Chapter 177

Emma had always suspected Lily Sloane came from a powerful background—but she never imagined Lily was actually Liam’s little sister. Thinking back to when Cassandra was wrongly accused by Mara, Emma still remembered how Lily had stood up with no hesitation and brought the truth to light. That act alone had earned her genuine gratitude deep down. Besides, Lily had left a good impression on her—pure and straightforward, not exactly elegant, but definitely not fake. Seeing her best friend’s reassuring glance, Emma gave a small nod. “Then I’ll be counting on you, Ms. Sloane.” In the private room, decadent and tastefully decorated, the restaurant manager and waitstaff swiftly set the food on the table. Liam didn’t touch his utensils. With his elbows resting on the table, fingers laced together and chin slightly propped, he looked across at Cassandra like one would admire a painting—half amused, half curious. Cassandra kept her gaze lowered, dining with composure on the exquisitely prepared