30 Not the Hero She Needed

Fortunately for him, no one reacted to his overacting. Most of them did not notice, and those that did notice probably could not be bothered to say anything.

Despite the day's events, the missing front window, and the late hour, the cafe was actually busier than it would have been on a normal Saturday evening. Whether it was because they wanted to indirectly give the cafe some money or the helpers were simply enjoying the atmosphere, nobody knew.

As usual, Jade turned to look at the door as soon as she heard the bell. When she saw that it was Liam, her eyes shone.

However, the light in her eyes quickly vanished when she saw the wall of cardboard, and she felt a pain in her heart.

That pain only lasted a moment before she remembered the incredible kindness of Mrs Harper, Silver Fox, and all the others.

"There was just a minor incident," Jade said to Liam.

"I see. Have you sorted the repairs yet? If you can't afford it, I can pay."

"No need," Jade interrupted. She was slightly displeased by his assumption that she would not be able to afford it; he was far less tactful than Silver Fox. "A kind regular has already contacted someone on our behalf."

"That's kind of them…" Liam's smiling face started twitching. 'Who was it? Who dared steal my thunder!'

"Ah, here he is now." Jade interrupted Liam's thoughts as Silver Fox made his way over.

"If it isn't Liam!" There was a broad smile on Silver Fox's face as he greeted Liam. "How are you? It's been a few years, hasn't it?"

Liam was equally shocked. "I must have been here over fifty times, but I've never seen you, a regular, here."

"I guess we come at different times, like ships passing in the night."

"Oh, you two know each other?" Jade queried.

"Yes, Liam here interned at my firm. We offered him a position with us, but he turned us down."

"You know I would have if I could have." Liam chuckled. "But you know how it is—I was needed in my family business."

"Family business?" Silver Fox found that hilarious. "You're being too modest. A cafe like this, a farm, or a newsagent's can be called a family business. When it's a multinational conglomerate, it's more than just a family business."

Scratching his head, Liam replied, "A family business is a family business, no matter how big it is.

"That's beside the point. You're the kind regular? Are you paying for it? It must be expensive, so I don't mind contributing—"

Jade's brows were furrowed. She understood it was a kind gesture, but it was somewhat insulting to offer to pay immediately.

Silver Fox saw this and interrupted Liam. "Of course not. I'm not so tactless as to offer to pay for someone's repairs just because their business isn't a huge corporation."

Perhaps Silver Fox said it a little too straightforwardly.

With that, any thought of paying left Liam's mind, and his face was left bright pink in embarrassment.