The Arrangement

9

The journey to Liam Owen's residence was much quieter than Joy had imagined. Her heart had nearly leapt out of her chest when the sleek black sedan finally pulled up outside their house.

Even standing in front of it had made everything feel real. This wasn't just a contract anymore. She was actually leaving home. The driver had stepped out almost immediately and greeted her politely before reaching for her suitcase.

"I'll take that, Miss Roberts."

Before he could lay a hand on it, Richard was already there. "I've got it." His tone wasn't rude, but it wasn't welcoming either.

The driver hesitated for a brief moment before withdrawing his hand with an understanding smile.

Richard lifted the suitcase himself and carried it to the trunk. The driver tried once more to help, but Richard merely shook his head and continued on his own.

Joy sighed quietly to herself. He wasn't even trying to hide how much he disliked this. Once the suitcase had been loaded, the driver closed the trunk and opened the rear passenger door.

"We should leave now, Miss Roberts."

Joy nodded and turned to her brother.She had planned to hug him goodbye, instead, Richard walked past her and climbed into the back seat.

She stared after him. "Richard?"

He looked up at her as though nothing was out of the ordinary.

"What?"

"What are you doing?"

"Why are you asking that? I'm obviously coming with you."

That startled her. "You really don't have to."

"I know, but I'm still coming with you."

"I'll be fine.”

"I didn’t say you wouldn't. Aren't you tired of saying that? I'm sick of hearing it from you."He grumbled as he settled in.

"Then why are you in the car?"

Richard shrugged, looking out the window instead of at her.

"Because I want to."

Joy opened her mouth, then closed it again.

She knew exactly what he was doing. Richard wasn't trying to interfere, he simply didn't like the thought of her walking into a stranger's home alone.

The gesture touched her, but at the same time, it filled her with a different kind of worry.

Richard had never been particularly good at hiding his emotions. If Liam said the wrong thing... or if Liam's father did…

She rubbed her forehead.

"Richard, honestly, I'll be okay."

He looked towards the driver instead. "You can drive."

The driver glanced uncertainly between the siblings andJoy let out a defeated sigh before climbing into the car beside her brother.

There was clearly no changing his mind. The car pulled away from the house, leaving the familiar street behind.

For the first few minutes, neither of them spoke.

Joy watched the houses disappear through the window, her fingers twisting together in her lap.

Liam sat in the living room with far more patience than he felt. His father had insisted on personally welcoming Joy to the house, dragging him away from work in the process.

As though that weren't enough, Cameron and Sophie had somehow caught wind of it and decided to make an afternoon of it.

Across the room, Cameron lounged comfortably on one of the sofas with Sophie beside him.The two of them were talking quietly, laughing every now and then. Sophie's eyes drifted towards Liam for a brief second, a smile tugged at her lips as Cameron casually rested his head against her shoulder.

Liam looked away..They were enjoying this far too much.

Footsteps echoed from the hallway and John Owen entered the room with the same commanding presence he carried everywhere else. Cameron immediately sat upright and Sophie straightened beside him.

Liam remained where he was.

John glanced around the room before fixing his attention on his son. "She's still not here?"

Liam checked the time.

"She should have been here already."

Liam resisted the urge to sigh. The man simply wouldn't let the matter go. He had barely managed to convince him that Joy existed, and now every passing minute seemed to increase his father's suspicion.

The silence stretched and Cameron exchanged a quick glance with Liam before standing. He laughed nervously.

"Well... you know how women are." Everyone looked at him. "They always pack more than they need." He waved a hand vaguely. "Clothes, shoes, handbags... lady things."

Liam slowly turned his head. "How would you know?"

Cameron's smile faltered. He shot Liam a warning look that clearly said Not now, then he laughed awkwardly and looked back at John.

"Liam's a genius when it comes to business, but emotionally..." He spread his hands helplessly. "Let's just say he's still learning."

John frowned.

"I don't remember asking either of you to entertain me." The room fell silent.

"Stop behaving like children."

"Yes, sir," Cameron said immediately, rubbing the back of his neck. As soon as John looked away, he glared at Liam like this was entirely his fault.

Liam simply shrugged and reached for his suit jacket, intending to put it back on, when movement outside the floor-to-ceiling windows caught his attention.

A familiar black sedan rolled through the front gates. His car.

"They're here." He stood, slipping on the jacket as he walked towards the entrance. A smile settled naturally on his face not because he was excited, but because his father was watching.

Behind him, Cameron chuckled. "Would you look at that." Liam ignored him. "So eager to see his love."

Liam could almost hear the grin in his friend's voice. Always leave it Cameron to overdo things.

He stepped outside just as the car came to a stop.

The driver got out first before opening the rear door.

Joy climbed out. She looked simple, elegant, and nervous. Then another figure emerged from the opposite side of the car.

Liam stopped walking and the smile disappeared from his face.Richard.

He stared at the young man for a moment before muttering under his breath. "Could this day get any worse?"

John stepped up beside him. "Who's the young man?"

Liam answered absentmindedly, his eyes still fixed on Richard. "My future brother-in-law."

John nodded once. "I see."

Liam walked towards Joy, already preparing himself for whatever chaos her protective little brother might bring.