Chapter 13

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 tiny 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, lifting 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 a giant.”

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,” I began, my tone clipped, “I know you asked for a ride from the airport, but you never said why. What brings you to town? Shouldn’t you be managing Hailsing’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?”

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 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, I kept telling myself that.

“So,” Daphne began, mischief in her voice, “Liam’s in town, 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 curtains cascaded like waterfalls, adding to the lavishness.

The soft strains of a live orchestra mingled with the hum of voices and the clink of champagne glasses. Servers in crisp black-and-white uniforms moved through the crowd, their trays gleaming with liquid jewels.

It was all… excessive. I couldn’t help but feel how excessive this was, even for Alexander.

As we entered, conversation paused, and every eye turned our way. The scrutiny felt like a spotlight. My arm tightened around Liam’s, his presence grounding me as I fought the urge to squirm under their gaze.

He leaned in, his voice low and soothing. “Hey, my arm needs circulation, you know. You look stunning. Relax.”

His words, simple but sincere, sent warmth through me.

“Thanks,” I replied, keeping my eyes ahead as we moved deeper into the crowd.

Liam and I separated as I stepped to the side, letting him mingle with others. People approached me, their interest clear, but I deflected with polite smiles. I wasn’t here for small talk. I had a mission.

Then they arrived—like a storm sweeping into the already tense room. The air seemed to shift as Alexander and Sophia entered, radiating charm and poise, as if the ballroom had been designed for them.

Alexander’s dark hair was slicked back, a few strands rebelliously framing his forehead. His tailored coat billowed behind him, his tall frame casting a shadow over the crowd.

Sophia, always poised, followed at his side. Her dark lace dress trailed behind her, clinging to her curves in all the right places. Her crimson hair was swept into a high bun, adorned with a floral accent, completing the picture of grace and control.

Together, they were a force—one that drew every eye in the room as they crossed the threshold. The whispers rippled through the crowd like a gust of wind.

“They’re perfect together,” someone murmured nearby, the envy clear in their tone.

“I heard Alexander bought a hospital just because Sophia didn’t like it,” another added, their voice dripping with awe. “He must be head over heels for her.”

Each comment was a tiny dagger, slicing deeper than I wanted to admit. But I lifted my chin and kept my expression neutral. Let them talk.

“Lauren?” Sophia’s voice cut through the air. She had separated from Alexander, her sickly sweet voice filled with just enough edge to make it clear she wasn’t here for pleasantries.

I turned slowly, my smile polite but distant, my gaze locking on hers. She looked as flawless as ever, her dress hugging her like it was custom-made to match her superiority complex.

“Oh, I’m sorry,” she said, her tone dripping with mock concern as her eyes swept over me from head to toe. “For a moment, I thought you were someone else. You look so much like the former Luna. Of course, she’s dead now.”

I almost chuckled but held it back, letting only a smile escape—just a shade too sharp, enough to cut without a word.

She leaned closer, her voice lowering, the mask slipping just enough to reveal the venom underneath. “Even if she was back,” she said, almost hissing, “it doesn’t change anything. Alexander is mine.”

I tilted my head, feigning confusion, and replied with a bitter sweetness to match hers. “Oh, my lady, I mean no disrespect with this—since this is our first meeting—but why hasn’t he married you yet?” I let the question hang in the air just a moment too long before adding with a pointed smile, “Do be sure to send me an invitation when he finally does. I’ll attend with a thoughtful gift.”

Her expression twisted, the crack in her composure so brief I almost missed it. But before she could fire back, Alexander appeared.

“Is there a problem?” His voice was calm, almost indifferent, but the way his gaze flicked between us made it clear he hadn’t missed the tension.

My stomach tightened, a fluttering ache that brought memories of our last meeting rushing back, lingering on my lips like an unspoken secret.

Sophia latched onto his arm like she’d been waiting for this moment, her demeanor softening into something demure and helpless. “Not at all,” she said quickly, her smile sweet but brittle. “I was just chatting with Dr. Ava. She’s so gracious—she even said she’d come to our wedding.”

Her words were a trap, designed to bait me into lashing out, but I stayed silent. Alexander’s eyes met mine, sharp and searching, and for a moment, the room seemed to fade away.

But when a hand slid over my waist from behind, it was as if my whole body had been plunged into cold water—reality crashing back in, sharp and sudden.

Liam’s presence was immediate, a shield behind me, steady and unwavering. His arm slid around my waist, a casual possessiveness, but there was something deliberate about it—quiet, but protective, like a promise in the space between us.

“Alpha Alexander,” Liam said smoothly, his grin effortless, though a challenge simmered beneath his tone. “What a pleasure.”

Alexander tilted his head, offering a small, clipped nod. “Liam.” His voice was sharp, almost biting.

Liam smirked, locking his icy blue gaze with Alexander’s dark one. “May I inquire—what exactly were you and my fiancée discussing?”