Chapter 167 — Hope's POV
The glass doors of Blackwood Enterprises slid open with a soft whoosh, welcoming me into the sleek, modern lobby that screamed success and power—just like its CEO, my brother, Liam Blackwood.
It had been months since I last visited him here, but everything looked as polished and intimidating as ever. Suits hurried past, heels clicked on marble, and the scent of espresso lingered faintly in the air. I could already imagine Liam holed up in his giant office on the top floor, jaw clenched, eyes glued to reports, forgetting that real life existed outside spreadsheets.
I smiled at the receptionist, who blinked in recognition before nodding politely. She didn't even ask who I was. I guess being the boss's younger sister had its perks.
"Miss Blackwood," she said quickly. "Mr. Blackwood has been informed of your arrival. You can take the private elevator straight up."
"Thanks," I replied, stepping into the lift as the doors slid closed behind me.
As the elevator rose, I adjusted my oversized sunglasses and smoothed down the soft folds of my beige trench coat. I'd come straight from set, and even though the makeup artist had scrubbed off most of the character from my face, I still felt like I hadn't fully transitioned out of work mode. The exhaustion sat under my skin like a hum, but seeing Liam would probably snap me right back into myself.
Ding.
The doors opened to the top floor—his floor.
I stepped out and was instantly greeted by silence. Thick, soft carpet swallowed the sound of my heels. The scent changed too—less coffee, more citrus cologne and leather. Only Liam would insist on his office smelling like a designer brand.
His assistant, a woman in a sleek black skirt and white blouse, looked up from her desk.
"Miss Blackwood," she greeted, already on her feet. "He's expecting you."
"Thanks," I replied, walking past her before she could even offer to knock.
I didn't bother knocking. I was his sister, after all. The rules were different.
Liam looked up from his desk just as I pushed the door open. The corners of his mouth lifted slightly—a smile that looked more real than the polite business ones he gave to clients.
"There she is," he said, standing and walking around the desk to pull me into a hug. "About time you visited your favorite brother."
I rolled my eyes but hugged him back. "You're my only brother, genius."
He smirked. "Still counts."
We pulled apart, and I let myself collapse into the plush gray armchair across from his desk while he returned to his executive throne.
"How was the shoot?" he asked, fingers already drumming against his desk like he couldn't help it.
"Exhausting," I said truthfully, stretching out my legs. "Long hours, no sleep, emotional scenes... but it's wrapped now."
"That's good," he nodded. "You're doing well, Hope. I've been keeping up. The media loves you."
I lifted a brow. "You read celebrity gossip now?"
"No, I get alerts when your name trends," he admitted, a little sheepish.
That made me smile.
Liam had always been protective, but not the overbearing kind. Just enough to let me chase my dreams and still make me feel like someone always had my back. It meant everything, especially now, as I was finding my footing in the brutal world of entertainment.
"Mom and Dad called me earlier," Liam continued, shifting topics. "They were asking about your next project."
I groaned. "Tell them it's not official yet."
"That's what I said," he replied with a chuckle. "But you know Mom. She's already planning a watch party."
I shook my head, then smiled to myself. For all the chaos, the family had finally found its balance. Amara and Ethan were doing great, even though Alina had dyed her hair bright pink last week and Aiden refused to stop wearing all black. Dad—Damon—was enjoying retirement more than any of us expected, and Arya had opened another gallery downtown. And now me, Hope Blackwood—no longer the youngest just running behind everyone else—but a full-fledged actress with a growing fan base and scripts lined up.
"Anyway," I said, leaning forward. "I didn't come here for business talk. I missed my brother."
Liam looked surprised for a second, then softened. "Well, you picked a good time. Things have been crazy here. I could use a distraction."
"I can do that," I grinned. "But you owe me lunch."
He narrowed his eyes. "You come into my office, after vanishing for months, and demand lunch?"
I lifted my chin dramatically. "As your beloved sister who just wrapped a major drama series, yes. Feed me, big bro."
He laughed, the sound warm and rare. "Alright. I'll clear my schedule for the next hour. Let me finish a call and we'll head out."
"Perfect." I leaned back, satisfied.
But as he reached for his phone, something flickered across his expression. Tension. A momentary crack in the ease.
"Liam?" I asked, sitting up straighter. "Everything okay?"
He paused, then nodded slowly. "Yeah. Just... something I've been thinking about."
Before I could ask, his phone buzzed again, and the moment slipped away.
I frowned, but said nothing. Whatever it was, he'd tell me when he was ready.
Still, as I watched him speak on the phone—his voice all business, eyes sharp and calculating—I realized something had changed in him. Or maybe something was weighing on him that he hadn't told anyone yet.
Whatever it was, I would find out.
But not today.
For now, I'd enjoy this little reunion.
Still, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was coming. Something big.
And I had a front-row seat.
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