Return Of The Real Heiress: Secrets And Masks novel Chapter 131

Liam watched as Cherise vanished from sight almost instantly and turned to Trent, saying, "Wait, am I really that off-putting?"

Trent chuckled. "Well, you were always trying to make her follow in your footsteps and even go on a world tour. Given Cherise's temperament, just coming to Betrico this year is already a huge step forward."

Liam placed his hands on his hips and shook his head. "What a hassle. I hope this selection competition goes smoothly. I'm looking forward to retiring early." With that, he sighed, lost in his thoughts.

As soon as Cherise stepped out of the Dean's office, she dialed Dora's number. When the call connected, she said, "Dora, he's back!"

On the other end, Dora, who was listening to a report from her subordinates, felt her heart skip a beat and unconsciously bit her lip. The words "he's back" kept echoing in her mind, leaving her slightly dazed.

Seeing their usually decisive boss looking like this, her subordinates couldn't help but ask, "Ms. Xenakis, are you alright?"

Dora finally snapped out of it and waved her hand. "I'm fine. Let's leave it here for today. We'll continue tomorrow."

Her subordinates exchanged glances, unsure of what to say, and left the CEO's office with their files in hand.

Once the door closed, Dora was left alone in the office.

She slowly stood up, her hand trembling slightly as she picked up the water glass on her desk and took several gulps. The icy water slid down her throat, calming her previously unsettled heart.

She walked to the floor-to-ceiling window and gazed outside, memories replaying in her mind.

Seven years ago, when she was 21, she went on a trip to Yasvissa with her ex-boyfriend. Unexpectedly, they encountered a landslide. She was accidentally pinned down by falling rocks from the mountain, and her ex-boyfriend abandoned her to save himself.

It was Cherise, only 13 years old at the time, who rescued her and took her back to Saphira.

During her year of recovery in Saphira, she met Liam, who was ten years older than she was.

He was elegant, charming, and attentive, while she was beautiful and young back then, gradually developing feelings for him. Yet, the difference in their ages and backgrounds made Dora hesitate.

At that time, though he hadn't yet achieved his current success, he was already a well-known pianist with a powerful family background. She, on the other hand, was just a freshly graduated university student with nothing to her name.