Chapter 7

"Liam, why are you back in the country?"

In the high-end restaurant, I looked at Liam. I had no idea he was back.

"I was also a special guest at this competition, but my flight was delayed, so I arrived late."

Liam paused, looking at me, then continued. "Riley, are you really sure about coming back to work at the company?"

Seeing my slightly haggard appearance, Liam's heart ached.

"Yes," I nodded, then reached out to gently ruffle his hair.

"Don't worry, I won't be trying to take over the company from you. Just arrange for me to be a junior designer, where I can sketch my designs and create the clothes I love. All the management stuff and social obligations, those are still yours."

"That's not what I meant..."

Liam looked at me, his eyes showing a hint of hurt. He never thought I'd return to the company to fight for inheritance.

Even if it was for the company, if I asked, he'd hand it over without hesitation.

After all, the company should have originally been mine.

My parents had adopted him because they couldn't conceive.

Then, unexpectedly, they became pregnant with me.

He thought his parents would send him back, but they didn't; they wanted both children.

However, later, my parents' relationship fractured.

He went abroad with my father, and I took my mother's surname.

After that, they didn't see each other for many years.

A few years ago, his father passed away from illness, and he took over the company.

"By the way, how long are you staying this time?"

"I'm leaving tomorrow night. Riley, do you want to come back with me?"

Seeing Liam's expectant gaze, I nodded.

I had to leave sooner or later; whether it was a week from now or the day after tomorrow, the outcome would be the same.

After a pleasant dinner, Liam drove me back to my studio, then turned to deal with company matters.

Back at the studio, the moment I opened the door, a pungent smell of alcohol hit me, making me frown.

I switched on the light. Brandon was sitting on the sofa, holding a glass of whiskey, half-empty, and squinting at me.

"Who was he?"

Brandon's voice was cold, devoid of any discernible emotion.

He had seen it earlier—that man at the competition, bringing me back to the studio.

"None of your business."

Not wanting to deal with Brandon, I turned and walked into the smaller room of the studio.

Since I was leaving, I should probably pack my things.

"I asked you, who. was. he?"

Seeing me turn away and ignore him, Brandon stood up and strode to my front. But when he saw me packing my things, his pupils constricted.

"You're leaving? With him?"

Brandon gripped my wrist tightly, making me wince in pain.

"Who he is, or where I go, what does it have to do with you?"

I met Brandon's dark gaze. I had loved this man, but now, I no longer wanted to.

"I forbid you to leave."

With that, Brandon reached out and pressed down on my suitcase, his eyes filled with suppressed fury.

"Brandon Hayes, we're already divorced. Where I go is my freedom."

I tried to pry Brandon's hand off the suitcase, but his grip was too strong.

I couldn't move it no matter how hard I tried.

"Brandon Hayes, what exactly do you want?"

"I told you, I won't sign the divorce papers.

You're mine in life, and my ghost in death, Riley Maxwell.

You'll never escape my grasp in this lifetime."

With a sudden forceful move, Brandon lifted me bridal style and tossed me onto the bed in the small room.