Chapter 35: The Art of Turning the Tables
652 Words
Liam Hart's piercing gaze settled on Cheryl "Cher" Waverly, and for a moment, the tension in the room thickened like a storm cloud. His expression was calm, unreadable, yet it carried an undeniable authority that could silence even the most defiant voice.
“Before I address Cher’s question,” Liam began, his tone deceptively mild, “may I ask her something first?”
The room froze. No one had expected Liam to respond this way. All eyes darted between Liam and Cher, who now looked startled, her confidence faltering.
Cher hesitated but nodded, attempting to maintain her composure. “Of course.”
Liam leaned back slightly in his chair, his voice as sharp as a blade yet devoid of emotion. “Miss Waverly, are you pregnant?”
A collective gasp rippled through the room. The air became electrified with shock and disbelief. Liam had just thrown a question so personal and invasive that it felt like a calculated strike.
Cher’s face turned ashen. She stumbled over her words, caught completely off guard. “I… what?”
Liam’s lips curled into the faintest of smirks, but his eyes remained icy. “I assumed, given your willingness to ask deeply personal questions, that you wouldn’t mind answering one yourself.”
The subtle venom in his words was unmistakable. Everyone understood his intent: Liam had effortlessly flipped the tables, exposing Cher’s audacity without ever raising his voice.
“Liam,” Kane interjected smoothly, stepping forward to defuse the situation. “Miss Waverly’s question was meant as a jest. You know how admirers can be—sometimes their curiosity gets the better of them. We apologize if it came off as intrusive.”
Liam’s gaze flicked to Kane, who managed a diplomatic smile. After a brief pause, Liam nodded. “A jest, of course.
Let’s leave it at that.”
Kane gestured toward the door, signaling the group to leave. “We’re immensely grateful for your time, Mr. Hart. We know you’re very busy, and we’ll ensure the interview reflects our deep respect for you.”
Cher was quick to follow Kane out, her face still pale. The moment they entered the elevator, Kane’s polite demeanor shifted into one of irritation. “Cher, what were you thinking? That question could have blown everything. Liam Hart isn’t someone to be trifled with.”
Cher lowered her head, her voice trembling as she played the victim. “I thought I was asking something that would intrigue people… something they’d want to know. I didn’t mean to create trouble, Kane. I was only trying to help.”
As she spoke, tears streamed down Cher’s cheeks, but her expression remained exaggerated. “I’m so sorry, everyone, and I’m sorry, Allie. Mr. Liam agreed to the interview. I thought I had persuaded him, but I didn’t expect him to look at Allie’s face.”
Allie was undeniably beautiful, with a charm that drew men in and made them give her preferential treatment.
Cher continued, “After all, I was too arrogant and almost took away Allie’s credit. These are all my faults.” She cried even harder, clearly performing for the audience. Kane, though still a little angry, attempted to comfort her. “Forget it. I know you didn’t mean it. You’re dedicated to the community, and I understand that. But Allie, you really should apologize.”
Without hesitation, Cher walked up to Allie, her expression pious and her eyes glistening with fake tears. “Allie, I’m so sorry. Can you forgive me? I really didn’t mean to take your credit on purpose. I even asked the president to include your name if the interview comes out.”
Kane stepped forward and added, “This is true. Cher mentioned it to me twice. It really must not have been intentional.
You two are good friends and the backbone of the news agency. I don’t want to see you both unhappy.”
- Writer
