She squared her shoulders, her confidence returning. “Don’t think just because Mr. Jack is backing you, you can walk all over me. The Liu family isn’t something you can mess with.”
Jack Harris let out a sudden burst of laughter, catching everyone off guard.
I sighed, already bored of this. Without a word, I slid my phone across the table toward her.
“You have fifteen minutes,” I said lazily. “Call whoever you want.”
Her face flickered with hesitation, but she recovered quickly, scoffing. “You really should think this through, Fiona. Even with him here, do you really think that’s enough to protect you?”
I leaned back, smirking. “Then by all means, go ahead.”
She hesitated just a second too long before grabbing her phone and making her calls.
The first one was to Mr. Declan, her voice urgent, her words calculated.
The second was more transactional, offering something in return for support.
The third was different. She practically preened as she spoke, her tone smug, confident. Whatever she heard on the other end had her eyes gleaming with satisfaction.
By the time she put her phone down, she was back in control, shoulders squared, chin lifted.
I checked my watch, then smiled.
“Right on time. Fifteen minutes exactly.” I picked up my phone, tapping the screen. “Now, my turn.”
One call. That’s all it took.
The line rang a few times before a low, tense voice answered.
“Declan, are you okay? What’s going on?”
I glanced at Adeline, her smirk still plastered on, completely unaware of what was about to happen.
I let out a slow breath, almost amused.
“Relax, Senior Advisor,” I said smoothly. “You know I don’t get into trouble without a plan.”
A sharp exhale on the other end. The tension eased, but only slightly.
Then, just as he started to calm down,
I added, “That being said… it seems they aren’t too eager to let me leave in one piece.”
Silence.
Then, his tone turned dangerous.
“Where are you right now?”
I got to my feet, all traces of amusement gone. “Understood.”
Adeline caught the shift in my expression and laughed mockingly.
“Oh, Fiona, what’s with the theatrics?” She folded her arms, smirking. “These people might not know who you really are, but your husband does, doesn’t he?”
She leaned in slightly, lowering her voice like she had a secret to spill.
“Logan told me everything. Your parents? Just regular working-class nobodies. Most of your family? Farmers and laborers.” Her smile widened. “And you think you can stand against me?”
At that, I finally let out a laugh.
I met her gaze, eyes gleaming with something just shy of amusement.
“Who said I needed anyone to deal with you?”
