Liam's Road to Revenge

Chapter 7

Before long, Snow followed the butler into the living room, taking careful steps. As she entered, her eyes flashed with a flicker of joy at the sight of the mess in the room and Winston's bloodshot eyes.

"Miss Snow, do you know who kidnapped Ike?" Braylen asked anxiously, rushing forward and grabbing Snow's hand. "If you can help save him, you'll be a great benefactor to the Greene family!"

Winston gave his wife a displeased glare. They didn't even know if her information was true, and she was already showing gratitude. This would only encourage Snow to make outrageous demands.

Besides, in Winston's eyes, the Montgomery family was nothing more than a second-rate clan unworthy of serious consideration. If Snow hadn't claimed to know something about Ike's whereabouts, she wouldn't have even been allowed through the door.

Braylen, noticing her husband's expression, quickly wiped her tears and stepped aside.

Winston glared coldly at Snow, speaking slowly and deliberately, "Speak. Who took my son? And if I find out you're lying, I'll kill you."

Snow nodded quickly. "You've probably heard your son mention my cousin, Cree…"

Over the next ten minutes, Snow detailed the events leading up to Ike's disappearance, deliberately steering the conversation to cast suspicion on Liam. After listening to Snow's account, Winston, who already had a short temper, could no longer suppress the murderous rage brewing inside him.

'Liam!'

Winston's eyes were blood-red, like a demon reborn. "Gather all our men! I don't care if you have to turn this city upside down, find him!"

"There's really no need for such a large-scale operation," Snow said with a slight smile. "Tomorrow is my grandfather's birthday, and those two will definitely show up. Then you can deal with them as you see fit. The Montgomery family won't interfere."

Winston snorted, clearly unimpressed with Snow's suggestion.

Wilson, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke up. "Please tell your grandfather that the Greene family appreciates this favor. We'll be sure to reward you generously once this matter is resolved."

A thrill of satisfaction ran through Snow as she muttered under her breath, "Cree, Liam, tomorrow will be the day you both die."

***

In a small, run-down apartment known as Sand Ridge, located in one of Ramapo's most chaotic districts, most of the original residents had long moved out, leaving behind only a few elderly people with no income and some gang members who rented cheap rooms. The area around the apartment lacked any amenities, with only a small convenience store selling basic necessities.

Inside a small apartment with around 650 square foot, once home to the Montgomery family's second master, Tom Montgomery, and his wife, Linda, silence hung heavily over their dinner table. The atmosphere was stiflingly tense.

The front door opened from the outside, and Cree stepped in. Seeing her parents for the first time in weeks, and noticing how much older they seemed, Cree felt a sting of emotion. She called out softly, "Dad, Mom…"

A faint smile appeared on Tom's worn face, but when he looked up and saw Liam Anthony behind his daughter, his brows furrowed.

"It's me, Liam," Liam said, his face filled with guilt. "I'm sorry for the hardships you've endured because of me."

Tom's lips trembled slightly as if he wanted to say something. But when he noticed his daughter holding Liam's hand tightly, he sighed deeply and lowered his head, returning to his meal. Seeing her father ignore Liam, Cree's face fell. Though Tom said nothing, his attitude was clear.

Before Cree could break the awkward silence, Linda Montgomery slammed her utensils down on the table and pointed at Liam, shouting, "Get out! You're not welcome here!"

"Mom! Back then, Liam—" Cree tried to defend Liam, but Linda cut her off.

"If it wasn't for him ruining your life, would we have been kicked out of the family?" Linda stormed over to Cree, her face twisted in anger. "And you dare bring him back here? Are you trying to infuriate your father and me to death?"

Linda's accusations filled Cree with sadness. This wasn't the first time such a situation had occurred. Whenever Linda was upset, she would bring up Cree's past.

Linda's life had been relatively happy after marrying Tom Montgomery. But everything changed when Cree became pregnant out of wedlock. Duke had taken out his anger on Linda and Tom, stripping them of all family resources. Since then, their lives had fallen apart.

Linda had wanted Cree to terminate the pregnancy, but seeing her daughter's determination to keep the baby, Linda's heart eventually softened, and she relented. This was why Cree dared to bring Liam back now. But Cree hadn't expected her mother to still hold a grudge over what happened all those years ago.

"Seven years! Do you have any idea how much pain Cree has endured all these years? And now you come back?" Linda shouted as she pushed Liam towards the door, her voice full of anger. "A worthless man like you who shirked responsibility doesn't deserve to be Sasha's father, and I will never accept you as my son-in-law! Get out! Get out now!"

Liam felt nothing but guilt as Linda shoved him out of the house.

With a loud bang, Linda slammed the door shut.

"Mom… you went too far…" Cree moved to open the door.

Linda grabbed Cree's arm, her eyes flashing with anger. "If you dare open that door, don't ever consider me your mother again!"

"Enough, both of you, stop talking," Tom, who had been silent for a long time, finally spoke up, walking over to his wife's side. "Our daughter's grown up and can make her own decisions. We shouldn't interfere anymore. Let her find her own path." 

Linda shot her husband a glare before storming off to the bedroom.

Silence once again filled the room.

"You know I've been trying to find a way back into the family for years," Tom said, lighting a cigarette and taking a deep drag. "Tomorrow is your grandfather's seventieth birthday. Your mother and I have saved up for years to buy him a proper gift. I want you and Liam to take it to him."

As he spoke, Tom took a beautifully wrapped gift box out of a drawer and handed it to Cree. He gently patted her head. "Don't blame your mom; she just has a short temper."

Looking at the gift box in her hands, Cree's eyes welled up with tears, her heart heavy with sorrow. She couldn't bring herself to tell her father that Duke's heart was colder than ice and harder than stone. The idea that a single gift could restore them to the family was pure fantasy…

Outside the apartment building, Angelique half-sat on the hood of a sports car, her foot resting on two men who had made the mistake of trying to flirt with her.

"Kicked out?" She grinned playfully at Liam as he approached, looking defeated.

Liam glanced helplessly at Angelique. He had always seen her more like a little sister than a subordinate, so he never knew how to handle her antics.

Clearing his throat awkwardly, Liam spoke seriously, "Have you heard any news from the Greene family?"

Mentioning the Greene family, a look of disdain crossed Angelique's face. "Winston has struck a deal with the Montgomery family. They plan to cause trouble for you and Mrs. Montgomery at tomorrow's birthday banquet."

Liam was silent for a moment, a glint of cold determination flashing in his eyes. "Perfect. Tomorrow, I have a special gift to give them too!"