Chapter 392

Chapter 392
The memory of his mother, Stella, trying to play video games was almost comical. She was worse than Julie, and because of that, Liam always assumed that Lara wouldn't be any good either. Today, that idea was shattered.
“So, Liam? Am I good enough?” Lara asked after a victorious round, her eyes sparkling.
Liam gave her a thumbs up, a genuine smile spreading across his face. Satisfied, Lara sat down on the rug, crossing her legs.
“I was unbeatable at school. For me, this game is a piece of cake. Next time, I'll show you my favorite, but first, your studies. How about a deal? If you do well in your lessons, we'll play later, okay?”
Liam nodded, excited by the proposal.
“Miss Lara, please eat some fruit!” Sara appeared with a colorful plate, placing it on the coffee table.
Lara took a slice of mango and offered it to Liam, who devoured it in seconds.
“Sara, how strange...” Lara began, picking up an apple and looking around. “Aren't Mr. and Mrs. Collins home today?”
“Mr. Collins is at the office. Mrs. Collins had an emergency with her mother and had to leave in a hurry.”
Lara nodded, finishing her fruit. She wiped her hands on a tissue.
“Liam, I was in exam season, so I couldn't take you outside to paint. But how about today? It's a perfect day for it,” she suggested, turning to him.
Liam's face lit up and he agreed vigorously.
“No way, Miss Lara!” Sara's voice, though soft, cut through the air.
“Liam can't leave the house!”
“Why, Sara?” Lara frowned. “What happened? I'll take good care of him, it'll just be a quick walk.”
“I don't doubt your care, Miss. But these are direct orders from Mr. and Mrs. Collins. During this period, he must not leave. It's for his own safety,” Sara explained firmly.
“Oh...” Lara murmured. “Did something happen?”
“I don't know all the details,” Sara replied evasively, clearly uncomfortable. “I just received the instructions and I have to follow them.”
“I understand. It's a shame, a beautiful day like today would do wonders for his health,” Lara agreed, the disappointment in her voice sounding genuine.
“Yes, it is. But we'll have other opportunities, I'm sure.” Sara smiled sympathetically.
“Right.” Lara smiled back and caressed Liam's face. “Another day then, champ. For today, our adventure will be here inside.”
Liam's disappointment was visible, but he nodded.
“Excuse me, I'm going back to the kitchen,” said Sara. “I don't want to bother you anymore.”
“Feel free.”
As soon as Sara disappeared, Liam picked up the console and held it out to Lara. The message was clear: one more game. Lara, however, gently pushed it away.
“First, the lesson, remember? Let me see your worksheets while you play some more.”
He handed her the papers and turned his attention back to the TV. Lara sat down at the small table, pretending to analyze the exercises. A quick glance toward the kitchen confirmed that she was alone. Her hand dove into her bag, her nimble fingers finding the small pill. The movement was a blur, letting it slide into the glass of water Sara had left behind. No sound, no trace. At that moment, Sara came out of the kitchen. Lara then pretended to be seriously checking the worksheet. Sara, oblivious, picked up the glass and drank the rest of the water.
Lara sighed and approached Liam, taking the controller. As they played, she watched out of the corner of her eye as Sara fell to the side, asleep on the sofa. Liam noticed and, confused, got up to wake her.
“Leave her, Liam,” Lara interrupted him gently. "Aunt Sara must be exhausted.
Let her rest.“ Liam obeyed. ”You know what? How about we go out now?“
He pointed to himself, his eyes questioning. He remembered Sara's warning.
Lara held his hand. ”Yes, you. I'll take you painting, as I promised."
Liam pointed to Sara's sleeping figure.
“Don't worry,” Lara said, anticipating his question. “I asked her while you were playing, and she agreed. Do you want me to call your mother to confirm?”
Liam nodded.
Lara staged the call with the mastery of an actress. “Hello, Stella? Can I take Liam to paint? Sara looks exhausted, she's fallen asleep... Yes, of course. I'll take good care of him. Don't worry...”
Hanging up, she turned to Liam with a smile.

“See? Your mom said yes! Let's go before the sun sets. Hold my hand.”
Concerned about the time, Lara didn't take anything. She helped Liam put on his shoes and pulled him outside. Normally, the house was guarded by bodyguards, but they had followed Stella. Outside, Lara quickened her pace, almost dragging the boy along. Panic blossomed in Liam's chest. Why the rush? He tried to pull his hand away, but her grip was like an iron clamp.
“Liam, don't move. The car's here.”
A dark sedan screeched to a halt beside them. Lara's gentleness evaporated, replaced by surprising strength. She opened the door and practically pushed him inside, where an unknown man was waiting for him.
Fear overwhelmed Liam. The scene reminded him of the terror he had experienced in Thailand. His small fists pounded against the window glass, his red, pleading eyes fixed on Lara. Lara received a thick envelope of cash from the driver. For a moment, her gaze met Liam's, and a pang of guilt struck her. She liked the boy, but there was no other way.
Turning her face away, she stared at the man.
“Where are they taking him? They're not going to hurt him, are they?”
The man laughed, a cold sound.

“You got your money, now get lost. What happens to him is none of your business, ‘teacher’.”
The car sped off, tires screeching. Lara stood still, watching the vehicle disappear. Liam continued to pound on the glass, his face contorted in silent tears. It was no use. No one would help him.
Inside the car, Liam's crying erupted, sharp and desperate.
“Do something to shut this kid up, he's getting on my nerves!” growled the driver.
“Mr. Malares said not to lay a finger on him!”
“And who's going to lay a finger on him?” retorted the other, picking up a bottle and a cloth. “A little of this on the towel and the problem is solved.”
He turned to Liam, his face contorted with hatred.

“Stop crying, it won't do any good! You want to know whose fault it is, kid? It's your fault for being Nathan Collins' son!”
Joseph hated that family with all his might. Nathan had turned him in to the police, ruined his life. Now, with the police and Collins' men on his trail, he finally had his revenge.