chapter 10

Liam wasn't a jealous man.

At least, that was what he told himself countless times after the divorce.

Jealousy was irrational. It clouded judgment and made people behave foolishly. He had spent years watching businessmen destroy partnerships and relationships because they allowed emotions to dictate their actions.

He had always considered himself above that.

Which was why he found himself increasingly irritated by how often Ethan Blackwood's name seemed to appear lately.

"Blackwood Capital and Lux Group have announced a joint investment project."

Ethan.

"Julian Lux attended the launch event with Ethan Blackwood."

Ethan.

"Industry insiders speculate that Ethan Blackwood and Judith Lux—"

Liam tossed the magazine onto his desk before finishing the article.

His assistant looked up from across the office.

"Is something wrong, boss?"

"No."

The answer came too quickly.

The assistant wisely decided not to comment.

That weekend, Smith Group hosted a large charity auction attended by most of the country's elite families.

Liam normally disliked these events.

Tonight was no exception.

The ballroom was crowded, cameras flashed constantly, and everyone seemed determined to discuss topics he didn't care about.

He had just escaped a conversation about luxury real estate when his assistant appeared beside him.

"Mr. Smith."

"What is it?"

"The Lux family just arrived."

Liam's eyes moved toward the entrance before he could stop himself.

And then he saw her.

Judith.

She stood near the doorway wearing a dark green evening gown that complemented her complexion perfectly.

Her hair fell over one shoulder in loose waves.

A pair of emerald earrings sparkled beneath the chandelier lights.

She looked...

Different.

Not because she'd changed.

Because she looked happy and as if she'd grown more flesh.

She also looked relaxed.

The constant sadness he had grown accustomed to seeing in her eyes during the final year of their marriage was gone.

For some reason, that realization unsettled him.

Then Ethan stepped beside her.

And Liam's mood immediately worsened.

"Why are you glaring?"

Liam looked away from the entrance.

His mother stood beside him holding a glass of champagne.

"I wasn't glaring."

Victoria glanced toward Judith and Ethan.

Then back at her son.

"Of course not."

Liam resisted the urge to sigh.

His mother had become impossible lately.

Victoria smiled.

"They look good together."

And that had a way of doing it.

Liam finally frowned.

His mother immediately noticed.

Interesting, very interesting.

"You know," she continued casually, "Ethan has always been fond of Judith."

Liam took a sip of his drink.

"I wouldn't know."

"No, you wouldn't. How would you?"

There was enough meaning in those four words to make him uncomfortable.

On the other side of the ballroom, Judith was doing her best not to attract attention.

Unfortunately, being a Lux made that nearly impossible.

Especially when Ethan was standing beside her.

At some point during the evening, Ava appeared carrying two desserts.

"I come bearing gifts."

Judith laughed.

"Where did you get those?"

"I have connections."

"You stole them."

"Borrowed."

Ethan shook his head.

"You are a terrible influence."

"I've been hearing that for years."

As they talked, Judith became aware of a familiar gaze.

She looked across the room.

And found Liam watching her.

Their eyes met and for a moment, neither looked away.

Then Ethan said something beside her.

Judith turned toward him.

The moment broke.

But not before Liam felt something unpleasant settle in his chest.

───

Later in the evening, the auction finally ended.

Guests began moving toward the dance floor while others gathered in small groups.

Judith was reaching for a glass of water when a voice behind her said,

"You look well."

She froze.

Slowly, she turned around.

Liam stood there.

For a second, neither knew what to say.

The last time they'd spoken had been shortly after the divorce. The day she moved to her parents.

Judith recovered first.

"Thank you."

A small silence followed.

Liam studied her.

She really did look well.

Better than well.

And that bothered him more than it should have.

"How's work?"

The question sounded strangely formal.

Judith almost smiled.

"Busy."

"I read about the new partnership."

Something flickered across her face.

"With Ethan?"

The moment the words left his mouth, Liam regretted them.

Because now it sounded like he'd been paying attention.

Which he had.

Judith noticed.

A faint smile touched her lips.

"Yes. With Ethan."

For reasons he couldn't explain, hearing her say his name annoyed him.

Before either could continue, Ethan appeared.

His timing was terrible.

Or perfect.

Depending on who was judging.

"There you are."

Ethan naturally stepped beside Judith.

Not in a possessive manner and surprisingly it wasn't intentional.

Just comfortably.

Like he belonged there.

The sight irritated Liam more than it should have.

Ethan offered him a polite nod.

"Smith."

"Blackwood."

The atmosphere immediately cooled.

Judith noticed it and nearly laughed.

Two billionaire heirs acting like children.

Some things really did changed.

───

A few minutes later, Ethan excused himself to take a call.

Judith watched him leave before turning back toward Liam.

"You don't like him."

The statement caught Liam off guard.

"I don't dislike him."

"You absolutely dislike him."

Liam looked away.

Judith smiled.

For the first time that evening, it was a genuine smile.

The kind he hadn't seen nearly enough during their marriage.

And strangely, seeing it now made his chest tighten.

Before he could understand why, someone called Judith's name from across the room.

She glanced over her shoulder.

"I should go."

Liam nodded.

Neither moved immediately.

Then Judith smiled politely.

"Goodnight, Liam."

And just like that, she walked away.

───

Liam watched her disappear into the crowd.

For several seconds, he remained exactly where he was.

His mother appeared beside him once again.

She followed his gaze.

Then she sighed dramatically.

"What?"

Victoria looked at him as if he were particularly slow.

"What are you staring at? Judith?"

"I am not."

"You absolutely are."

Liam said nothing.

His mother smiled.

Because she knew something her son still hadn't figured out.

The problem wasn't Ethan Blackwood.

The problem was that for the first time in three years, Judith Lux no longer seemed to need Liam Smith.

And that was bothering him far more than he wanted to admit.