Mandy's eyes briefly sparkled with a sharp gleam, a sign of her quick wit. She thought to herself, this man seemed easygoing, but he was surprisingly observant and not easily deceived.
However, she had already prepared an excuse.
When she looked up again, all traces of calculation had vanished from her gaze, and she once again appeared as the innocent college student she was so good at portraying.
“I couldn’t find you this morning,” she said sweetly, “so I came to the bar hoping I might run into you here.”
Liam rummaged through his chaotic thoughts, suddenly recalling that he had indeed passed by the Cresthaven Institute of Technology earlier that day. At the time, he had been so furious over the Linwoods affair that he’d completely forgotten his promise to her.
Realizing this, his suspicion faded, and he nodded. “Oh, I see.”
Attempting to rise, he found his legs weak and struggled to no avail.
Mandy quickly offered, “Let me help you.”
Liam glanced at her, noticing her clear eyes and the sincere effort as she helped him up. He couldn’t help but smile slightly, thinking she seemed quite innocent.
Mandy pretended not to notice his faint smile and acted as if she were struggling to support him, helping Liam to his feet.
Liam was still unsteady on his feet, leaning heavily on her for support. Driving was clearly out of the question for him.
“Can you drive?” he asked.
Mandy hesitated but nodded, “Yes, I can.”
Liam fished the car keys out of his pocket and handed them to her. “I’ll need you to drive me home tonight.”
Mandy took the keys, a flicker of cunning passing through her eyes before she quickly masked it.
Supporting Liam, she guided him to the car, carefully helping him into the back seat, and then shut the door.
As she turned, she raised her eyebrows slightly, a satisfied smirk playing on her lips.
Liam slumped against the seat, eyes closed, exhaustion overtaking him completely.
He mumbled his address, barely coherent, before drifting into a deep sleep.
Starting the car, Mandy shifted gears and accelerated out of the parking lot, the car speeding through the vibrant nightscape of Cresthaven.
They entered the affluent district of Cresthaven’s city center, the gleaming lights reflecting off the sleek buildings.
Upon reaching their destination, Mandy helped the inebriated Liam to his doorstep. After unlocking the door with his fingerprint, they stepped into the spacious apartment.
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