Chapter 40: Forty

The murmurs started subtly-a few whispers at first, some idle speculation in tabloids-but they quickly grew into a wildfire of rumors that engulfed the media. Natalie and Louis appeared together at two high-profile business events within the same week, sparking speculation about the nature of their relationship. She stood by his side, elegant and poised, her signature smile directed at the cameras. Louis, on the other hand, was stoic, detached, but undeniably present.

For the press, it was a story too tantalizing to ignore: Louis Black, the reclusive billionaire, finally stepping into the public eye with a stunning actress at his side.

For those who knew him, it was a betrayal.

The Croft estate was quiet when Liam stormed through its grand doors, his expression a thunderstorm of anger and disbelief. He hadn't bothered to announce his arrival-he didn't need to. He knew exactly where Louis would be.

Finding him in his study, Liam didn't waste time on pleasantries. "What the hell are you doing, Louis?"

Louis looked up from the papers on his desk, his face unreadable. "What are you talking about?"

"You and Natalie!" Liam's voice was sharp, almost accusatory. "I thought you were smarter than this. Do you have any idea what people are saying? What message you're sending?"

Louis's eyes narrowed, and he leaned back in his chair. "I don't care about rumors, Liam."

"Maybe you should," Liam shot back, his tone laced with disappointment. "She's walking around at your side like she owns the place. After everything she's done-everything we know she's responsible for-how can you stand to be in the same room as her?"

Louis's jaw tightened, his fists clenching at his sides. "I know exactly what she's done."

"Then why?" Liam demanded, slamming his hand down on the desk. "Why are you letting her stay close to you? Why are you appearing with her in public, for God's sake?"

Louis stood abruptly, his towering frame casting a shadow over his desk. "Because it was Daisy's last request!" he bellowed, his voice breaking slightly at the mention of her name.

Liam flinched but didn't back down. "Daisy's request?" His voice dripped with disbelief. "You think Daisy would want you to destroy yourself for her? You think she'd want you to let that snake slither into your life and ruin everything you've built?"

Louis didn't respond immediately, his gaze dropping to the floor. The tension between the two men crackled like a live wire.

"Daisy trusted too easily," Liam continued, his tone softening but still firm. "She saw the good in everyone, even people like Natalie. But you... you know better. You're supposed to protect her legacy, not tarnish it by standing next to the person who tried to destroy her."

Louis looked up, his eyes filled with something Liam hadn't seen before-confusion, guilt, and an overwhelming sadness. "You think I don't know what I'm doing? Every step I take, every decision I make... it's all for her. It's the only thing keeping me going."

"Then you're blind," Liam said, his voice low and steady. "Because the only thing you're doing is betraying her memory. And if you keep this up, you'll lose more than just her-you'll lose everyone who cares about you."

Louis didn't respond, his silence speaking volumes.

Liam shook his head, stepping back. "You may be grieving, Louis, but that doesn't give you the right to ignore the truth. Natalie is dangerous, and if you can't see that, then you're a fool."

With that, Liam turned and left, the sound of the door slamming behind him echoing through the room.

Natalie watched from the shadows as Liam stormed out of the mansion, her lips curling into a satisfied smirk. She stepped into the study, her presence light and unobtrusive.

"Rough conversation?" she asked innocently, her tone laced with false concern.

Louis didn't respond, his gaze fixed on the papers before him.

She took a step closer. "I told you this would happen, Louis. They don't understand you like I do. They'll never understand what Daisy wanted."

"Enough," Louis snapped, his voice cold and cutting.

Natalie flinched, but the flicker of amusement in her eyes didn't fade. "I'm only trying to help."

"Then stay out of my way," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

As Natalie left the room, a victorious glint in her eye, Louis leaned back in his chair, his head in his hands. For the first time since Daisy's death, he felt the weight of his choices pressing down on him, and he wasn't sure how much longer he could carry it.