Chapter 44
Liam’s POV
As I pull into the parking lot, Joe’s slip of “Dad” echoes in my mind, over and over, like a broken record. The moment I heard it, my heart dropped.
I can’t shake the feeling that there’s something more to his connection with Aria than I’ve ever been told. I pull into my usual spot and take a deep breath, trying to refocus.
Once I step into the office, I’m greeted by the familiar chaos—phones ringing, people rushing around.
I should be diving into the numbers from last quarter, planning our next big sponsorship deal, but all I can think about is Joe. I can’t let it go.
With a few taps on my keyboard, I pull up everything I can find about Joe’s background. I scroll through legal documents and birth records, but I hit a dead end almost immediately.
I lean back in my chair, frustration mounting. Why can’t I get a straight answer?
My mind drifts to Logan. If he’s not Joe’s father, then who is? And why the hell hasn’t Aria told me?
I grab my phone and dial Logan's number, masking my intention under the guise of discussing a potential partnership deal with his racing team.
“Liam! What’s up?” Logan answers, his voice overly cheerful.
“Hey, Logan. I was hoping we could chat about that partnership we discussed a while back. You free?” I ask, feigning casualness.
“Sure! Let’s meet at the usual place. I could use a break from the office,” he replies, and I mentally prepare myself for our meeting.
At the café, the air is thick with the scent of fresh coffee and baked goods. I spot Logan at a table, already waiting.
He’s leaning back casually, but there’s something off about him. I slide into the seat across from him, and we exchange pleasantries before diving into business.
“So, about that partnership…” I start, discussing the logistics, but my mind is elsewhere. I need to bring up Joe.
As we move through the conversation, I casually mention, “You know, I’ve been spending more time with Joe lately. He’s a great kid.”
Logan’s expression flickers. “Yeah, he is. Aria’s done a great job with him.”
I push further, using my best poker face. “You’ve known him for a while now. It must be nice, being a father figure to him.”
His eyes narrow slightly. “What do you mean by that?”
“Just that it must be rewarding to see him grow up, especially with everything going on,” I say, watching for his reaction.
“Right. Well, you know, I’m just trying to be there for Aria,” he replies, but there’s a hint of defensiveness in his tone.
“Yeah, I get that. It must be hard not being his biological father and all,” I say casually, but it’s like I’ve thrown a match into a bonfire.
Logan stiffens, a flash of anger crossing his face. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
I lean forward, lowering my voice. “Just wondering how far you’re willing to go to support Aria and Joe, especially with all that’s happened recently.”
“Look, Liam, I don’t have to explain myself to you,” he retorts, brushing me off. “Let’s stick to business.”
I can feel the tension thickening the air between us. He’s dodging my questions, and it only makes me more suspicious.
The conversation eventually trails off, and I leave the meeting feeling more uneasy than before. There’s something Logan isn’t telling me, and I need to find out what it is.
Back at my office, I can’t shake the feeling of urgency. I pull my assistant aside. “I need you to look into something for me.”
“Sure, what’s up?” she asks, tilting her head slightly.
“Find out what you can about the birth records of Joe.”
“Aria’s son?” She looks confused.
“Yes.” When her confusion doesn’t clear, I add “it’s for business purposes.”
She raises an eyebrow skeptically but doesn’t press further. “Okay, I’ll see what I can find.”
“Thanks, I appreciate it,”
I don’t like rooting around behind Aria’s back– especially now, knowing I’m treading on thin ice. But something about the situation unsettles me, and I know that if I don’t find the answers myself, I may never know the truth.
The weekend rolls around, and I find myself at one of Jackson’s races, tension still hanging in the air. As I scan the crowd, I spot Aria standing with Logan just before the race begins.
My stomach churns at the sight. Before I can even process it, I feel the impulse to intervene.
As they talk, I make my way over, pushing through the throng of people. When I reach them, Logan’s hand is on Aria’s arm, and it ignites a fire in me.
I clear my throat. “Aria, can we talk?”
She glances between us, unsure, but I can see the discomfort in her eyes. “Uh, yeah, sure. Just give me a minute, Logan.”
“Take your time,” he says, a smirk on his face that makes my blood boil.
As we step away, I pull her aside, my voice low but urgent. “What the hell are you doing talking to him?”
“I was just listening to him explain himself, Liam,” she says, crossing her arms defensively.
I glance back at Logan, who’s watching us with narrowed eyes. “He doesn’t get to explain himself. He used you, Aria. He’s been trying to manipulate you.”
“Manipulate me? You’re one to talk!” she fires back, her tone sharp. “You’re acting like you’re the saint here when you’ve taken me for granted for years!”
The argument escalates, both of us standing our ground, but I can see her frustration bubbling over. It’s not just about Logan; it’s about us, too.
“Stop treating her like a prize to be won,” I say, my voice rising slightly. “You’re the one who needs to back off.”
Logan takes a step closer, his expression hardening. “And you’re no better, Liam. You’ve had your chance, and you blew it. Now you’re just scared of losing her.”
“Enough,” she says sharply, glaring at both of us. “I am not something you can compete for. I’m not a prize to be won, and I’m not interested in being part of whatever pissing contest you two think you’re having.”
Logan and I both fall silent, her words hitting harder than any punch could.
She crosses her arms, clearly done with the conversation.
“I’ve had enough of this. You both need to stop acting like this is about you. It’s not. It’s my life, my choices.”
Without waiting for a response, she turns and walks away, leaving Logan and me standing there, glaring at each other.
The silence stretches on, thick and uncomfortable, and I can’t shake the feeling that we’ve crossed a line.
I look at Logan, and the tension hangs heavy in the air, both of us realizing that this isn’t just about Aria anymore—it’s about the truth we’re both avoiding.
As I watch Aria walk away, a knot of determination forms in my gut. I’ll uncover the truth about Joe’s paternity, and I won’t let Logan or anyone else stand in my way.
The stakes have never been higher, and I refuse to let fear dictate my actions. I need to know, and I need to know now.
