Chapter 16: The Unexpected Ally

Lia's eyes narrowed as Robert stepped into the dim light of the backroom, his expression a mix of apology and determination. The air thickened with tension. "Robert?" she repeated, her voice a mix of confusion and accusation.

Robert's gaze locked onto hers, his eyes pleading for understanding. "Lia, I’m here to help." He took a step closer, his movements cautious, like he was approaching a wild animal.

Liam's stance turned protective, his eyes never leaving Robert. "Explain," he growled, his voice low and menacing.

Robert's eyes flicked to Liam before returning to Lia. "I’ve been working with the police, Lia. I knew Alexandra was dangerous. I wanted to protect you."

Lia's laughter was sharp, bitter. "Protect me? You left me." Her voice cracked, the pain still raw.

Robert fl winced, his shoulders sagging. "I was wrong, Lia. I’m sorry."

The room fell silent, the only sound the hum of the bar's music filtering through the walls. Lia's eyes searched Robert's face, looking for answers, for something.

Mary burst in, her eyes wild. "Lia! Oh my god, I was so worried!" She spotted Robert, her expression turning murderous. "What’s he doing here?"

Liam's voice was calm, calculated. "He says he’s here to help."

Mary's gaze swung to Lia, her eyes pleading. "Lia, don’t trust him."

Lia's mind spun. Trust. The one thing she'd lost. Her eyes met Robert's, a spark of defiance igniting. "Tell me why I should."

Robert's face hardened, a resolve settling in. "Because I know who’s behind Alexandra. And I’ll help you take them down."

The room held its breath.

The Plan Takes Shape…

Lia's eyes locked onto Robert's, a storm brewing in her chest. "Who's behind Alexandra?" Her voice was a demand, not a question.

Robert's gaze didn't waver, his expression grim. "Your father's business partner, Ethan Marshall."

The name hit Lia like a slap. Ethan was a shadow, a ghost in the Wilde empire's corridors. "Why?" she spat, her anger rising.

Robert's voice was steady. "Ethan wants control of the Wilde accounts. He's been using Alexandra to get it."

Liam's eyes narrowed, his mind racing. "And the recording? The one that twisted my words?"

Robert's jaw tightened. "Ethan's doing. He wanted to destroy your trust in Lia."

Mary's fists were clenched, her eyes blazing. "That sl!"

Lia's mind spun. Pieces clicked – Ethan's subtle moves, her father's distrust, the threats. Her voice was ice. "We take him down."

The room crackled with agreement. Robert nodded, a plan forming in his eyes. "We gather evidence, expose him."

Liam's phone buzzed – Rueben's message: "Ethan's at the Wilde HQ. Now."

Lia's gaze snapped to Liam. "Let’s go."

The group moved as one, a storm brewing. Outside, the city was a blur, night turning to dawn. They arrived at the Wilde HQ, shadows dancing in the parking lot.

Robert led them to a hidden entrance, his eyes scanning the area. "This way."

They slipped inside, the building eerily quiet. Lia's heart pounded as they crept up to Ethan's office.

The door swung open – Ethan sat behind his desk, a smile spreading. "Welcome, Lia."

Lia's rage boiled over.

Confrontation…

Lia's eyes blazed as she stalked toward Ethan's desk, her heels clicking on the polished floor. The others fanned out behind her, their movements silent, calculated. Ethan's smile grew, a cold glint in his eyes, but Lia saw the flicker of unease.

"Ethan," she spat, her voice venomous. "You’re behind it all."

Ethan leaned back, his fingers steepled. "Lia, so dramatic. I’m just protecting my investment."

Liam's voice was a low growl. "By twisting recordings? Playing with people’s lives?"

Ethan's gaze flicked to Liam, a dismissive shrug. "Business, Liam. You’d understand if you weren’t so…distracted."

Mary stepped forward, her eyes flashing. "You’re done, Ethan."

Ethan laughed, the sound echoing through the office. "You think you can take me down? The Wilde accounts are mine."

Robert pulled out a tablet, his expression grim. "Not if we expose you, Ethan."

The tablet screen flickered to life – evidence of Ethan's schemes, his deals with Alexandra, the twisted recording. Ethan's face paled.

Lia's smile was cold. "Game over, Ethan."

The office door burst open – police, led by a stern-faced officer. "Ethan Marshall, you’re under arrest."

Ethan's eyes widened as they cuffed him, his voice a desperate whisper. "You’ll regret this, Lia."

Lia's gaze was ice. "I already do."

As they dragged Ethan away, the room emptied, leaving Lia and Liam standing alone in the dim light.

Liam's eyes searched hers, a question unspoken.

Lia's voice was barely audible. "It’s not over, is it?"

Liam's expression was a mix of concern and resolve. "It’s just beginning."

The silence between them was loud.