Chapter 4The Good Girl Myth: Why I Stopped Chasing the Golden Boy

After that meeting with Chloe.

The well-behaved, proper Chloe he talked about frequently appeared between us.

After that, my alone time with Liam gradually decreased.

Because of this, we often fought. We had another unpleasant argument because I wanted him to fire his assistant, and we barely saw each other for almost a month.

Liam took the initiative to suggest taking me on a vacation.

I also wanted to make up, so I naturally agreed.

But it was ruined by a phone call.

Under the dim light, Liam's profile looked exceptionally handsome.

After hanging up, he kissed my lips, sweeping away the mint I was addicted to.

I was just about to respond when he pushed me away.

"Chloe says she's also coming to Miami. We'll hang out together then."

When did Miss Vance become Chloe?

My face fell: "Again? You're doing business with them, not selling your soul."

Liam withdrew the arm holding me, his tone cold and hard.

"Don't talk like that."

"If there was really something going on between us, would I contact her openly in front of you?"

They seemed very transparent. Liam reported to me every time he was alone with Chloe.

But can the things you see and don't see really be explained away?

I rolled over and turned my back to him.

Liam sighed, turned off the lamp, and hugged me from behind.

"The Vance Group is currently evaluating whether our company is worth investing in. Chloe just got back from abroad and doesn't have any friends, so she treats me like an older brother."

"I just treat her as an investor, with a little respect. I don't have any other thoughts."

"I don't want to fight anymore. Can we just get along?"

His body temperature was high, and leaning against him made my whole body feel warm, just like the warmth from his palm when he saved me seven years ago.

I understood that starting a business wasn't easy for him, so his attitude towards Chloe would be different.

After all, the backing of the Vance family was a huge temptation for an ordinary company.

I temporarily suppressed my anger, but the next day, it flared up again.

Chloe took over my role completely.

One minute she wanted water, the next she couldn't open the bottle cap, the next she needed a towel.

I couldn't stand lying on the beach chair anymore and said I was going in the water.

Liam said he'd come with me. Chloe, who had been lying perfectly fine, immediately stood up and said she wanted to join.

I ignored her and went straight to the changing room to put on my swimsuit.

Chloe and I changed and walked out of the changing room at the same time. Liam's eyes fell on me first, then shifted to her.

She excitedly twirled her skirt: "Liam, does it look good?"

But before she could spin many times, Liam stopped her. Chloe instantly put on a pitiful expression.

Liam sighed helplessly, his explanation mixed with comfort.

"Spinning around is dangerous, protect yourself."

His tone was gentle and doting.

Under the blazing sun, I felt a bit cold.

I prepared to leave.

Chloe obediently said "Oh," then adjusted her knee-length skirt, and casually looked at me.

"Ah, Audrey, wearing that... isn't it too dangerous?"

I stopped, just about to snap back.

Liam beat me to it, his tone indifferent and lazy.

"She's just like that."

"You're not like her."

I froze.

I didn't understand what he meant by that.

By the time I recovered, the two of them had already jumped into the ocean.

The sun hung high in the sky, every ray of light like a red-hot steel needle, piercing the eyes.

I walked sullenly towards the beach.

I saw Liam abruptly let go of the hand gripping Chloe's arm.

He turned and waved at me: "Audrey, come teach Chloe how to swim."

It seemed like he was forcing an explanation.

But why be nervous?

I watched for a few seconds, calmed myself down, and slowly walked over.

Seeing me coming, the distance between Liam and Chloe increased a bit.

"It's better for Audrey to teach me, Liam is too clumsy."

Chloe smiled sweetly, affectionately grabbing my hand.

I kept a straight face and directly started guiding her on how to float, telling her to relax her whole body.

After trying to take her feet off the ground a few times without success, Liam hesitated before leaving the water and walking to the beach.

Miraculously, as soon as Liam left, Chloe succeeded.

Chloe's expression turned cold, and she withdrew her arm without warning.

"Thanks, Audrey."

My hands stiffened on the water's surface.

"You're still not used to it, I'll hold you."

Chloe looked at me sideways, a sneer curling the corner of her mouth.

"Stop pretending. A bad girl who's been mixing in society early on, how could you not know this?"

"Isn't it tiring clinging to someone from a different world?"

"Audrey, you sure can endure."

I frowned tightly, the hands hidden in the water clenched until they hurt.

Suddenly, a wave crashed over us without warning.

Both Chloe and I were caught off guard and fell into the water. I quickly steadied myself and started treading water.

"Chloe!" A roar came from the shore.

I turned my head and saw that Chloe had been carried out by the wave. I was startled.

I immediately adjusted my direction and swam towards her.

But I was pulled away by a fierce force.

"Don't go!" Liam's eyes were wide with panic.

It was a warning tone.

Because of his sudden action, I was caught off guard and choked on a few mouthfuls of water.

The bitter seawater was like sharp little knives.

Bringing a burning pain to my throat.

More than the physical pain, a coldness spreading from my heart made me clench my teeth.

This time, I saw it very clearly.

Liam's concern for Chloe had always been different.