I chuckled inwardly. It wouldn't take a stranger more than a day in our family to know that everything coming out of Liam's mouth was pure, polished nonsense.
"I'm not joining the company again," I said plainly. "Remember what you two did back then? You were bullies. You made life bitter for everyone around you. Now that your ways are falling apart, you're looking for someone to save you—someone to reset your lives that barely hold together? Not me. And Grandma? She's not as gullible as you think. She'll figure it out."
Liam's face darkened, his voice rising. "See? That pride! For fuck's sake, it's been years, and you're still hung up on the past? People hustle, Aiden. They claw their way to survive."
"I made a way for myself without kicking anyone in the face," I shot back, leaning forward slightly. Liam's expression hardened further, his mouth opening as if to retort, but he stopped himself. His eyes locked on mine in a stare that burned with unspoken words.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Derrick shuffle back into the room, a drink in his hand. He eased into his seat, his gaze distant and unreadable as the tension thickened. He looked like he had tapped out of the situation they had found themselves in and i feel pity for him. always a thing for Liam to control.
And then came the sound of approaching footsteps. Nelly's. Before I could stop her, she entered the room, her cheerful energy clashing with the simmering atmosphere.
"I thought it was quiet in here," she said brightly, her smile aimed at Liam. "Can I get you anything?"
Liam's glare snapped toward her like a whip. "You've got some serious audacity showing up now," he spat. "Did he tell you to disrespect me too?"
Her smile faltered, and the color drained from her face. "That's not—" she began, her voice trembling as she fumbled for the words.
"Oh, he's fucking you, isn't he? That's why you're here, acting out," Liam sneered.
"Do you even know what disrespect is, Liam?" I cut in sharply, my voice harder than i even intended. "Don't talk to her that way."
"Oh, so she's not just help, then? Or have you given her some... greater responsibility?" Liam's smirk was razor-sharp, his eyes still locked on Nelly.
"Piss off, Liam," I snapped, stepping forward. "You have no right—none—to come here and make anyone around me uncomfortable. I've tolerated you, not because you deserve it, but because I wanted to give you a chance."
His gaze lingered on Nelly, and she shifted uneasily.
"It's okay, sir," she said quietly, her voice trembling. "I'm sorry. That wasn't what I meant to—"
"Nelly," I cut in, trying to ground my voice, to keep it steady. "Leave."
"I—"
"I said leave! I never asked you to be here anyway. Go now!" My voice rose, sharper than I intended. Something about Liam even seeing her doesn't sit right by me and i can't quite place my hands on it, it just makes me angry.
She froze, her face pale and crumpling. Her eyes, glistening with unshed tears, darted between me and Liam.
"I'm just trying to do my job," she whispered, her voice cracking.
"And I'm telling you to leave!" I said again, my frustration spilling over.
She turned and walked away quickly, her head down, and I exhaled heavily. Across the room, Liam's grin widened, his enjoyment evident.
"You've got no game, Aiden," he taunted. "Chasing after your employees? Pathetic. Looks like you're not getting what you want from her, either."
"That's it," I said , "Get out of my house."
At that, Derrick rose from his corner. He nodded at me, drink still in hand, his expression unreadable.
"It's bad," he said, his voice low and resigned. "The empire's crumbling. Victoria Senior really needs you."
"I'm not a miracle worker," I replied, my tone flat.
He gave a slight shrug, already heading for the door. "Fair enough. Even I wouldn't take on that kind of trouble. Be safe out there, brother." With that, Derrick left, disappearing into the hallway.
Liam, however, remained rooted to the spot. He stood slowly, his fury not hard to miss.
"You'll regret this, I promise you" he said, his voice like venom, before storming to the door.
"Will rather regret it than take the offer" i called out after him, even though, i doubt he heard me.
I followed, watching as they drove out of the estate. Only when the taillights disappeared did I let out a long sigh of relief.
I grabbed my phone and dialed Jack.
"Don't take any more calls from my brothers," I said the moment he answered.
"It wasn't my inten---"
"I know, just do't take any more calls, it doesn't matter what they threaten to do"
"Understood, sir. Are you alright?"
"I'm fine."
"Ms. Victoria's been calling repeatedly. She's left messages for the past hour, Its not looking good"
That directly meant she had been cussing him out.
I glanced at my phone: 13 missed calls. My patience thinned even further, I can't just catch a break.
"This is about an accountant, isn't it?"
"Yes, sir."
"Arrange for Jade McCarthy."
"But she's supposed to be coming for—"
"I know. Have her work with my mother for a few days before meeting with me."
"Sir, we could use someone from the accounting department instead—"
"No," I interrupted. "I don't want her in contact with any of my employees."
"Understood, sir."
As I ended the call, my mother's name flashed on the screen. I swiped to answer.
"You've been ignoring me!" she snapped.
"I'll send someone in two days," I replied curtly.
"The accountant?"
"Yes."
"You could have said that earlier instead of stressing me!"
"It's handled. I need to go now."
"Wait—Aiden, don't forget, it's Flora's half-sister's birthday next week. You know, Flora—your half-sister in California—"
I hung up before she could finish, switching off the phone entirely. I let out a long exhale.