Semua Bab STEP ASIDE EX-HUSBAND: THE RISE OF LIANA: Bab 51 - Bab 60

Liana's POV"Mum," I said, the second Cam had taken off again in the direction of her chair across the counter, leaving behind a path of sticky fingerprints and innocence in her wake, I was actually surprised she didn't say anything. My voice was strained, too sharp around the edges, and I didn't like how defensive I already was. "About this morning…”She didn't bat an eye. She flipped the last pancake onto a plate like a woman who'd spent her life flipping more than breakfast… dialogues, expectations, situations. "Yes?" she said offhandedly, but the glint in her eye told me that she knew exactly what I was going to say."It wasn't what it looked like," I rushed to explain. "Dominic only spent the night because I… I wasn't in a good place last night. And I didn't want to be alone. It wasn't serious. I promise."She finally turned to face me, wiping her hands on the apron she somehow had on in spite of being in recovery. Her eyes, calm and clear, searched mine. “Liana,” she said simply

Dominic's PovClosing the door behind me, I walked to the chair directly opposite Liana. Lester was also sitting directly oposite her lawyer. The conference room felt tighter now, as though the walls had contracted an inch when Liana arrived. Her back was straight, eyes not blazing with fury or warmth. Not inviting, not provocative. Just flat out neutral. In a way it showed strength.I leaned forward slightly, hands together in my lap, and said the words I had rehearsed. "Liana, thank you for coming. I know this isn't easy."She nodded once. "It’s not. But I’m here. So let’s get to it."Lester, ever active and coordinated slid a folder across the table. "We appreciate your willingness to have this discussion off the record. As I said to your lawyer, our goal is peace. For your daughter and for everyone involved. But first I will like to know why you came with a different lawyer."“He's busy and your meeting came impromptu so his assistant came with me, but it's not an issue. I'm the o

Dominic's POVThe skyline was black against the city's golden haze, interrupted by glass and concrete. My office was gloomy, the sole illumination coming from the windows that went from floor to ceiling. My hands rested at the small of my back, jaw set, eyes fixed on the glittering view below as Lester's voice echoed down the phone."Paperwork is tight," replied Lester, calm and assured. "Good thing is she signed willingly, no pressure, no coercion. That visitation statement reads neutral, but it leaves the door wide open."I turned and walked slowly. "And the suit?""Already rolling. The court summons will reach her in an hour. Your PR people have the press release draft. It paints you as a concerned father making a peaceful attempt to be reunited with his daughter. No shots fired, only redemption."I nodded to myself, a smile creasing the corner of my mouth. "Perfect."Lester grinned. "She probably fulfilled, she doesn't know what's coming.""She thinks it's over," I said, pouring

LIANA'S POVI hadn't realized silence could be so calming. For a couple of seconds, I thought I could pause life here; hot cappuccino in my hands, the constant hum of the fridge in the background, and Mum's light hand on top of mine like a root to the ground.But of course, silence doesn't stay as silence for long."I still don't know the slightest thing about how Cam really feels about it," I whispered.Mum turned her head. "About what, dear?""The kiss or even about Stanley. Since it happened yesterday, I have not been able to talk to her at all. I don't even know where to begin.""You haven't asked her anything?""How do I?" I shook my head. "Cam's never had to get used to seeing me… with someone. She's used to it being me and her. I don't even know if she really gets what it meant."My fingers trailed along the lip of the mug, my eyes fixed on the foam that clinged to the inside. "I don't know if I'm going to end up with Stanley or jump into anything serious. But the attraction is

LIANA'S POVI was taken aback by the knock at the door just as I had managed a moment's respite. I had just tucked Cam into bed, her tiny body curled up in the security of slumber, and my own head was still spinning from the voicemail I had played only a moment before.I approached the door, the burden in my heart a pressure I could not shake. Opening it, I was not surprised to see Nathan standing there. The man had an unreasonable knack for showing up at the exact moment I needed him."You're late," I said dryly, stepping aside so he could enter.Nathan stepped in, his gaze sweeping the room before settling on me. "Sorry. I've been busy tying up loose ends." He carried a briefcase—a plain one, but I understood what it contained: the final pieces of a puzzle that would, once fitted together, destroy Dominic's universe.He closed the door, his gaze locking onto mine. "It's time," he said softly but firmly.I nodded, pulling out a chair and sitting across from him. "What did you discove