Chapter 5

Chapter 5: GAMES BEGIN

The room was cloaked in silence as Liam strode into his office, the air carrying the unmistakable scent of expensive cologne and authority. Shawn, his right-hand man, was close behind, his expression stoic as he matched Liam’s pace. Two security guards trailed them, carrying a black box, which they placed on the glass-top table in front of Liam.

Liam gestured toward the box without a word, his face hard as granite. "Open it. Tell me what’s inside."

Shawn hesitated for a brief moment, then carefully lifted the lid, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the contents. He suddenly froze, shock flashing across his usually composed features. He looked back up at Liam, his mouth opening as if to speak but nothing coming out.

Liam raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Shawn’s reaction. "Well? Out with it."

Shawn swallowed, his voice tense. "Boss, you should take a look for yourself."

Liam’s eyes darkened as he moved closer to the box. He glanced inside, his jaw tightening as he processed the sight before him. Photographs—clear and damning—showing Aria, his recent fling, entwined with another man, sharing intimate moments she had once claimed to reserve only for him.

The hurt and rage simmered beneath his exterior, but Liam’s face remained expressionless. He pulled a few pictures from the box, examining each one meticulously, his eyes cold and calculating. He didn’t say a word, but the tension in the room was palpable.

"She said she loved me," he finally murmured, his voice barely above a whisper, yet it carried the weight of betrayal. He dropped the photos back into the box as if they disgusted him, then looked up at Shawn, his eyes hard and unyielding.

"I don’t want to hear from her again. Block every possible way she can get to me," he ordered, his voice clipped. "I don’t want her anywhere near my life. She’s cut off."

Shawn nodded, understanding the finality in Liam’s tone. "I’ll make sure of it, sir."

Without another word, Liam turned on his heel, leaving the box and the bitter memories behind him. He pulled his phone from his pocket and walked out of the office, needing fresh air to clear his mind and refocus.

---

The afternoon passed by quickly, and Reese’s phone buzzed just as she was sorting through some kitchen supplies. The name Paul flashed on her screen, one of Liam’s secretaries. She hesitated for a second before answering.

"Hello, Reese speaking."

"Good afternoon, Ms. Reese," Paul greeted in a polite but distant tone. "Mr. Liam would like to invite you over for dinner this evening. He requested it be today."

Reese’s eyes widened slightly, caught off guard by the sudden invitation. "Oh, sure. I’d be happy to come. Just let him know I’ll be there."

"Excellent. I’ll inform Mr. Liam," Paul replied before ending the call.

Reese turned to find Chelsea in the kitchen, absentmindedly chopping vegetables. "Chelsea, I won’t be here for dinner tonight. I just got a call—Liam’s invited me over."

Chelsea frowned, a hint of disappointment in her eyes. "Oh, okay. Guess I’ll have to find something fun to do alone."

Reese smiled, ruffling Chelsea’s hair playfully. "Hey, don’t look so glum. You’re in Columbia! Go out, explore a little. Maybe visit a café or take a walk along the beach."

Chelsea forced a smile, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. "Yeah, maybe I’ll do that."

---

That evening, Reese arrived at Liam’s grand estate, the front entrance just as opulent as everything else about him. The house was designed with sophistication in mind, all smooth marble floors, dramatic staircases, and lavish chandeliers that seemed to glow like gold.

Liam was waiting for her in the dining room, dressed impeccably in a fitted black suit, his usual cold demeanor softened just a bit as he greeted her with a nod. They exchanged a few pleasantries before Reese took her seat, marveling at the spread before her.

"So, I’m assuming this is more than just a casual dinner?" Reese quipped, sensing the air of business lingering between them.

Liam leaned back in his chair, folding his hands thoughtfully. "You’re right. My birthday’s coming up, and, as usual, my mother is pushing for some grand affair. But I’m really not interested."

Reese tilted her head, curious. "So, why not tell her no? I mean, it’s your birthday."

Liam gave a short, humorless chuckle. "It’s not that simple. My mother… well, she’s got her expectations. Plus, there’s always my annual party to consider. I have that scheduled first and want to focus on it before any birthday nonsense."

Reese’s eyes sparkled with a hint of opportunity. "Actually, I might have a solution for you."

Liam raised an eyebrow. "I’m listening."

"I have a friend—an excellent event planner." Reese smiled, thinking of Chelsea and the potential this could hold for her. "She’s talented and could make sure both events are handled professionally. All you’d need to do is meet with her."

Liam considered this for a moment, then nodded slowly. "Alright. Set up a date with Paul. I’ll make sure everything is in place. Let’s see what your friend can do."

Reese grinned, pleased with the outcome. "You won’t be disappointed, Liam."

They continued with dinner, discussing various details of the upcoming party, but Reese couldn’t help the feeling of satisfaction settling within her. Not only had she secured an opportunity for Chelsea, but she also felt like she’d managed to take a small step in proving herself to Liam.

Reese glanced at her watch, her eyes softening as she looked back at Liam. “I should get going now,” she said, her tone light but carrying a hint of reluctance. “I’ve taken up enough of your time tonight.”

Liam nodded, offering a small smile. “No worries. Thanks for coming by, Reese. It was good to catch up.”

Reese gave him a warm smile in return, picking up her bag. “I’ll speak with Paul tomorrow to set everything in motion for the party,” she added, knowing he wanted everything to be well-organized and seamless.

“Perfect. I trust you’ll handle it well,” Liam replied, his voice filled with genuine appreciation.

As Reese turned toward the door, she paused for a brief moment, glancing back with a slight wave. “Take care, Liam.”

“Safe travels, Reese,” he said, watching her go before turning his attention to Shawn, who was waiting nearby.

Once the door closed behind her, Liam turned to his right-hand man, his expression softening. “I need to head home now. My mom and grandma are expecting me.”

Shawn gave a respectful nod. “Understood. Want me to arrange the security detail for the night?”

Liam shook his head. “No need. Just make sure everything’s secure here. I’ll be back tomorrow.”

“Will do, boss,” Shawn replied as Liam picked up his phone, a faint smile on his face at the thought of his family waiting for him.