Chapter 20: Hidden Agendas

Adam Hart’s expression was unreadable, his cool demeanor unwavering as he directed his words solely at Allie Brooks. “Come with me.”

The intensity in his voice left no room for hesitation. Allie felt the weight of every eye on her as she followed Adam onto the terrace, her heart racing with curiosity and apprehension.

Out here, the sounds of laughter and clinking glasses faded, muffled by the glass doors behind them. The night air wrapped around them, carrying an edge of tension.

“Where were you?” Adam asked, his tone sharp, though his eyes betrayed a flicker of concern. “I’ve been looking for you.”

Allie hesitated, her cheeks flushing under the faint moonlight. She forced a nervous laugh. “Oh, I… After you left, I thought I heard someone in the corridor and got spooked. I ended up wandering into the back garden and got lost. Your estate is… massive.”

Her explanation sounded flimsy even to her own ears, but she mustered a smile, hoping it would suffice.

Adam’s gaze flicked to her dress, a delicate cherry blossom cheongsam. His piercing eyes seemed to see right through her lie. “The entrance to the garden was blocked tonight,” he said quietly, his voice laced with skepticism.

Allie shifted uncomfortably. “I—I must’ve taken a wrong turn. Anyway, it’s no big deal.”

Adam didn’t press further, though his frown deepened. “Your hand,” he said, gesturing to a small scratch on the back of her hand. “What happened?”

“Oh, this?” Allie looked down, feigning indifference. “Just a little scratch. Nothing to worry about.”

He studied her for a moment, then nodded. “Your father and Vivian are here tonight. You could’ve walked in the front door. Why sneak in?”

Her stomach tightened. She searched for an answer but came up blank. “It’s… complicated,” she mumbled.

Adam’s sharp features softened just a fraction. “If it’s something you don’t want to share, I won’t push.” His tone was calm but resolute, leaving Allie feeling both relieved and disarmed.

Before she could respond, a voice called Adam from inside. He glanced over his shoulder, then back at Allie. “If you need anything, find me.”

“Thanks,” she said quietly, watching as he disappeared back into the party.

Left alone on the terrace, Allie let out a shaky breath. The cool night breeze nipped at her skin, but she didn’t want to go back inside. Not yet. The evening had already been too much—too many secrets, too many reminders of the life she’d been trying to leave behind.

Her gaze drifted back inside, scanning the crowd until it landed on Nick Lawson. Even from a distance, Nick had a magnetic presence that drew people to him. He stood amidst a circle of elegant women, a glass of champagne in hand, his confidence unshaken.

Allie’s chest tightened as she watched him. The memory of their shared past stirred something in her, a mix of longing and bitterness that left her feeling raw.

“Seriously, Allie?” a sharp voice broke through her thoughts.

Turning, Allie found herself face-to-face with Vivian Brooks. Her younger half-sister’s expression was a mixture of anger and disdain.

“Vivian,” Allie said evenly. “We’re at a party. Maybe drop the hostility for five minutes?”

Vivian crossed her arms, her lips curling into a sneer. “Don’t give me that ‘older sister’ tone. You’ve been nothing but a thorn in this family’s side. And let’s get one thing straight—Liam Hart? He’s off-limits. Don’t think for a second you can steal him from me.”

Allie’s brow furrowed, her own frustration rising. “Vivian, for the last time, I’m not interested in playing your little games.

And Liam? He’s not some trophy you can win.”

Vivian’s face darkened, her voice dropping to a venomous whisper. “Stay out of my way, Allie. You’re just an outsider in this family, and you always will be.”

Allie’s patience snapped. “Maybe I’m an outsider, but at least I’m not deluding myself. Liam doesn’t care about you,

Vivian. Did he even look at you tonight?”

Vivian was already furious and frustrated. She came in costume today, but Liam Hart did not look at her. So many celebrities surrounded Liam and she couldn’t squeeze in, so she had to come over to find Allie and let her anger.