Chapter 26
“Well, what was that?” Amalia asked, her eyebrow lifted. “You do understand that you are making him hate Izzy, right?”
“I know.” Monica rolled her eyes as she got up. Calen had just left their house, and she didn’t see any reason to act anymore. She straightened her back and let out a sigh. “I don’t know what’s going on with Izzy, but she’s off.”
“Then what you said earlier…” Amalia frowned.
“Of course, it wasn’t true. Izzy has no ambition. If she had, she wouldn’t let other people run her grandfather’s company. She would run it herself. Do you have anything I could eat? I’m hungry.” She got up and started walking toward the kitchen. When her mother texted her, she forgot to eat something, thinking Amalia was in a dangerous situation. It turns out it’s just because of Izzy.
“Aren’t you worried about the credit cards?” Amalia asked.
“Izzy has been with us for years. We are the only family that she has. What can she do?” Monica snorted. “Besides, she was only throwing a tantrum because Calen forgot their anniversary. I mean… who could blame him? She chose to travel on that day too. It’s not his fault, he was having so much fun that day, right?” Seeing there was no leftover food she could eat, she grabbed an apple and started munching it. “She’s going to come back soon.”
“Are you sure?” Amalia had an ugly look on her face. “You know she’s turning twenty–six soon. I mean-”
“Mom, did you really think Izzy’s going to abandon us?” Monica asked. “She’s too dependent on you. She might be like that, but she always knew you sacrificed a lot to raise her. And for her twenty–sixth birthday, you can plan it on your own. Since when did you need her input on things like this?”
“But my
cards-”
“Then use the money for the house. The trust automatically sends you enough for the house, right? Use it for now, I’m sure Izzy wouldn’t mind.” Monica took another bite of her apple.
Meanwhile, Izzy stood near the window, holding her glass of wine against her chest as she looked out at the San Francisco skyline. The city lights spread out below her, twinkling and alive a sea of movement that only made her feel more isolated From Liam’s flat, the view was breathtaking–the city’s iconic buildings rose like sleek, shining pillars against the deepening night, stretching toward the Golden Gate Bridge, barely visible in the fog. She’d always admired this view, though tonight it felt cold.
“You’re an idiot, you know that?” Liam’s voice came from behind her, low but cutting. “You never thought to check your credit scores? Really?”
Izzy didn’t turn, her gaze fixed on the distant lights. She was tired, and the last thing she wanted was another reminder of how blind she’d been.
“Honestly,” he continued, walking closer, “it should have been obvious. Did you think your aunt wouldn’t go so far as to take out credit cards and loans in your name?” He stopped a few feet away, watching her reaction.
Izzy took a long sip of her wine, finally turning her head to glance at him, her expression guarded. She didn’t answer.
Seeing her response, he let out a sigh. “Look, if you want my help, say the word. I’d do it in a heartbeat.” He paused, a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes. “For free, too.”
Izzy’s gaze shifted, finally meeting his. She studied him as if trying to read his intentions, before giving a slight shake of her head. “Why are you home so early?” she asked, deflecting. “Aren you supposed to be busy? CEO and all.”
Liam’s mouth twisted into a smirk. “I’m never too busy for my wife, Izzy.” He moved closer, his eyes narrowing slightly as he
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looked at her, searching her face.
She tensed, turning her gaze back to the city lights. “I don’t need a lecture.” The sympathy in his eyes grated on her nerves. Was he pitying her? Looking at her like she was foolish? When he remained silent, Izzy finally turned to face him. “Do you need more wine?” she asked, forcing a casual tone.
Tonight, she didn’t want to fight him. Tonight, all she wanted was to drink.
However, she didn’t wait for his response. Izzy turned on her hee, making her way to the kitchen where Liam kept a well- stocked bar. The bar was a polished wooden cabinet, sleck and minimalistic, with rows of fine bottles and glassware displayed on narrow shelves. She scanned the labels, her gaze stopping on a particular red wine she liked.
It was on the highest shelf. She stretched, reaching up on her tiptoes, fingers brushing the bottle, just barely out of her grasp. She stretched a little further, determination in her gaze as she focused on the bottle.
Suddenly, a hand reached out above her, grabbing the bottle with ease. She flinched, startled, glancing over her shoulder to find Liam directly behind her, his face closer than she’d expected. She hadn’t even known he’d followed her!
“I knew you couldn’t reach it,” he said, a hint of amusement in his eyes.
The unexpected closeness threw her off balance. She stumbled, feeling herself start to fall backward. Before she could react, his arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her against him. She steadied herself, looking up at him, caught in his hold.
She tried to pull away, regaining her composure. “I didn’t ask for help.” Izzy wanted to slap herself. Why was her mouth always quicker than her brain?
“No, but you needed it.” He didn’t release her, his gaze holding hers. He raised an eyebrow as if daring her to protest.
Izzy felt her pulse quicken, irritation and something else stirring in her chest. “Just hand me the wine,” she said, reaching for the bottle.
She wasn’t surprised when he held it just out of reach, a smirk tugging at his lips. “Are you always this stubborn?”
She narrowed her eyes. “And you’re always this annoying?”
“Only around you,” he replied, still watching her with that same look. Then, with deliberate slowness, he placed the wine bottle on the counter next to her.
She straightened, brushing herself off. “Thanks for nothing.” She grabbed the bottle, twisting the corkscrew into it without sparing him another glance.
Liam leaned against the counter, arms folded, watching her open the bottle with a lazy, knowing grin. “You know, you’re still the same little kid who’d argue about anything. Haven’t changed a bit.”
Izzy tensed, pausing mid–turn on the corkscrew. “Excuse me? I’m not argumentative. And I don’t even talk to you.”
“Not argumentative?” He snorted, clearly amused. “This coming from the girl who once spent an entire afternoon insisting the sun was actually purple, just because you didn’t want to admit you were wrong.”
She shot him a glare. “That was ages ago. And it wasn’t purple–it was a ‘sunset shade. There’s a difference.”
Liam raised an eyebrow. “Sure, but I wasn’t talking about just that. Remember how you’d claim there was an end to the rainbow and that you’d seen it? Swore up and down that you’d find the pot of gold?”
Izzy’s face flushed slightly, and she yanked out the cork with a little more force than necessary. “I was five,” she muttered, pouring herself another glass. “Kids believe all sorts of things.”
“Stupid ones do.”
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Chapter 26
“Are you calling me stupid?” she hissed, eyes narrowed.
“I don’t know. Does the shoe fit?”
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“You-” Before Izzy could get another word out, Liam dipped his fingers into a glass of water on the counter and flicked a few droplets at her face, catching her completely off guard.
Izzy blinked, stunned, the cool droplets trickling down her check “Did you just-”
But Liam was already grinning like a mischievous kid, stepping back, clearly ready to bolt.
“Are you serious?” she spluttered, wiping her face.
“Looks like you needed to cool off,” he said, holding up his hands in mock innocence, still backing away with a smirk.
“Oh, you think that’s funny?” Izzy grabbed her own glass.
But before she could retaliate, Liam was already out of reach, slipping out of the kitchen, laughing as he dodged her attempt to splash him back. She caught a glimpse of him disappearing around the corner, a flash of that infuriating grin.
“Coward!” she shouted, shaking her head as she dabbed her cheek with a napkin. “You’d better pray I don’t find you, or you’re dead, Liam Horvath! You are going to die!” Izzy didn’t hesitate. She took a cup of water and started running after him.
