responded with a simple “okay,” and in that moment, she suddenly realized why Liam had moved on so quickly to Tessa.
It was not that Tessa had a similar name to Teresa’s, nor was it merely the fact that she was a student at River North University Language Academy. It wasn’t just her beauty or youth either. It was the way Tessa’s smile bore an uncanny resemblance to Teresa’s that hinted at the truth. Liam hadn’t let go of Teresa yet.
“Wait here. I’ll be right back.”
“Okay.”
...
Diana spent three days recovering in the hospital. Discharged early on a Monday morning, she returned to her apartment, applied light, elegant makeup, and dressed up before heading to the Evans Group that afternoon.
Nobody at the office knew about Diana and Liam’s situation except for Chuck. They assumed she’d been out with just a severe cold. Her colleagues greeted her warmly upon her return, and she responded with grace as if nothing had happened.
Upon hearing the bustle outside his office, Liam knew Diana had come back. He stood up and strode towards the entrance. Catching a glimpse of Diana, who was lively and engaging with coworkers, he breathed a sigh of relief.
Ever since Teresa had shown up at the office days ago, Liam hadn’t found peace of mind. He knew Diana had undergone an abortion and was staying at the hospital, yet he didn’t visit. He wanted Diana to let go of him completely.
His feelings for Diana were complex—beyond the scope of a simple superior-subordinate relationship, but they certainly weren’t crush or love.
Noticing a couple of scrutinizing gazes, Diana turned her head. When her eyes met Liam’s across the room, she feigned indifference with a lifted corner of her lips, her smile professional yet infused with a subtle feminine charm.
After exchanging a few words with her colleagues, she walked directly towards Liam.
“Liam,” she greeted with a light tone, smiling.
“You could’ve taken a few more days off,” Liam said, his face emotionless, revealing no sentiment.
Diana smiled thinly. “No need. I’m feeling quite well now, ready to be back at work.”
He nodded slightly and turned back into his office. Diana knew he had something to say, so she followed him inside.
Liam came to a halt in front of his desk, pulled open a drawer, and retrieved a platinum credit card. Turning to Diana, who had followed him into the office, his expression was unreadable as he handed it to her. “You can choose to resign. Here’s five million dollars as a severance package from me.”
Diana eyed the gleaming card in his hand but didn’t reach out to take it. Instead, she asked calmly, “Does this mean that if I stay, I won’t get the five million?”
“No, you’ll get it either way.”
She smiled gracefully at Liam, her demeanor poised and generous. “Then there’s no need. I’ll stay and continue to work for you, Liam.”
Liam regarded her, a flicker of surprise in his gaze.
“Oh, by the way, I forgot to return this to you last time. I hope it’s not too late to give it back now.” Diana said, pulling a blue diamond necklace from her pocket and extending it to him.
“No need to return it. If you like it, keep it,” Liam responded, his face emotionless as ever.
“When I first saw it, I loved it. But now, not at all. You should have it back, Liam. Give it to someone who deserves it,” Diana said, placing the necklace on his desk before turning to leave.
“Oh, and one more thing,” she added, pausing and turning back with a serene smile, “May I ask you one last personal question?”
“Go ahead.”
“When we were together, was it because I’m friends with Teresa and I smell like her?” Diana asked, still smiling, utterly composed.
After three years of sharing a space with Teresa in Jena, she had grown accustomed to using the same personal care products and had even adopted many of their dining and living habits.
“If that’s what you think, then sure,” Liam replied.
Perhaps Diana was right, but Liam wasn’t about to admit it in front of her. After all, he’d always wanted Teresa to be happy.
“All right, I understand. Thank you, Liam,” Diana said professionally, nodding and turning once more to leave.
Liam watched her exit. His gaze then fell upon the blue diamond necklace on his desk.
