~ Back to the City of Empire ~
With the intervention of Tristan and Grandpa Lu, the blind item article about Zhen-Zhen and Clifford was taken down right away.
The Morning Star News Entertainment was banned by Heavenly Star Enterprise. Because of this, the management of Morning Star fired the reporter who wrote and published the article.
The reporter had nothing to worry about since Clifford Sy was backing him. He immediately asked Clifford's help. And he got a new job right away.
Clifford was amazed by Tristan's prompt action. He could see that the Davis Family was still powerful and influential in the City of Empire.
"Tristan Davis will not allow you to get closer to his wife. I'm sure he already warned her about you. What's your next plan now, sir?" Dexter asked Clifford. He just finished relaying the information to Clifford regarding the reporter's demand.
Clifford smirked at him meaningfully and said, "Let's see… I think I should try and visit Lillie to find out."
"What if she will try to avoid you?"
"At least, I will try to talk to her and get her sympathy. She should know Tristan's true color to wake her up."
Complicated emotions flashed through his eyes. Clifford didn't want to look pitiful in front of Zhen-Zhen but if this was the only way to get her sympathy then he didn't mind playing a victim role here.
Aside from ruining Tristan's image in her eyes, Clifford really wanted Zhen-Zhen to break up with Tristan.
He still couldn't believe that she could tolerate Tristan's past and she loved him despite his bad reputation.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtClifford was in doubt if what he was about to do next would work out but he wanted to try and see Zhen-Zhen's reaction after telling her the truth.
"By the way, do you have any updates from Alveena? I tried contacting her but she's not answering my call. I wonder when she will return here."
Dexter: "..."
Dexter looked at Clifford helplessly. If he as her brother didn't have any update about his sister then how much more he, who was just his mere assistant.
After that deal, Alveena tried her best to avoid her brother. She was always ignoring his call, telling him that she was busy and she couldn't answer him.
"Alright, never mind. I'll just ask Brandon. He told me that he met my sister. Hmm, maybe I should ask him to visit her."
******
Meanwhile, Zhen-Zhen was back to school. She already agreed to Tristan's proposal regarding her female bodyguard.
Grandpa Lu had already talked to Grandpa Alejandro. They were currently screening some applicants for the role.
Zhen-Zhen would meet her bodyguard by tomorrow. So as her usual day, she attended classes.
She was very attentive and active during her classes today. She enjoyed every moment since she knew that she had to stop schooling after this semester.
She would miss attending classes but she was not sad. For her, being pregnant was one of the good things that happened to her. She wouldn't regret it.
After her History class, Liam approached Zhen-Zhen. He wanted to talk to her. She's been away for several days and Liam was feeling down without seeing her in his class.
"Ms. Meyer, do you have a moment? May I talk to you?"
Betsy, Alicia, and Zhen-Zhen were about to leave the session hall when Liam said that. Betsy and Alicia exchanged meaningful glances upon hearing that.
"Alicia, Betsy, you can go ahead first," Zhen-Zhen said to them after agreeing to Liam.
Though they were really curious about what Liam and Zhen-Zhen would discuss, they had no choice but to leave them.
They couldn't help but feel jealous. Their gorgeous professor was paying too much attention to Zhen-Zhen.
Yesterday, they were so happy because Liam approached them. They thought he finally took notice of them.
But they were disappointed afterward. It turned out he just talked to them to ask about Zhen-Zhen's whereabouts. Well, she had been absent for a few days so Liam got worried.
When Betsy and Alicia were already gone, Liam finally found the opportunity to ask Zhen-Zhen.
"What happened to you? Are you okay? Are you sick? You missed classes for the past few days. I got worried about you." Liam could no longer hide his concern for her.
Zhen-Zhen was dumbfounded for a moment. She didn't expect Liam to show and express so much concern about her because she missed classes.
She could even see the anxiety in his beautiful emerald eyes.
"No, I'm not sick. So you don't have to worry about me," Zhen-Zhen softly mumbled, giving him a reassuring smile.
"I had a family matter that I needed to fix, that's why I missed classes. But I will try to catch up with the lesson," she added, explaining to Liam.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmLiam felt relieved when he heard that.
"Alright. I'm just glad you are back." He softly said, smiling tenderly at Zhen-Zhen.
"I missed you," Liam suddenly blurted out. He was also surprised as it just came out of his mouth unknowingly.
Zhen-Zhen's eyes locked on his, giving him a questioning gaze.
'Why is he telling me this?'
The atmosphere surrounding them suddenly became awkward and uncomfortable.
Liam immediately reacted as he realized his mistake. He was not supposed to say that out loud. He was just carried away by his emotions.
"Oh, I-I mean… I missed seeing you in my class." Liam immediately looked away. He chuckled to hide his embarrassment.
Zhen-Zhen just nodded her head. She was still dazed and looked puzzled because of Liam's strange action today.
"Alright, I will not keep you here for long. Go and take your break now. Your friends might be waiting for you already."
At the mention of the word 'friends', Zhen-Zhen's attention was diverted. Her eyes lit up with excitement as she remembered Sophia.
She wanted to share the good news about her pregnancy with Sophia.
"Okay, Liam! I have to go. See you around!"
Zhen-Zhen said goodbye to Liam and left the session hall in a hurry. She couldn't wait to see Sophia. She wondered what would be her reaction after knowing the good news.