Liz turned her head, and the moment she saw his face, most of her anger melted away.


    The man stood in a silver–gray suit, his presencemanding. Even in the dim light, his features were so perfectly sculpted they looked as though they had been shaped by a meticulous creator, wless in every detail.


    His long, narrow eyes met hers, and a flicker of guilt passed through them.


    With a face like that, it was hard for her to stay angry.


    Pressing her lips together, she said, “It’s fine. So, are you going through insurance or handling it privately?”


    William paused before answering. “Insurance.


    “All right. Have you already called your insurancepany?”


    Since he had backed into her car, it was clearly his fault.


    William frowned. Normally, his chauffeur, Uncle Zeller, handled everything rted to the car. He didn’t even know whichpany insured it.


    “Give me a moment.


    He called Uncle Zeller and told him to get in touch with the insurance representative. After ending the call, he turned back to her. “They’ll be here in a bit. It’s cold out. Do you want to wait in my car?”


    Liz was cautious by nature. She was not about to get into a stranger’s car, even if he was dangerously handsome and exactly her type.


    “No, thanks. I’ll just wait here.”


    It was chilly, but the nearby security cameras gave her enough sense of safety.


    William raised an eyebrow<i>, </i>easily guessing she did not trust him, and gave a small nod. ” All right, I’ll wait here with you. By the way, I’m William Sanders. And you are?”


    “Liz Smith.”


    A trace of warmth lit his eyes. “You’re here for Miss Stone’s birthday party too?”


    “Yes.”


    “Then why are you leaving so early? I thought it didn’t officially start until seven.‘


    She nced at him. “I dropped off my gift and left. What about you?”


    He smiled, and some of the coolness in his demeanor faded. “I’m not a big fan of crowds.”


    “Same here,”


    “Let’s exchange contacts. If there is any issue with your carter, you can reach me directly.”


    After a brief pause, she took out her phone and exchanged information with him.


    Not long after, the insurancepany’s teamrrived. They inspected the damage and determined that her car needed to be towed for full check. The passenger–side door would have to be reced. Otherwise, it would not be safe to drive.


    Liz stood by and watched as her car was loaded onto the tow truck. It would be at least a week before she got it back. The thought of waking up early every day to take the subway made her sigh.


    “Ms. Smith,” William said, “this was my fault. Let me give you a ride home.”


    She was about to decline when a familiar voice called out nearby.


    “William.”


    They both turned to see Jack hurrying toward them with aptop in his hand. He stopped short when he spotted Liz, and something unreadable flickered in his eyes.


    When his gaze returned to William, it carried a subtle note of scrutiny. Just earlier, William had imed he did not know her, yet here they were, standing together.


    “Jack,” Liz greeted.


    Jack stepped forward, handed theptop to William, and then looked back at Liz. “What are you doing here?”


    From their easy manner, Liz could tell the two men were close.


    “This gentleman hit my car,” she exined. “The insurancepany just came and had it


    towed.”


    Jack frowned, “How did that happen?”


    “He identally backed into my passenger–side door,” she replied.


    “I see.” Jack nced at William, one eyebrow lifting. “I thought you were an excellent driver. Didn’t you win first ce in that racingpetition? How do you end up making a rookie mistake like backing into someone’s car”


    Catching the teasing glint in Jack’s eyes, William gave an innocent look. “I got distracted while reversing. It happens.”


    C