Chapter 15
“Vivian, your acting is truly impeccable, and you are indeed heartless.”
His voice was a soft murmur, tinged with sorrow. Everyone believed he was the one she loved, and he had convinced himself of it too. Over the years, he had taken advantage of her patience, indulging in the illusion of her affection. Yet, just as he became irretrievably entangled in this façade, she heartlessly withdrew.
The chime of a message notification broke his reverie. He looked up, his face already streaked with tears. Wiping them away, he glanced at his phone. It was a message from Waldon.
“Mr. Balfour, that person is indeed in Cresthaven.”
Seeing this message extinguished the last flicker of hope within him. He let out a self–deprecating laugh and, after a moment, replied.
“Book me the earliest flight to Cresthaven, and send me their details.”
“Understood, Mr. Balfour.”
Cresthaven, Nollan Corporation Headquarters.
After a relentless month of effort, Vivian finally aced her interview at Nollan Corporation. Through various strategically planned encounters, she had managed to catch the attention of Alistair Nollan, the company’s CEO.
“Mr. Nollan, what a coincidence.”
After yet another orchestrated meeting, Alistair, although aware of her deliberate attempts, maintained his composure. He smiled and nodded politely, “It certainly is a coincidence, though this marks our fifteenth encounter this month.”
It was June fifteenth.
“Miss Delmont, I’m unsure of your intentions, but it seems you’re unfamiliar with the phrase ‘too much of a good thing.” He stirred his coffee gently, his smile courteous and impeccable, yet his gaze held a hint of curiosity and amusement.
Caught in her ploy, Vivian showed no embarrassment. Instead, she brazenly took a seat opposite him. “Oh, I’m aware, but I still choose to do this. As for my intentions, it’s quite simple–I’m interested in the charming and wealthy Mr. Nollan.”
She gave him a bold once–over, her tone playful. “After all, Mr. Nollan, you’re young, successful, and even kind to a scheming assistant like me. Being your girlfriend would surely be a delight.”
Vivian’s gaze was daring, her tone flippant. Most men in his position might have scolded her audacity, but he merely chuckled, accepting her words in stride. “Thank you for the compliments and… the admiration?”
His slightly raised tone was captivating, leaving her momentarily stunned, her eyes fixed on his lips as they moved. She heard nothing else.
Unused to such a direct gaze, he pursed his lips, discreetly covering his mouth with a fist as he cleared his throat.
She reluctantly looked away, thinking how people often said those with thin lips were unfeeling, but she found it hard to believe in his case.
According to her research, Alistair Nollan, CEO of Nollan Corporation, had always been the quintessential prodigy. From elementary through high school, he consistently topped his class, leaving his peers far behind. In college, he completed all his courses in just two years, earning dual degrees in finance and computer science.
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Chapter 15
At eighteen, he began managing the family business, gaining full control by nineteen. By twenty, he had turned Nollan Corporation into Cresthaven’s leading conglomerate,
Perhaps due to fate’s cruelty, such a brilliant man suffered from a severe congenital heart condition. At twenty–two, he had multiple close calls with death due to heart issues. Fortunately, he eventually received a suitable heart donor, and his condition improved.
Perhaps it was due to his health that rumors of romantic entanglements or relationships had never surrounded him.
Lucian’s heart had saved someone remarkable, and Vivian felt a sense of peace.
“Miss Delmont? Miss Delmont?”
Alistair’s raised voice pulled her from her thoughts, back to the present. She looked up to see his slightly flushed ears.
Quite innocent, she mused, her determination redoubling. “I wonder, Mr. Nollan, are you in need of a girlfriend?”
Alistair, born into wealth and power, had been pursued by countless women since he took the helm at nineteen. He had encountered all types, yet Vivian was a first.
She was blunt yet roundabout in her approach, subtle yet unabashed in her intentions.
He didn’t find her off–putting; rather, he found her… intriguing.
