Chapter 2 Ileana’s First Meeting With Liam

When Ileana agreed Didem was relieved, since she had accomplished her goal. She will be getting rid of her soon.

The next day, Didem came to Ileana’s room to give her a makeover. After spending some time Ileana was dolled up looking extremely gorgeous. Her jawline, green eyes sparkling like stars, and collar bone were exposed in that shimmery dress.

Seeing her beautiful transformation Didem envied but reminded Ileana again.

"It's all or nothing. Remember, you must not give up until you succeed!"

She was standing in front of her house, winced at Didem’s words but nodded anyway. Boarding the car she headed for the Collins’ Family Mansion.

The mansion was situated in the suburbs in the city of Aloha. It was ginormous, comprising an area of more than 1,000 square meters. It was built luxuriously with a fusion of architectural styles.

That day countless cars were seen coming in and out of the mansion’s main gate.

Though rumors about Liam hit everyday differently with some constant characters. He had been known as cold-blooded and notorious among the people. The cash prize and the title of Collin’s daughter-in-law had attracted a large number of participants.

Ileana’s car stopped and she went inside to report herself. She was sent to the waiting room by the in charge of the banquet, where other participants were already in queue.

Ileana was bored to death but she had no other option. After waiting for a long while an announcement was made.

"The official meeting is about to start soon. Please get ready. Don't leave in a hurry after you're done. Whether you're chosen or not, Madam Pamela will treat all of you to lunch at noon."

After the announcement, the in-charge took out his list and called for Shirly Irwin.

“You please come with me.”

A sweet looking girl got up with poise and grace. He gestured to her to follow behind him. She was taken to the reception room. Her face was radiating excitement, she was striding at a fast pace.

Ileana smiled at her childish behavior. It wasn’t quite long when that same girl came out with a dull face. Her grace and confidence was all shattered. Ileana looked in her direction and tears were flowing down her cheeks uncontrollably.

A girl stood up and asked, “Shirly, what happened to you? Did Liam do something to you?”

Looking at her in despair she just grabbed her bag and ran. She was clutching her bag as if her life was dependent on it but in reality she was hiding her face from embarrassment.

The crowd sighed as Shirly exited the door. It wasn’t long when a lot of girls swooned out of the room in the same manner. They all went in with confidence but leaving with regret.

The commotion and anxiety ran among the left candidates seeing the results.

Ileana who was indifferent to the situation was watching all the drama calmly.

Seeing their situation an idea struck in her mind so she called her driver, Cavin.

She took out her phone and texted her driver, Cavin. After some moment, Cavin brought in a plastic bag.

Though the reception room was spacious, it had an aura of suffocation. It was minimally decorated with furniture. In the middle of the room was a set of sofas and there, Liam sat like a king.

Seeing the mesmerizing look she couldn’t stop herself from imprisoning his image. She observed him closely unconsciously.

He had slanting eyebrows, chiseled jaws, deep, black hawk-like eyes, thin rosy lips, well built lean figure who stood tall among others.

Her mind flashed how he was described in the news articles, was just one tenth of his real image.

Seeing in person Liam’s handsomeness her mind went blank for a moment.

She even muttered to herself, “Actually he looks ethereal, majestic, born to rule like a king, who waits for others to kneel and submit to him…”

Liam was observing her with amusement.

“It is indeed the case, Ileana, you should deal with him calmly.”

She reminded herself breathing deeply while taking her seat in front of him.

Upon sitting down she opened the plastic bag. It contained a large pack of tissue which she kept in front of her.

Liam was watching her action which piqued his interest.

"What are you doing?" Liam asked, arching his thick black eyebrows.

"Oh this, to wipe my tears later," Ileana answered sarcastically and calmly.

Liam was stunned at her frankness and soon burst into laughter.

He asked with a questioning gaze, "Do you think every woman who comes in here goes out crying?"

"But none of them went out with a smile!" She replied straightforwardly and factly.

“Ah, I see! Well it’s their answers which disappointed me so…”

He didn’t complete his sentence.

Ileana inquired, “Is it necessary for every woman to answer your questions?”

“Indeed!” he deadpanned.

“Alright then, you may bring them up and let us finish them up quickly,” She said effortlessly.

“Ummm… Do you know how many times I have been divorced?”

He asked straightaway without wasting time.

“Six,” she replied. It was an open secret. Everyone in the city knew about it except some ignorant brats.

Getting a straight answer from her he threw another question at her.

“And…What do you think about a person who can’t even manage his family, how could he have the ability to manage the company well?”

Ileana took a deep breath and said, “Well in my opinion, a person's personal disputes have nothing to do with their performance at work.”

Her honest reply made Liam a bit stunned.

He thought while smirking, “She is indeed different from other candidates…”

Her insightful answer made her stand out of the crowd. It truly elevated her status from previous candidates in his eyes, who only know how to bat their eyelashes, smiling foolishly while answering.