Chapter 22: Unraveled Truths

The Next day...

Allie Brooks stirred awake, her vision clearing to reveal Liam Hart's striking features. She blinked a few times, startled by the close proximity of his face, its symmetry and elegance both captivating and unnerving.

Allie’s thoughts betrayed her. He’s even more breathtaking than Nicholas Lawson, she thought, recalling the man who had once consumed her life. But this was different—Liam wasn’t just handsome; he carried an intensity that left her heart fluttering.

As her gaze met his, a flicker of emotion crossed his face before vanishing, leaving her momentarily flustered. She quickly masked her nerves with a smile. “Good morning,” she said softly, her voice still thick with sleep.

Liam raised an eyebrow, his hair deliciously messy from sleep. “Good morning? That’s it? No enthusiastic praise for the man who keeps your life interesting?”

Allie snorted, rolling onto her side to face him. “What, you want me to start the day with, ‘Good morning, CEO of my dreams?’”

His lips curved into a lazy smirk. “Not bad. Has a nice ring to it. Say it again—slowly this time.”

She groaned, flopping back onto the pillows. “You’re ridiculous. How about, ‘Good morning, Overlord of Arrogance’?

That fits you better.”

Liam chuckled, the sound deep and warm. “Overlord of Arrogance? I’ll take it. But you know I’m more like the CFO of your heart.” He placed a hand dramatically over his chest, feigning sincerity.

Allie threw a pillow at him, laughing. “CFO of my heart? I didn’t realize my heart had a budget. Hope you’re paying your taxes.”

He caught the pillow effortlessly, his grin widening. “Don’t worry. I’m all about the write-offs. Starting with you—you’re my favorite expense.”

She rolled her eyes and swung her legs over the edge of the bed, reaching for her robe. “Well, your favorite expense has a busy day ahead. Enjoy your empire while I go do real work.”

Liam propped himself up on his elbow, watching her with an easy smile. “You know you’ll be back. Billionaires always win, Allie.”

She paused in the doorway, glancing back with a sly grin. “We’ll see, Mr. Billionaire. Don’t spend too much time counting your money while I’m gone.”

Liam sighed, his patience wearing thin. “Allie, wait.” He stepped forward and held out a sleek black card.

She froze, eyeing it suspiciously. “What’s this?”

“For your living expenses,” he said. “I’ll transfer funds into it every month. Use it for whatever you need—food, clothes, books, anything.”

Allie’s brows furrowed, a mix of surprise and indignation flashing across her face. “I don’t need your money, Liam. Do you have any idea what people at school are already saying about us? This will just make things worse.”

Liam’s jaw tightened. “What are they saying?”

“They think you’re... you know...” She hesitated, then sighed. “That you’re supporting me financially. Like a... sugar daddy or something.”

His gaze turned cold. “Do you want me to handle it?”

“No!” she blurted. “Please, don’t make it worse. It’s just idle gossip. It’ll die down.”

She pushed the card back toward him. “Seriously, Liam, I don’t need this. I’m fine.” Without waiting for his response, she turned and left.

Liam stood there, staring at the door she’d just closed, his expression unreadable. He pulled out his phone. “Meet me in my office at nine,” he said curtly, ending the call before the recipient could respond.

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Later that morning, Allie dragged herself to class, her sleepless night catching up with her. By lunchtime, she was desperate for a distraction, so she joined Chloe West at the cafeteria.

Chloe studied her carefully, her sharp eyes taking in every detail. “You look terrible, Allie. Dark circles, a distant stare... you’ve either been cramming all night or—” she paused, her lips curving mischievously, “indulging in something far more exciting.”

Allie nearly choked on her coffee. “What are you talking about?” she sputtered.

Chloe shrugged. “Oh, nothing. Just saying, you’ve got that... glow. Like someone who’s had a very interesting night.”

Allie flushed, her mind racing back to the morning’s awkward exchange with Liam. But before she could stammer out a reply, Chloe seemed to realize her mistake.

“Wait—sorry, I forgot. You and Nick broke up. My bad.”

Once, the mere mention of Nicholas would’ve sent a pang of pain through Allie’s chest. But now, to her own surprise, she felt... nothing. She smiled faintly. “It’s fine. That’s all behind me now.”

Chloe arched a brow. “Really? Because if it’s not Nick, then who—”

“Chloe, drop it,” Allie interrupted, though her flushed cheeks betrayed her. Chloe smirked knowingly but let the subject drop.