Liam Harper is here

Liam Harper is here
Just then, Kyler's phone rang, the screen flashing Noah's name. He glanced at it and cut the call.
His phone rang again almost immediately.. it was Stephen this time.
With an irritated sigh, he cut the call again. He wasn't in the mood to deal with anyone right now. When his phone rang for the third time, with Stephen calling again, he picked it up.
"What is it?" he snapped.
"Big bro, I've been trying to call you. Where are you?" Stephen's voice was tense, almost urgent.
"Come to the point," Kyler demanded.
"What do you mean, 'come to the point'? I'm asking if you're alright." Stephen persisted.
Kyler sighed, knowing Stephen wouldn't relent until he assured him. "I'm alright."
Kyler heard Stephen sighed and then he heard. “Liam Harper is here."
Kyler felt a cold chill run down his spine. For a moment, he wondered if he'd heard wrong. "He is here, bro. Come soon."
"Fine," Kyler muttered, ending the call.
He glanced one last time at Arielle's house before starting his car and driving back to Devil City. The journey felt interminable, his mind racing with thoughts of what Liam Harper's sudden appearance could mean.
By the time he reached, it was already night.
Kyler walked inside the grand entrance of their headquarters, the opulent yet sinister aura of the place seeming more pronounced than usual. As he entered the living room, he saw Liam Harper, Noah, and Stephen sitting on the couch, deep in conversation. Liam Harper, with his imposing presence and cold, calculating eyes, looked every bit the man Kyler remembered.
Liam was the first to notice Kyler. He stood up, a smirk playing on his lips. "Welcome, nephew. Where have you been?"
Kyler maintained a neutral expression, masking the unease simmering beneath. "Mr. Harper, what a pleasant surprise."
Liam's smile didn't reach his eyes. "Pleasant indeed. It's been a while since we last saw each other."
Kyler nodded, his senses on high alert. "It has. To what do we owe the pleasure of your visit?"
Liam gestured for Kyler to sit. "Let's not stand on ceremony. I have a proposition for you."
Kyler sat down, keeping a safe distance. "I'm listening."
Liam's expression turned serious. "I've been watching your operations, Kyler. You've built quite an empire here. But I've noticed some... weaknesses. Vulnerabilities that could be exploited."
Kyler's eyes narrowed. "And you're offering to help shore up those weaknesses?"
"Precisely. I've come across a lucrative business opportunity. Something that could elevate our operations to new heights. But it requires collaboration, pooling our resources and expertise."
Kyler leaned back, his mind racing. Liam Harper was not a man to be trusted lightly. "What kind of opportunity?"
"A merger, if you will," Liam continued. "A partnership between our families. Together, we could dominate not just this city, but the entire region."
Kyler shared a look with Noah and Stephen, and they both looked at Liam with same expression as him.
Kyler's instincts screamed caution, but he knew outright refusal could be dangerous. "And what would this partnership entail?"
"Combining our assets, sharing information and resources. It would mean working closely, trusting each other."
Trust was a word that seemed out of place coming from Liam Harper. "And what do you get out of this?"
Liam's smile was sharp. "The same thing you do. Power. Influence. Security."
Kyler was silent for a moment, weighing his options. Refusing could mean making a powerful enemy, but accepting could be just as perilous. "I'll need time to consider."
Liam nodded, as if expecting the response. "Of course. Take all the time you need. But remember, opportunities like this don't come often."
Kyler stood up, his mind still working through the implications. "I'll let you know my decision soon."
Liam stood as well, extending his hand. "I look forward to hearing from you."
Kyler shook his hand, feeling the firm grip that was more a show of dominance than a greeting. He walked out of the room, his thoughts a tangled mess of doubt and strategy.
As Liam Harper left the house, Noah and Stephen looked at Kyler.
"Little one, are you sure about this?" Noah asked, his voice low.
"I'm not sure about anything right now," Kyler admitted. "But we can't afford to alert him right now.”
Stephen nodded. "What do you think his angle is?"
Kyler shook his head. "I don't know yet. But I'm going to find out."
Changing the topic, Kyler asked, "Where are Nikolas, Katya, and Sergei?"
Noah's expression grew somber. "They're in the hospital."
Kyler's eyes widened. "What?"
Noah quickly reassured him, "Don't worry, they're not in serious condition."
Kyler nodded, though the tension didn't leave his body. "What happened to them? Did they talk?"
Noah shook his head. "Not yet."
Kyler nodded, "I am going to see them."
Stephen followed him behind, "I will come too."
Seeing Stephen following Kyler, Noah stepped forward too, "I am also coming along."