Chapter 0020
Lauren’s POV
The airport was a whirlwind of movement, families reuniting, announcements echoing through the halls, and Abigail’s laughter cutting through the noise like a warm breeze,
As soon as Liam stepped through the arrival gate, her thy frame shot forward, a bundle of excitement and curls. “Godfather! I missed you so much!” Abigail exclaimed, her voice pitching with glee.
Liam dropped his luggage and caught her effortlessly, lifti; her with ease. His laugh was rich, his baby blue eyes. softening as he met her hazel gaze. “Missed you too, kiddo You’ve grown taller since I last saw you. Pretty soon, you’ll be taller than me!”
She giggled, her arms clinging to his neck. “No way! You’re glant.”
I stood back, watching their exchange with a mixture of affection and wariness. Liam had always been good with Abigail, his warmth and care undeniable, but his presence here felt… unexpected.
“Liam,” 1 began, my tone clipped, “I know you asked for a fide from the airport, but you never said why. What brings you to town? Shouldn’t you be managing Hallsing’s hospital?”
He placed Abigail down gently before turning to me, his usual smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. “Wow, Lauren, always straight to business.” But then his expression darkened, his voice lowering, his blonde lock falling over his brow.
“For some reason, Alexander decided to resurrect our old partnership with Sophia’s company. You remember how that ended, right? Breach of contract, hefty penalties–the works.”
My stomach tightened. “And now?”
Liam leaned closer, his tone sharp but laced with amusement. “Now Alexander’s throwing money at hospitals like it’s confetti, buying shares and digging into deals that were dead a year ago. And for what? Well,” he glanced over me, “I can guess why. Been busy lately? How’s being dead going for ya?”
Anger flared in my chest, hot and relentless. This wasn’t about business. This was personal, a vendetta masked in legalities. My fists curled at my sides my stare hot on the ground. He was closing in. He knew.
“I’ll handle it,” Liam added, his tone softening as he noticed my expression, his gripping my shoulder. “He invited me to some gala. I’ll smooth things over.”
I couldn’t just let him fight my battles, not when I knew the reason this was happening. “No,” I said firmly, stepping closer to him. “I’m going with you. If Alexander wants to make this about me, I’m not letting you stand alone to defend what we’ve built.”
Liam’s lips twitched into a small, knowing smile as he shifted his weight. “You’re doing that thing you do.”
My brow furrowed. “What thing?”
17
He grabbed his suitcase, his movements slow and deliberate, but as he leaned in to pass me, his voice dipped low, just for me to hear. “You’re being infuriating. Beautiful. Stubborn, too–but I know better than to stop you.”
His words froze me for a momment, but before I could respond, he reached for Abigail’s hand.
“How are you going to find a dress in time?” he asked me over his shoulder, the teasing lilt back in his tone.
I crossed my arms, glaring at his retreating form, but my heart thudded traitorously in my chest. “Please, Daphne’s wardrobe is practically a department store,” I huffed, but the grin tugging at my lips betrayed me as I
+25 BONUS
jogged back to them, taking Abigail’s other hand.
He smirked, shrugging casually as we swung her between us, her laughter ringing out, light and carefree, echoing off the airport’s soaring ceilings.
Daphne flopped onto my bed, propping herself up as she watched me adjust the neckline of my gown. The deep emerald dress clung to my curves, making my eyes pop. Bold. That’s what tonight called for. Or at least, 1 kept telling myself that.
“So,” Daphne began, mischief in her voice, “Liam’s in tow, and you’re dressed like a Bond girl. Coincidence?”
I shot her a look. “This is for the gala. War, not date night.”
“Uh–huh.” She smirked, twirling a strand of hair. “If it turns into date night, I wouldn’t blame you. The man’s a walking ‘yes, please,”
I laughed, shaking my head. “You’re ridiculous.”
“No, you are.” She sat up, pointing dramatically. “Liam’s handsome, rich, great with Abigail and you’re treating him like a houseplant you forgot to water.”
“A houseplant?” I raised an eyebrow.
“An expensive one,” she grinned. “The kind that thrives no matter how much you neglect it. He’s just waiting to be watered.”
“Daphne, he’s my friend. Important one at that.”
She groaned, throwing herself back onto the bed. “You’re impossible. If you’re not gonna reconcile with Alexander
which, honestly, good call–maybe consider the guy who’s actually here and clearly into you. Hunky stepdad material, no?”
I crossed my arms, keeping a straight face. “I appreciate Liam. But it’s not like that. He saved my life, he’s a good business partner. End of story.
Daphne sighed dramatically. “Fine. Die alone with your principles. I’ll be over here, babysitting Abigail and planning your intervention.‘
I couldn’t help but laugh, her words lingering in my mind as I turned back to the mirror.
The moment we stepped into the grand ballroom, the atmosphere shifted–heavy with opulence and anticipation. Crystal chandeliers cast a golden glow over polished marble floors, while towering white pillars framed the space, their intricate carvings a work of art. Red velvet curtain
