In the end, Liam, utterly helpless, soothed her emotions gently along her little face.
The ambiguous intimacy lasted until the late night, when Maya gradually returned to normal, he finally released her, tucked her in, and returned to the main bedroom alone to shower, change, and sleep.
However, after experiencing such intimacy, he couldn't fall asleep, tossing and turning in bed all night, reflecting on himself.
He clearly disliked this 'sister,' yet couldn't just stand by and do nothing; he didn't like this part of himself.
Since he returned to the Owen Family eight years ago, this was the first time he reacted with such a strong emotion, even if it was a negative one.
Thinking about her sleeping in his guest room, thinking about how he just helped her, Liam was furious and embarrassed, sat up abruptly from the bed, and slammed the pillow beside him onto the ground.
Was he going mad? Why feel a different kind of disdain toward Maya when they only share a slight resemblance?
Moreover, hadn't he long forgotten about that? Let go of that? So what was this unique aversion to Maya now?
After a bout of restlessness, Liam regained his usual calm, lay back down, and tried to sleep once more.
The next morning, when Maya woke from her dream, she found herself in a strange place, her face changed suddenly, she threw off the covers and started to dress.
She remembered she had agreed to dine with Hannah last night, and later they ran into Liam; after Liam left, Hannah flattered her, saying:
"Maya, don't say Aunt Hannah doesn't care about you. Look, your father doesn't mind you, your mother isn't around. For a child like you with no one to look after, it's best to find a good person to marry off early. President Bailey not only runs a big business but is also gentle and considerate. He will definitely take good care of you in the future, so don't be picky, understand?"
At this moment, thinking of Hannah's face, Maya felt angry. Elia Spencer was two months older than her, why not marry Elia Spencer off first? How could she push her to marry that lecherous man with glasses? No way.
Then she recalled that Elijah Reed later took her away, and she felt very uncomfortable after getting in the car, dizzy and unusually hot.
Thinking this far, Maya's face turned even uglier; she never expected Hannah would dare to drug her.
She pulled open her collar, looking at the scratch marks on her body, breathing ceased from anger. And how was the drug resolved? Did she eat Elijah Reed last night?
Thinking about her first time being trapped by Hannah, Maya's eyes reddened, and she felt murderous, but could only bite her lower lip tightly, standing there motionless.
However, she was slightly relieved that she didn't fulfill Hannah's wish, being taken away by that 'President Scrap,' but instead was with Elijah Reed.
Though Maya tried to comfort herself, she still couldn't balance her feelings, that anger inside couldn't dissipate.
After washing up, she came to the living room, unexpectedly bumping into Liam.
Suddenly, Maya panicked, her eyes darting around, thinking, did Liam know what happened between her and Elijah Reed last night? She felt very awkward.
Liam had known Maya for five days; they had numerous encounters, but this was the first time seeing her icy demeanor change, showing fear, tension, awkwardness, and exceptionally many expressions.
"Good morning, Mr. Owen!" Finally, calming down, Maya greeted him.
Listening to her greeting, Liam glanced at her indifferently, ignoring her; he had always disdained Maya, last night's help was just an accident.
Maya couldn't understand why she was in a hotel with Liam instead of Elijah Reed, did Liam resolve the drug for her last night? Thinking this, Maya was slightly shocked.
However, thinking about it more, it seemed implausible, so she dismissed the thought.
"I'll have Elijah Reed take you to school." Liam said at the suite's door.
"No need." Maya quickly declined and seemed very nervous, seemingly avoiding Elijah Reed.
From her panicked demeanor, Liam could deduce that she realized she was drugged by Hannah and Elia Spencer last night and mistakenly thought Elijah Reed resolved the drug.
However, Liam didn't plan on telling her the truth, he casually left the suite.
After Liam left, Maya strapped on her backpack and also left; she didn't even question him why she was at the hotel or why they were together in a suite, what about Elijah Reed?
At the bus stop, Maya waited for the bus as usual, acting as if she hadn't experienced that plot last night.
"Get in the car!" Suddenly, a black sedan stopped in front of her, the window rolled down, and she saw Liam's cold face calling her in.
Normally, Maya would turn away, pretending not to see him, but today, inexplicably, she stepped off the bus platform, opened the car door, and sat in the passenger seat.
Inside the car, both remained silent, neither spoke.
Sitting in the passenger seat, Maya recalled last night's treacherous affair, growing more and more vexed, breathing heavier, her brow furrowed tightly, hands twisted together, wishing she could break her fingers.
Regarding last night's incident, she was truly furious, angrier than Hannah's hitting or scolding her by hundreds of times.
She suddenly wanted to have a fight with Hannah and Elia Spencer, to vent her dissatisfaction and repression, but at this moment, she could only twist her fingers, pinching her own hand.
Liam could gauge her emotions from her breathing alone; she wanted to vent her emotions.
When the vehicle arrived at the school entrance, he stopped the car and said nonchalantly: "Get out!"
Listening to the invitation to leave, Maya silently got out.
The moment the car door closed, she heard Liam say to her: "If you want to fight, fight to win."