Chapter 4: The Unwelcome Guest
Chapter 4: The Unwelcome Guest
Liam opened the door just wide enough to block her entry. Vanessa stood on his porch, stripped of her bridal glamour, wearing a sleek cashmere coat. Her eyes were red, though Liam strongly suspected it was from rubbing them rather than actual tears.
"Liam," she breathed, her voice trembling with manufactured emotion. "Please. Let me explain. You totally misunderstood what happened yesterday."
"There is nothing to misunderstand," Liam said, his voice a flat, immovable wall. "You locked my daughter outside in sub-zero temperatures because she spilled water on a dress."
"She locked herself out!" Vanessa lied smoothly, stepping forward. "She was playing with the handle and it jammed. I was trying to open it when you walked in. You were just so angry, you didn't let me explain!"
Liam stared at her. The audacity was almost impressive. "Vanessa, I heard what you whispered to her. I heard you threaten to send her away."
Vanessa’s facade cracked for a fraction of a second, her jaw tightening. "You're delusional. You're trying to ruin my life to cover up your own commitment issues. My family will destroy you for this, Liam. We will bury your company. We will make sure you are the villain in every newspaper in this state."
May you like
"Get off my property," Liam said, completely unbothered by her threats. "If you ever come near my house, or attempt to contact my daughter again, I will have you arrested for trespassing."
He slammed the door in her face, the heavy lock clicking loudly into place. He knew she wasn't making empty threats. The Sterling family had the money and the ruthless lawyers to make his life a living hell. But he had something they didn't: the absolute certainty of a father protecting his child.
