Liam Melford set down his chopsticks, his dark eyes locking onto Jenna Roland. "Ms. Roland, I'm finished."

Jenna blinked. "But I thought you had no plans this afternoon?"

"Grandma Blanche isn't feeling well. I need to check on her." He stood, straightening his suit sleeves.

Zoe Macmillan smoothly intervened. "Mr. Roscente, Ms. Roland, let's reschedule. Dr. Melford has a family matter to attend to."

Jenna hurried to see them out. At the elevator, Zoe turned with a polite smile. "No need to escort us further."

The doors slid shut, cutting off Jenna's view of Liam's tall, retreating figure.

A black Maybach idled at the curb. The driver held the door open as Liam folded himself into the backseat.

The car interior carried a faint scent of cedar. Liam leaned back, massaging his temples with long fingers.

"Who would've guessed Ms. Roland is already married?" Zoe murmured. "And to the head of HM Group, no less."

Liam's eyes snapped open, gaze fixed on the passing scenery. His jaw tightened, the air around him turning icy.

"Dr. Melford..." Zoe hesitated. "Is it because of her that you—"

"Mind your words." His voice was arctic. "She's a married woman."

Zoe clenched the file in her lap. She knew better than anyone how Liam had changed since that surgery.

Delayed commitments. Resigning from his prestigious position. Insisting on transferring to Los Angeles—all under the guise of family reasons.

"You're clearly superior to Ethan Roscente," Zoe couldn't help adding. "If you just—"

"Enough." Liam's glare could cut glass. "I have standards. I don't poach another man's wife."

His phone screen lit up, displaying Jenna's profile—a candid shot he'd taken in a hospital corridor.

Sunlight through blinds had cast gold flecks across her lashes.

Zoe looked away, catching Liam's fingers lingering on the photo in her periphery. His sharp features reflected in the window, merging with the night.