21

21
Liam
“Turnout is exceptional every day, sir. Positive reviews keep pouring in,” one of the café staff informed me as he briskly walked past, a folder clutched in his hands.
I nodded, my expression impassive, my focus fixed on the café’s operations as Allen followed closely behind. The sound of quiet chatter and the scent of freshly brewed coffee filled the air.
“It’s good,” I said, my voice calm but edged with command. “But good isn’t enough. Keep working hard. I want more. This place should dominate the market.”
“Yes, sir.” She replied, “It’s time for the kitchen section, sir.”
“Lead the way,” Allen said, and she nodded quickly before disappearing into the kitchen.
“You’re such a slave driver,” Kira teased from beside me, her voice light and full of amusement.
I glanced at her and arched an eyebrow. “Are you here to patronize the business or just to gossip?”
Now, what the fuck is she doing here?
She took a sip of her coffee, her grin widening. “Both, obviously. I mean, come on, Liam. A billionaire owning a coffee shop? It’s hilarious.”
“I don’t recall asking for your opinion,” I replied dryly, continuing my walk through the café. Kira kept up with me, her heels clicking softly against the polished floors.
“For your information,” she said, dramatically flipping her hair, “I just came to grab my coffee and happened to hear that my dear big brother was here micromanaging his café. Naturally, I had to see this for myself.”
I sighed and shook my head, a faint smirk tugging at my lips despite myself. “Go back to your paintings, Kira. I don’t need to know what brought you here.”
She rolled her eyes but said nothing, her gaze wandering across the gigantic café as we walked. The space was vast, every inch designed with precision. From the modern fixtures to the sprawling seating area, the café exuded sophistication.
As I inspected the place, she suddenly turned to me, her expression curious. “So, about what you said last night at dinner… Were you serious? About chasing Arlene Gomez?”
Her question caught me off guard for a moment, but I kept my face neutral. I knew pretty well she was here just to hear me say it myself.
“Wow. Silence speaks volumes,” she said, sipping her coffee. “Fine, keep your secrets, but I think it’s a terrible idea to—”
I cut her off with a sharp glance at Allen. “Escort her out. I have work to do, and gossiping isn’t part of it.”
Allen immediately signaled to the two men shadowing us. They stepped toward Kira, who sighed dramatically.
“Fine, fine. I’m going. No need to be so grumpy,” she muttered, turning to leave. Over her shoulder, she added, “But I’m telling you, this will be a disaster. And funny how I can’t help anticipating it. I support you!”
Ignoring her, I continued walking with Allen through the various sections of the café. The faint hum of machines and the scent of coffee were a strange comfort, a reminder of the order I demanded in everything I touched.
Allen spoke as we reached the last section. “You’ve been invited to Arlene Gomez’s welcome party.”
My steps faltered slightly. I glanced at him, keeping my expression composed. “That means I’ll see her soon,” I said simply.
“Should I prepare a gift?”
“No,” I replied firmly. “I don’t buy attention with gifts. I’m not like every other man groveling for her approval. When we meet, it’ll be natural. She won’t even know how it happened.”
We headed back toward the main area, and I decided to grab a coffee myself before leaving. But as I turned a corner, someone stumbled into me, and before I could react, hot coffee spilled across my jacket.
“Oh my god, I’m so sorry!”
That voice.
I looked down, noting the steaming stain on my brown jacket, and then up at the woman responsible. Time seemed to slow. Even with her sunglasses hiding most of her face, I recognized her instantly.
Arlene Gomez.
There wasn’t a chance in the world I wouldn’t recognize her. The only woman who had ever made my heart race, even ten years ago.
She was saying something, her voice flustered, but I barely registered her words. My lips twitched into a small smirk as I muttered, “Seems I’ve been marked by you.”
Her head tilted slightly, and I could see her eyebrows furrow behind the glasses. She was trying to figure out where we’d met before - and, perhaps, was struck by my appearance. I’d be disappointed if she wasn’t.
Before I knew it, a smirk found its way to my lips.
Before she could respond, her assistant rushed over, looking concerned. “Miss Gomez, are you alright?”
The assistant bowed slightly in greeting, clearly recognizing who I was, but Arlene seemed oblivious.
Arlene turned briefly to her assistant, her posture stiffening. Then her gaze returned to me, lingering. She didn’t say anything. Instead, she placed her empty cup on the counter and reached into her purse.
Pulling out a wad of cash, she stepped closer. Her movements were confident but brisk, and her touch was soft. I was tempted to grab her hand as she pressed the money into mine.
“For the jacket,” she said coolly, her voice firm. “I’m sorry I ruined it.”
Without another word, she turned and walked away, her assistant following close behind.
I stood there, momentarily frozen. Around me, the staff and Allen were struggling to contain their amusement.
“See who got marked by his potential future wife,” Kira’s voice chirped behind me. Of course, she’s here, and for fuck’s sake, she witnessed that.
I shot her a sharp glare, one that made her chuckle nervously before backing off.
Pulling off my jacket, I waved Allen off when he tried to help. A staff member handed me a paper bag, and I shoved the ruined jacket inside.
As we got into the car, Allen glanced at me curiously. “That was Miss Gomez back there…”
I leaned back, my fingers tightening around the wad of cash she’d given me. My lips curved into a faint smile as I replied, “I know exactly who she is.”
Allen raised an eyebrow. “I’m not sure she knows you, sir. I mean, she had that normal gaze she would have shot at anyone.”
I looked down at the wad of cash, clenching it in my fist. The memory of her soft hands and the faint familiarity of her touch lingered in my mind.
“She will,” I said, a confident smile tugging at my lips. “Soon.”