Chapter 22: The Weight of Whispers

As Liam Hart’s hand clasped hers, Allison Brooks immediately felt the weight of countless eyes. The grand hall buzzed with muted chatter, but Allie could feel the sharp, invisible daggers of disdain from the glamorous women around them.

Her pulse quickened. She tried to tug her hand free from Liam’s.

“What’s wrong?” Liam turned to her, his voice low yet commanding.

Allie kept her voice calm, though her nerves frayed under the scrutiny. “I don’t want to be the center of attention. Let go, please.”

Liam’s brows knitted slightly but then, with a reluctant sigh, he released her hand.

“I’m going to step out,” Allie said quickly. “You can handle your... obligations here.”

Liam tilted his head, studying her like she was a riddle he couldn’t quite solve. “Where will you go?”

“Back to campus. I’ve got classes tomorrow,” she said, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

For a moment, he said nothing, his piercing eyes locked on hers. Then, unexpectedly, he smiled—a rare, genuine curve of his lips that softened his usual stoic demeanor.

“Wait here. I’ll say my goodbyes and take you,” he said.

Allie blinked. “You’ll leave? Now?”

“This is your grandfather’s celebration,” she reminded him. “And you’re supposed to—”

Liam cut her off with a smirk. “The world can wait. My wife thinks this is boring, and I can’t argue. In my world, the wife outranks everyone.”

Allie’s heart stumbled at his words. Was he joking? He said it so casually, yet there was something sincere beneath his teasing tone.

Before she could respond, he added, “Stay here. I’ll be quick.”

True to his word, Liam returned minutes later, his hand outstretched. “Let’s go.”

They walked toward the private elevator, descending into the underground parking garage. As the car glided down the mountain road, the noise and glamour of the Hart estate faded into the quiet of the evening.

Allie’s phone buzzed. It was her father, David Brooks.

“Where are you, Allie?” he asked, his tone equal parts concern and authority.

“Something came up at school,” Allie lied smoothly. “I had to leave early. Everything’s fine.”

As she hung up, Liam glanced at her. “Hungry?”

The question caught her off guard. She hesitated before replying, “Not really.”

“Well, I am,” Liam said, leaning back in his seat with an easy confidence.

His voice carried a familiar undertone that made Allie’s cheeks warm. His gaze was steady but playful, and she could swear there was mischief in his eyes.

“Liam, I—” she stammered, suddenly flustered.

“I’m talking about food,” Liam interrupted, his smirk widening. “What were you thinking, Allie?”

Her face went crimson. “Nothing!”

“Hmm,” he hummed, clearly amused. “You’re blushing.”

She glared at him, crossing her arms over her chest. “I wasn’t thinking about anything! You just caught me off guard.”

He chuckled, his deep laughter filling the car. “Alright, little one, let’s focus. Where can I grab a good meal?”

Allie seized the opportunity to steer the conversation. “There’s a food court near campus. They have this beef noodle shop that’s pretty amazing.”

Liam raised a brow. “A food court?”

“Yeah,” she said quickly. “It’s not fancy, but the noodles are incredible. You’ll love it.”

However, after speaking, Allie realized that people like Liam Hart are very sophisticated in eating, and shouldn’t go to places like food courts.