"What is it, love?" Liam's voice came softly through the phone.
Hazel hesitated for a moment before speaking honestly. "Hmm… the money you sent is too much. I haven't even finished the one you gave me before."
"Rule, love," he replied simply.
She paused, then sighed. "Oh… right. Thank you."
"You're welcome. I miss you. I want you to come visit," Liam added, his tone calm but firm.
Hazel blinked at his words. "You just saw me yesterday."
"I know," he said without hesitation, "but I still want you here. How about tomorrow?"
"No," she answered quickly. "The entertainment industry has auditions for a whole week. I'll be busy."
There was a short silence before Liam responded. "Hmm… okay."
Hazel shifted slightly, feeling awkward. "I don't want to disturb you. I should hang up."
"You're not disturbing me," Liam said immediately. "Is something on your mind?"
Hazel hesitated. Ever since Dior mentioned it earlier, the thought had been bothering her. Liam lived in New York, and a man like him—powerful, rich, and attractive—must have women around him. Girlfriends… admirers… maybe even more.
She finally asked, "I read something online saying you live in New York… is that true?"
"Yes," Liam replied. "I grew up here and I still live here."
Hazel bit her lip. "You can tell me the truth… I won't feel bad."
"What truth?" he asked calmly.
She took a breath. "Do you have a lover… a girlfriend there? I must be your side chick, right 👍"
There was a brief pause on the other end.
"No," Liam said flatly. "Why would you think that?"
"I'm just curious," she replied quickly, trying to sound normal.
"Are you jealous?" he asked instead.
Hazel froze.
"What then?" he continued.
Before she could answer properly, she panicked and ended the call. "I'll hang up now."
The line went dead.
Liam stared at his phone for a second, then let out a quiet chuckle as he walked back inside.
"Brother, why are you smiling like that?" Lisa asked immediately. "It's rare to see you smile at all."
Liam's expression returned to neutral. "Nothing."
Then he added casually, "I've decided something. I'll be living in London."
Lisa frowned. "What? Why? Your company is here."
"I know Jacob can handle it," Liam replied. "I just want to move."
"That's it?" she pressed.
"I'm bored here," he said simply.
Lisa laughed lightly. "Whatever. It's your life."
But Liam didn't stay long. He stood up. "I'm leaving."
And he walked out.
After he left, Lisa's smile slowly faded.
She turned slightly. "Ma."
A voice responded, "Yes."
"Find out why he wants to leave this city. I want every detail."
"Yes, ma'am."
The call ended.
Lisa sat back and pulled out a photo of Liam, staring at it quietly. Her expression slowly twisted into something darker.
"I don't know why you don't love me the way I love you…"
Her fingers tightened around the picture.
"I killed your grandfather… and even my stepsister… just to take over the company and stay close to you."
She laughed softly, almost bitterly.
"And still… you don't even look at me."
Her eyes darkened further.
"But that girl… she makes you smile."
She took a slow sip of wine.
"I'll remove anyone who gets in my way. One by one."