Zac’s gaze darkened. “Liz, I’lle find you another day.”


    He didn’t give her a chance to respond. Turning abruptly, he strode away, afraid she might call out to him and even more afraid of meeting those eyes that no longer held a trace of love for him.


    Once he was back in his car, he started the engine and drove off.


    Liz had been about to call after him, but then she remembered that Zac would never actually listen to what she had to say. She decided it wasn’t worth the effort.


    Only after his car disappeared from view did she turn to William. “Mr. Sanders, I’m sorry you had to get dragged into this mess today and for having to witness it.”


    William shook his head. “It’s fine. Has your ex been bothering you like this often?”


    Liz lowered her gaze. “Just recently. I doubt he’ll keep it up much longer.”


    Zac was only acting this way because she had ended things so decisively, and it had bruised his pride. With time, once that sting faded, he would stop seeking her out.


    William’s eyes flickered with thought before he nodded. “Alright. But if he harasses you again, you could always call the police. Or move.”


    “My lease is up in three months anyway. I should probably start looking for another ce.”


    She had chosen this apartment because it was close to Zac’s office. Now that they were over, it made sense to find somewhere nearer to herw firm.


    “Alright,” William said quietly, filing that detail away. He picked up the grocery bags on the ground. “Let me carry these upstairs for you.”


    “Thanks. I appreciate it.”


    He carried the groceries to her door and was about to leave when Liz spoke again. “Mr. Sanders, let me take you out for a meal sometime. You took a punch for nothing today and even helped me carry my groceries. I feel bad.”


    She had considered inviting him to stay for dinner, but they did not know each other well, and asking him to have dinner at her ce felt too personal.


    William smiled faintly. “Alright. I’ll head out then. See you tomorrow.‘


    “See you tomorrow.”


    <b>* </b>


    On his way back, Zac called Chase. “Set up a meeting with the CEO of Smith Corporation.”


    After ending the call, his expression turned cold. If iz refused toe back willingly, then he would simply have to force her hand.


    Chase moved quickly. By the next afternoon, Zac was sitting across from Smith Corporation’s president, Michael Smith.


    “Mr. Lincoln, what did you want to discuss?”


    Michael’s tone was cool. His gazecked warmth, but it was no longer as condescending as before.


    What he remembered most was the day Liz had cuties with the Smith family and called him to pick her up. Back then, every member of the Smith family had looked at him as if he were dirt under their shoes. At the time, he had been a penniless illegitimate son with nothing to his name. Now, he was the CEO of apany on the verge of going public. He was no longer the man they had once dismissed.


    The Smiths had once been one of the four most powerful families in Stanley City, dominating the real estate market. In recent years, their slow move into new industries had left them trailing the other three. If they failed to adapt soon<b>, </b>Stanley City might be down to only three major families.


    Zac smiled as he took his seat across from Michael. Mr. Smith, I hear yourpany is nning to move into the electric vehicle sector.”


    Michael’s expression cooled. “That doesn’t seem to have much to do with your chippany, Mr. Lincoln.”