Chapter 17 Casanova

Grandmother Dawson held Anna’s hand. “Liam, isn’t Anna beautiful?” Liam’s expression remained indifferent. However, when he saw that Anna had changed into a more modest outfit, his lips curled up slightly with satisfaction. “Yea, not bad. She looks… like an obedient girl.” ‘Obedient?’ Anna’s contempt for him grew even more. ‘Is he hinting that my bite wasn’t hard enough just now!’ Grandmother Dawson quickly took Bryan’s hand too and placed it together with Anna’s. “I am so happy that these two can be together.” Liam’s cold gaze fell onto their clasped hands. His eyes became narrower and narrower and he abruptly let out a cough. “Cough, cough!” Grandmother Dawson quickly asked in a compassionate tone, “Liam, are you not adjusting well to the weather here?” Liam pointed at Bryan and commanded, “Bring me a glass of water.” As the precious son of the Dawson family, Bryan had never served others before. Nonetheless, when it came to Liam Ackman, Bryan was more than willing to listen. He hurriedly let go of Anna’s hand and left for the glass of water. Anna wiped her hand uncomfortably; she genuinely felt that Bryan’s touch was filthy. Liam noticed her subtle actions and saw the hint of disgust in her eyes. He raised his brows slightly. Just then, Bryan came back with the glass of water and presented it to Liam with both hands. “Uncle, your drink.” Liam glanced at him. He took the glass and immediately handed it to a maid standing beside him. Bryan’s expression froze for a second. He smiled awkwardly. Then, Liam took out a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped his hands elegantly. He handed the handkerchief to the maid too. In his deep voice, he said, “Aunty, let’s start the party.” Grandmother Dawson quickly announced the commencement of her birthday party. The Dawson family had invited many renowned singers to dedicate songs to Grandmother Dawson. They had also hired a famous band to perform live at the event. The atmosphere in the garden turned lively. Dozens of celebrities gathered on the stage as if it were a massive concert. The moment Liam got off the stage, he found himself surrounded by a horde of single ladies. Each of their faces was glowing red as they stared into his ocean-deep eyes, casting flirtatious glances at the man. Suddenly, a tall and beautiful woman in a purple dress sauntered toward them with a glass of wine in her hand. “Grandma Dawson, happy birthday. I wish you a young and healthy life!” “Good girl. Thank you. Do visit me often with your parents, dear,” Grandmother Dawson smiled and said. “Of course, Grandma, we will.” Her gazed shifted toward Liam as she said that. She smiled and extended her lovely hand. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Ackman. My name is Selena Flores. I’ve heard about you since ages ago. It’s such an honor to be able to meet you today. Do stay for a drink or more.” Selena continued, “The Flores Group had collaborated with your company before. My father is Jason Flores.” Anna gazed at Selena. She was gorgeous. Her little dimples showed every time she smiled. Her long and slender legs were smooth and fair. Anna mocked quietly, “Already caught a fish in his net, huh? Tch, what a Casanova!” Nonetheless, an odd feeling of discomfort overcame Anna. Perhaps she simply could not stand seeing playboys like him. Liam’s expression remained aloof. His ocean-deep eyes showed no hint of warmth. His thin lips only formed three words. “Don’t know him.” Having said that, he walked straight past the staggered woman and ambled away. Anna watched as Selena stood awkwardly at her spot. Her face was flashing red and white. Anna had three seconds of silence for the poor lady… After seeing this scene, the horde of ladies who were eager to approach Liam was immediately discouraged. Many of them gave up. Although they, too, were subdued by Liam’s pompous attitude, the ladies still ridiculed Selena for not knowing her place. With the help of a maid, Grandmother Dawson sat down at the main table. The main table was a marble splice long table. It was not particularly wide, but it was very long. That was to accommodate all the relatives of the Dawson family, both close and distant, and their few highly esteemed guests. Once Grandmother Dawson had taken her seat, she quickly beckoned everyone else to sit down. “Have a seat, everyone. Don’t be shy.” Those on the long table were seated according to their status. Of course, Grandmother Dawson sat at the head of the table. On her two sides were the seats of those with the highest status in the Dawson family. Naturally, Liam was one of those people. With his status, no one would complain even if he were to sit at the head. Nonetheless, Grandmother Dawson was an elder, so Liam settled for the seat on the left of hers. On her right sat the eldest grandchild of the Dawson family—Bryan Dawson. Beside him was his sister, Amelia Dawson. Once the members of the Dawson family had been seated, the guests were seated according to their family’s ranking. As Anna was helping her father, Daniel, to his seat, she heard Grandmother Dawson calling out for her. “Anna, come here! Come sit beside me.” Bryan was about to sit down on Grandmother Dawson’s right when she said that. He froze at the spot, his face turning slightly red. Amelia was already in her seat when Grandmother Dawson said that. She had to get up and move to the next seat to make way for Bryan. To see that her status in the family had fallen from the second to the third irritated Amelia. When Amelia noticed that Bryan’s expression was also gloomy, she snickered and mocked quietly, “Bryan, when Anna marries into this family, she’s be a rank above you! Hehe…” Bryan felt humiliation at the bottom of his heart. The feeling turned to haze and seeped into his blood. Anna hastily declined. If she sat next to Grandmother Dawson, she knew she would arouse the hatred of many. Even so, Grandmother Dawson insisted on it. Anna had no choice but to take her seat on Grandmother Dawson’s right. When she looked up, she saw Liam sitting right across her, gazing at her. A chill ran down her spine. She felt the coldness seeping into her heart…