The CEO's Wife Is A Demon God's Daughter

~ University of Imperial Knight ~

Clifford waited for Zhen-Zhen to finish her afternoon class before seeing her. He came early, grabbing the chance to talk to her without Tristan's interference. He was aware that Tristan would be wary of him.

He was already inside the campus, sitting on the benches near the entrance gate. Many students were passing by, leaving the school as their classes were already done for today.

Clifford peered at the crowd, searching for Zhen-Zhen. He smiled as soon as he spotted Zhen-Zhen. She was walking toward the gate together with Alicia and Betsy.

Clifford saw her saying goodbye to Alicia and Betsy when another woman stopped beside Zhen-Zhen. It was Sophia. Zhen-Zhen invited her to come over for dinner.

This was the first time she would bring a friend to the Davis Mansion. Tristan and Zhen-Zhen were now staying in the Davis Family mansion in the meantime to fulfill Grandpa Lu's request.

Before Zhen-Zhen and Sophia could leave the gate, Clifford already approached them calling Zhen-Zhen's attention.

"Lillie!"

Zhen-Zhen and Sophia turned around after hearing someone calling Zhen-Zhen's name. Clifford in his black corporate suit greeted their sights. He waved while smiling at them.

Zhen-Zhen looked at him in puzzlement. She didn't know why Clifford was here right now.

'Did he come here to see me? But Tristan already reminded me to avoid him. How can I do that without being rude to him?' Zhen-Zhen pondered at that thought. She was already thinking of excuses she would tell Clifford.

Sophia nudged Zhen-Zhen's shoulder and whispered, "Hey Lillie, who is this handsome-looking guy? Is he a friend of Tristan? It looks like he also comes from a wealthy family." Sophia said, her eyes scanning Clifford from top to bottom.

Zhen-Zhen bit her lower lip after hearing that. She had the urge to tell her that Clifford was Tristan's competitor rather than a friend. But Zhen-Zhen missed out on something, Clifford was Tristan's competitor not only for business but also for her.

"Hi," Clifford mumbled with his suave tone upon reaching their spot.

Zhen-Zhen smiled at Clifford awkwardly. She still didn't know how she would deal with him.

"Hello, Mr. Sy. It's nice to see you here. By the way, this is my friend Sophia. Sophia, this is Clifford Sy." Zhen-Zhen politely greeted Clifford and introduced him to Sophia.

"Just call me Clifford, Lillie. Mr. Sy is too formal. I thought we were already friends."

Zhen-Zhen just smiled sheepishly at him while nodding her head.

On the other hand, Sophia was stunned for a moment after hearing that. No wonder he looked familiar to her. He was one of the famous bachelor businessmen in the City of Empire.

Sophia glanced at Zhen-Zhen with amusement. She was amazed that Zhen-Zhen also knew Clifford Sy. She presumed that the two of them were friends by just observing Clifford's attitude towards Zhen-Zhen.

She didn't recognize him at first because Clifford was smiling tenderly at Zhen-Zhen. He looked friendly and approachable, in contrast to the Clifford Sy she often heard from the news. He was known as a cold and indifferent CEO who hated women.

She was surprised that Clifford Sy was acting so friendly towards Zhen-Zhen despite the fact he was 'allergic' to women because of his past relationship.

'Don't tell me he likes Lillie too? Is he not aware that she's already married?' Sophia arched her eyebrows while eyeing Clifford suspiciously.

Clifford extended his hand to Sophia for a handshake. Sophia's jaw dropped after seeing that. She also heard that Clifford Sy hated being touched by women. But here he was, extending his hand in front of her.

Sophia gladly accepted his hand and nodded her head, acknowledging Clifford's courteous gesture. They exchanged some greetings, saying 'hi' and 'hello', 'nice to meet you.'

Little did they know, Clifford was just behaving like this because he was in front of Zhen-Zhen. He didn't want to look rude or snob in her eyes.

After greeting Sophia, Clifford turned to Zhen-Zhen.  "Lillie, can we talk?"

Zhen-Zhen fell silent for a moment. She was having conflicting thoughts. But since she already promised Tristan that she would avoid Clifford, Zhen-Zhen had to reject Clifford this time.

"I'm sorry, Clifford. Sophia and I are in a hurry. We have to go now. We have some important things to do," she said as an excuse, giving Sophia a meaningful look.

Clifford had already expected this. 'It seems like Tristan really forbade Lillie to see me and talk to me. But I will still take this chance to talk to her.'

"Can you give me even ten or five minutes of your time? Please Lillie, can you do that?" Clifford said with his pleading tone. It had been a long time since he begged from someone.

Zhen-Zhen looked at Clifford helplessly. Now, she was having a second thought again.

"Can you hear me out first? After this, I will not bother you anymore. I know you are trying to avoid me now, Lillie. Is this because of Tristan?" Clifford said it directly, trying to convince Zhen-Zhen.

Zhen-Zhen was caught off guard by Clifford's frankness. 'So he is aware…'

Sophia was just silent as if she was invisible. From the way she was hearing things right now, she could deduce that something was going on between Tristan and Clifford. The reason for that was none other than Zhen-Zhen.

"Please, Lillie, just give me five minutes."

Zhen-Zhen heaved a deep sigh. She decided to hear him out. Besides, she also wanted to know if Clifford had no ill-intention for approaching her. Zhen-Zhen didn't want to jump into a conclusion so she gave Clifford the benefit of the doubt.

"Alright, we can talk but in one condition…"

Clifford's face brightened up when he heard her decision. "Okay, just tell me. What  condition?"

"We will talk together with Sophia."

Sophia: "..."

Clifford: "..."

'Eh, why me? How did I suddenly get involved here?' Sophia thought to herself while giving Zhen-Zhen a questioning gaze.

Zhen-Zhen just smiled at Sophia apologetically. She did that because she promised Tristan that she would not repeat her action before. She was avoiding being alone with Clifford so it's better if Sophia would be with them while they were talking.

Though Clifford felt uncomfortable with Zhen-Zhen's suggestion, he had no choice but to endure it. He didn't know when he would get a chance to talk to her again so he should grab this chance already.

"Okay, let's do that then."

Soon, the three of them went to a spot where they could talk comfortably without worrying about other students overhearing their conversation.

Sophia suggested to them to go to the mini-forest where she and Zhen-Zhen often hang out. While they were on their way, Sophia didn't know why but on her instinct, she just messaged Matthew, informing him about Clifford.

*******

~ At Heavenly Star Enterprise ~

Tristan and Matthew were giving final instructions with the project team when Matthew's phone vibrated. He picked it up only to see Sophia's message on his screen.

He was surprised that Sophia messaged him first so he smiled inwardly, feeling excited to open her message. He got curious, wondering what message Sophia sent him.

Tristan saw Matthew smiling like a fool while looking at his phone. He shook his head while clicking his tongue. He leaned closer to Matthew, trying to check what's on his phone that made his best friend aka his assistant smile like that.

Then Sophia's name came to his view. Tristan was about to tease Matthew when suddenly his eyes caught a glimpse of a name in the message.  It was Clifford's name.

Tristan's smile disappeared instantly after reading the full message. He immediately snatched the phone from Matthew's hand, shocking Matthew.

[ Matt, Are you and Tristan on the way to pick us now? I just want to tell you that Clifford Sy is here on the Campus, trying to talk to Lillie. ]

Matthew was about to complain because Tristan just took his phone. He was not yet done reading Sophia's message. However, Matthew swallowed his words upon noticing the dark expression of Tristan.

'Eh, what's wrong with him? Why does he look so frightening? Is he mad or something?' Matthew marveled at that thought.

Even their colleagues became silent as they could see the changes in Tristan's expression.

Without saying a word, Tristan marched out of the Planning Team Office going to his office. He went there to get his bag and car keys, planning to rush to the University of Imperial Knight.