Chapter 17 The Pressure builds

Chapter 17 The Pressure builds
Lia woke up to Mary's gentle nudging, the sunlight streaming in like a warm hug. She stretched, feeling a mix of exhaustion and determination. The events of the past few days replayed in her mind, like a movie on repeat.

Mary handed her a cup of coffee, her eyes searching. "Hey, you okay?"

Lia took a sip, the bitterness grounding her. "Yeah, I'll be fine."

Mary nodded, sitting beside her. "What’s next?"

Lia's gaze drifted, a plan forming. "I want to take over the company. Make changes."

Mary's eyes lit up. "You should! You’re ready."

The apartment door buzzed…it wasLiam, he stood outside, his expression somber. Lia raised an eyebrow, letting him in.

Liam entered, his eyes locked onto hers. "Hey, I heard about your dad. You okay?"

Lia nodded, a small smile. "I’m fine. What’s next?"

Liam's gaze was steady. "The board's looking for interim leadership. You should consider it."

Lia's eyes narrowed, a spark of determination igniting. "I will."

The room fell silent, the city outside humming with life. Liam's voice was low. "Lia, about us…"

Lia's gaze met his, a mix of emotions swirling. "What about us?"

Liam's eyes seemed to search hers. "The contract…do you want out?"

Lia's voice was barely above a whisper. "Do you?"

The tension was palpable, the air thick with unspoken emotions. Liam's phone buzzed, breaking the moment. He glanced at it, his expression grim.

"It's Robert. He’s digging into your dad's deals."

Lia's eyes narrowed. "What did he find?"

Liam's voice was low. "Something big. You need to see."

The city outside was alive, the sun setting over the skyscrapers. Lia's mind was racing, her heart pounding
…
Lia's eyes locked onto Liam's, her mind racing. "What did Robert find?"

Liam's expression was grim. "He found evidence. Your dad's deals went deeper than we thought."

Lia's grip on her coffee cup tightened. "What does that mean?"

Liam's voice was low. "It means the company's in bigger trouble. We need to move fast."

The apartment was quiet, the city outside humming with life. Mary's eyes were wide with concern. "What can we do?"

Lia's gaze was steady. "We need to get the board on board. Make changes."

Liam nodded, his eyes locked onto hers. "I'll set up a meeting. You ready?"

Lia's nod was firm. "I'm ready."

The drive to the office was tense, the air thick with unspoken emotions. Lia's phone buzzed – an unknown number. She ignored it, her focus on the meeting.

They arrived at the office, the board waiting. Lia took a deep breath, her voice steady. "I want to take over. Make changes."

The board members exchanged glances, their expressions skeptical. "Lia, are you sure?"

Lia's gaze was firm. "I'm sure. I’ll do it differently."

The meeting was intense, the tension palpable. Liam's support was unwavering, his presence a rock for Lia.

As they left, the sun was setting, casting a golden glow over the city. Liam's voice was low. "You did great."

Lia smiled, a mix of exhaustion and pride. "Thanks."

Liam's eyes met hers. "What’s next?"

Lia's voice was barely above a whisper. "Next, we uncover the truth."

The city outside was alive, the night full of possibilities.

…
Lia's words hung in the air, a determination settling in. "Next, we uncover the truth."

Liam's gaze was steady, a hint of admiration in his eyes. "You’re really doing this, aren’t you?"

Lia nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "I’m done being pushed around."

The office was quiet, the city outside humming with life. Liam's phone buzzed – Robert's message: "Got more info. Meet me at the usual spot."

Lia raised an eyebrow. "What’s that about?"

Liam's expression was somber. "Robert found something. We need to check it out."

The "usual spot" was a dimly lit bar on the outskirts of the city. Robert waited, a folder in front of him. "Lia, Liam. I found the connection."

Lia's eyes narrowed. "What connection?"

Robert slid the folder over. "Your dad's deals were just the tip. There’s a bigger player involved."

Lia's heart skipped a beat as she opened the folder. Names, dates, transactions – it was a web of deceit.

Liam's voice was low. "Who’s behind it?"

Robert's gaze was serious. "Ethan’s not acting alone. There’s someone else."

The room seemed to spin, the shadows moving in. Lia's voice was a whisper. "Who?"

Robert's eyes locked onto hers. "Your ex, Robert’s involved. And…"

Lia's mind was racing. "And what?"

Robert's voice was grim. "And Liam’s ex, Merida. She’s in deep."

The room fell silent, the tension palpable. Liam's eyes were like ice. "Merida’s involved?"

Robert nodded. "Yeah. She’s been playing both sides."

Lia's gaze met Liam's, a mix of emotions swirling. What was Merida’s game?

The night was dark, the city lights blinking like stars. Lia's voice was firm. "We need to take them down."

Liam's nod was slow, a determination settling in. "We will."

The shadows seemed to close in, the air thick with tension.