14
1157 Words
After leaving the Grand Imperial club the night before, Liam Jr. had refused to go home. He had spent the entire car ride pointing back at the club, his tiny face filled with silent protest because Chloe Bishop was still inside.
Once Xavier Grayson forcibly brought him home, the little boy threw a historic tantrum, locking himself in his suite and refusing to eat or drink for twenty-four hours.
Because of this, Chloe could feel that Xavier’s distaste for her had intensified. The coldness radiating from him as he stood on that balcony was enough to make anyone’s skin crawl.
Inside the room, Xavier felt a tug at his pant leg. He looked down to see a small hand gripping the fabric of his tailored trousers. His son looked up at him with a silent, steady gaze, then pointed a small finger toward the balcony.
He wanted to go downstairs to see her.
Xavier looked at the boy, who had finally stopped screaming. He lowered his tall frame, crouching down until he was eye-level with his son. The icy mask on his face softened ever so slightly. "You want to go down there?"
Liam Jr. nodded firmly, his dark eyes wide and pleading.
Without a word, Xavier reached out his powerful arms, scooped the boy up, and headed for the door.
Chloe stood in the garden for a moment. Luckily, the Grayson estate was massive, and with the party in full swing, no one had noticed the drama in this secluded corner.
But a few seconds later, a familiar face appeared. It was Justin, looking haggard and anxious.
"Chloe. I knew I’d find you here." He stood a few feet away, his shadow long against the grass.
After the failed negotiation with Arthur Bishop the night before, Justin had known she would show up here. But seeing her actually standing in the den of the "Demon" made his stomach churn.
Chloe looked at his grim expression and didn't know what to say.
Justin stepped closer. "Come with me, Chloe. It's not too late to leave."
Chloe shook her head. "I'm not leaving, Justin. I can't."
"Chloe, Xavier Grayson is not a good man. He's—"
"But he's the only path I have left!" Chloe interrupted, her voice cracking with desperation. "I can't solve this. You can't solve it. Even your brother, the head of the Grayson family, can't stop Arthur from hurting my sister. My father is in a coma, and my mother is breaking. I have to do this."
Justin’s voice died in his throat. He hated his own helplessness. If he were the CEO of the family empire instead of the "rebellious second son," he would have spent every dime he had to save her. But he was just a socialite with a famous last name and no real power.
"I’m going to find Liam Martin."
"Justin, stop!" Chloe’s voice was sharp. "If you still want to be my friend, do not go to him."
Justin froze and looked back. Chloe stood there with a look of absolute finality, as if she had severed every thread of her six-year history with Liam overnight.
"Chloe, we both know Sara Jay isn't right for him," Justin argued, his heart breaking for her. "He’s just lost his way. He’ll come back. Those six years you two spent together... no one can replace that."
Justin knew Chloe didn't love him the way he loved her. But rather than seeing her walk into Xavier's trap, he would rather she go back to Liam. He wanted her happy, not sacrificed to a monster.
But Chloe didn't waver. "I don't know if he'll come back, Justin. But I do know that this time, I’m not standing still waiting for him."
The moment Liam had driven away from her father’s bleeding body, her heart had turned to stone. For six years, she had done everything for him. Her parents had loved him like a son. For him to abandon them in their darkest hour showed a level of cruelty she couldn't forgive.
"It's starting. I have to go in."
Hearing the music swell from the grand hall, Chloe picked up her bag and gave Justin a final look. "Justin, if you're my friend, never mention me to him again. Not if I’m happy, and especially not if I’m miserable."
She didn't need Liam's pity, and she certainly didn't want his blessing. She just wanted to be a stranger.
Justin watched her walk away, her back straight and her frame looking painfully delicate. He couldn't just let her do this. Fuming, he pulled out his phone and dialed Liam Martin.
It rang for a long time before a woman answered. "Hello? Are you looking for Liam? One moment, please."
Justin recognized the soft, airy voice of Sara Jay. His face twisted with disgust. A few seconds later, Liam’s voice came through. "What is it?"
Liam’s tone was cold, the friendship between them effectively dead since the wedding.
Justin fought to keep his rage in check. "Where are you? I need to talk to you about Chloe—"
"Justin, we’re done," Liam interrupted, his voice dripping with impatience. "I have Sara now. Don't bring Chloe up to me again. I know you’ve always had a thing for her, so why don't you just go take care of her yourself?"
Justin’s blood boiled. "Liam, are you even a man? Fine. You don't care? Don't you dare regret it later."
He slammed the phone shut.
Back in his suite, Sara looked up at Liam, her pale face regaining a hint of color after a week of care. "Liam... who was he talking about?"
Liam tucked his phone away, pushing the irritation deep down. He reached out and stroked Sara’s hair with a gentle, devoted touch. "Just someone from the past. Don't worry about it. Go to sleep; we have a flight to catch tomorrow."
Sara blushed, looking like a fragile, beautiful doll. "I... I'm afraid of the dark..."
At the Grayson estate, Chloe entered the grand hall.
Madam Grayson had just taken the stage. She was a dignified, pleasant-looking woman who radiated warmth. Rumor had it that while Xavier was ruthless to everyone else, he was a devoted and filial grandson to her.
The old lady was surprisingly humorous, making the crowd roar with laughter within minutes. Then, she dropped the bombshell. She called out the names of the "guests of honor": Xavier Grayson and two other powerful bachelors from the city's top families.
The socialites in the room let out audible gasps of excitement. Everyone knew that Xavier Grayson, along with Justin’s brother and a few others, were known as the "Five Elite Heirs" of River City. They were the ultimate prizes—men of immense wealth, striking looks, and absolute power.
And tonight, the "IT Girl" who had just lost one of them was here to hunt the most dangerous one of all.
- Writer
