Liam leaned back in his chair, a wide grin spreading across his face. He could still hear the echo of Ava's friend's enthusiastic outburst, "Of course she'd love to dance with you!" followed by the abrupt end to the call. He chuckled, the sound reverberating through his normally quiet office. He hadn't expected such an entertaining turn of events.He replayed the conversation in his mind, savoring the memory of Ava's hesitant "hello" and the palpable shock in her voice when she realized who was calling. He had to admit, he'd enjoyed flustering the composed young woman, even if unintentionally.A slight movement at the corner of his eye caught his attention. He glanced up to see Sarah, his assistant, standing near the doorway, a barely concealed smile playing on her lips. He raised an eyebrow, a silent inquiry hanging in the air.Sarah, unable to contain herself any longer, let out a soft laugh. "I couldn't help but overhear," she admitted, stepping into the office. "It seems Miss Bennett has quite the enthusiastic friend.""Indeed," Liam replied, amusement dancing in his eyes. "It appears I have my work cut out for me.""Well," Sarah said, her smile widening, "at least you have an ally in her corner.""An ally who seems rather eager to see us together," Liam observed, recalling Chloe's enthusiastic endorsement.Sarah nodded. "Perhaps she recognizes a good match when she sees one."Liam's smile deepened. He appreciated Sarah's subtle encouragement. She knew his history, the reasons for his guarded heart, and yet she seemed to sense that Ava was different, that she might be the one to break down the walls he had so carefully erected."I must confess," Liam said, leaning forward, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial tone, "I wasn't expecting to find myself quite so... intrigued by Miss Bennett."Sarah's smile turned knowing. "Intrigued? Or perhaps something more?"Liam paused, considering her words. "Perhaps something more," he admitted, a flicker of vulnerability crossing his features. "She's unlike anyone I've ever met. Intelligent, independent, and yet..." He hesitated, searching for the right words. "And yet there's a vulnerability about her, a certain innocence that I find... captivating."Sarah nodded, her expression understanding. "She's a breath of fresh air, isn't she? A welcome contrast to the usual social climbers and fortune hunters."Liam winced, the familiar bitterness creeping in. He had encountered his fair share of those, women more interested in his wealth and status than in him as a person. But Ava, with her quiet dignity and her passion for knowledge, seemed genuinely oblivious to his social standing. It was refreshing, and undeniably attractive."I'm going to pursue her," Liam declared, a newfound determination in his voice. "I won't let my past dictate my future. I'll win her over, even if it takes every ounce of charm I possess."Sarah smiled, her eyes sparkling with approval. "I have no doubt you will, Liam. Just be patient, be yourself, and let her see the man beneath the grumpy exterior."Liam nodded, a sense of anticipation building within him. He had a feeling that pursuing Ava Bennett was going to be the most exciting challenge he had ever faced. And he was eager to see where this unexpected journey would lead.