Chapter 20 The Double Game

Chapter 20 The Double Game

Lia's agreement hung in the air, a bitter taste lingering. Robert's smile was a slow burn, his eyes gleaming with triumph. "Excellent choice, Lia. We'll start tomorrow."

As they left the office, Liam's expression was a mask of calm, but his eyes betrayed a flicker of concern. "Lia, we need to talk."

Lia's gaze was sharp, her voice low. "What’s going on, Liam? What aren’t you telling me?"

Liam's eyes seemed to search hers, a hint of hesitation. "I think Robert's playing a double game. I don’t trust him."

Lia's laughter was a mix of frustration and amusement. "You think? He’s got leverage, Liam. What choice do I have?"

Liam's voice was firm, his gaze intense. "You have me, Lia. We can take him down, take them all down."

The city lights blurred past, the night swallowing their words. Lia's phone buzzed, an unknown number flashing on the screen. "Hello?"

The voice on the other end was husky, familiar. "Lia, it’s Mary. I need to see you. Now."

Lia's heart skipped a beat, a sense of unease creeping in. "Mary? What’s wrong?"

Mary's voice was barely above a whisper. "Just come, Lia. I’ll send the address."

The line went dead, leaving Lia reeling. Liam's eyes narrowed, his voice low. "Who was that?"

Lia's gaze was troubled, her mind racing. "Mary. She wants to meet."

The car pulled up at a seedy bar on the outskirts of town. Mary waited in the shadows, her eyes darting nervously. "Lia, I’m so sorry."

Lia's heart was pounding, her voice firm. "What’s going on, Mary?"

Mary's gaze met hers, a mix of fear and desperation. "Robert's working with Merida. They’re playing you, Lia."

Lia's mind was spinning, her grip on reality slipping. "What? No, that can’t be."

Mary's voice was urgent, her words tumbling out. "It’s true, Lia. They’re using you to take down Liam, to take control of everything."

The room seemed to tilt, the shadows closing in. Liam's voice was a low growl. "It’s a trap, Lia. Get out."

But it was too late. The door swung open, Robert and Merida stepping in, smiles on their faces. "Welcome, Lia. Welcome to the party."

The air was thick with tension, the game taking a deadly turn. Lia's heart was racing, her mind clear. She was ready to play.

…
Lia's eyes locked onto Robert and Merida, a cold fury rising within her. "You’re playing a dangerous game."

Merida's laughter was a cruel, melodic sound. "Oh, Lia. We’re just getting started."

The bar was dimly lit, the shadows dancing on the walls. Mary’s expression was a mix of fear and apology, her eyes darting to Robert and back to Lia. "Lia, I’m sorry…"

Lia’s voice was ice. "You set me up, Mary."

Mary’s gaze dropped, her voice barely audible. "I had no choice."

Robert’s smile was a slow burn. "Enough drama. Lia, you’re here because you’re part of the plan. You’re going to help us take down Liam."

Lia’s gaze was steady, her mind racing. "I won’t do it."

Merida’s eyes gleamed with amusement. "Oh, you will. You see, we have a little insurance."

The door swung open, a figure being dragged in. Liam.

Lia’s heart skipped a beat, her voice a whip crack. "Liam!"

Liam’s expression was battered, his eyes locked onto Lia’s. "Lia, don’t…"

Robert’s laughter cut him off. "Don’t worry, Liam. She’ll do what we say. She’ll sign over the company, or…"

Merida’s gaze was icy. "Or you’ll never see her again."

The room was silent, the tension palpable. Lia’s mind was racing, her heart pounding. What was the play?

Liam’s eyes seemed to bore into hers, a silent message passing between them. "Lia, trust me."

Lia’s gaze was steady, a plan forming. "Okay, Robert. I’ll do it."

Merida’s smile was triumphant, Robert’s eyes gleaming with victory. "Excellent. Let’s finalize the deal."

The air was thick with tension, the shadows closing in. Lia’s heart was racing, her mind clear. She was playing a dangerous game.

…
Lia's agreement hung in the air, a fragile truce. Robert slid a contract across the table, his smile a slow burn. "Sign, Lia."

Lia's gaze was steady, her hand moving to the pen. But as she signed, a sudden movement caught her eye. Liam's cufflinks – a tiny tracker.

The room erupted into chaos, the shadows exploding into action. Liam broke free, taking down Robert's men. The bar became a battleground, the air thick with tension.

Merida's scream was a piercing sound, her eyes blazing with fury. "You’re dead, Liam!"

Liam's gaze was icy, his voice low. "It’s over, Merida."

The fight was intense, the outcome uncertain. Lia's heart was pounding, her mind racing. What was the play?

Suddenly, the tables turned. Robert was on the floor, Merida pinned down. Liam's voice was firm, his eyes locked onto Lia's. "It’s done, Lia. We did it."

The room was silent, the tension dissipating. Lia's gaze met Liam's, a mix of relief and adrenaline. "We did it."

The city lights blinking outside, a new dawn breaking. The game was over, but the stakes were higher than ever.