A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

Liam’s possessiveness was obvious, but his eyes barely flickered as he glanced at Justin’s hand resting on Stella’s shoulder, betraying no sign of emotion.

“Would it kill you to wait a minute? You could’ve just asked someone to bring it up for you. Or, worst case, go to the stockroom yourself, you know?” Stella nudged Justin sharply with her elbow. He winced in pain but stubbornly kept his hand where it was.

“All these years, and you still hit just as hard!” Justin doubled over, his face twisted in mock agony.

Stella didn’t show the slightest hint of sympathy. She raised her hand as if to swat him again, but at the last second, she just let it hover, only scaring him a little.

“Looks like it’s about time. I need to check the equipment and get ready for the set.” Liam, unfazed by their blatant closeness, bent his head to adjust the microphone stand.

Stella glanced at the clock on the wall. “Alright, I’ll let you get to it. Come on, let’s grab a drink.” Her words started polite but ended with a note of resignation.

Justin shot a quick, triumphant grin in Liam’s direction, as if he’d just scored a

point.

“Hey, what are you grinning about? Are you coming or what?” Stella had taken a few steps before she realized Justin was still standing there, lost in his own

amusement.

coming, I’m coming. Haven’t had tea with your dad in ages–how about I stop by

you want.

plans for

silhouettes slipped out of Liam’s line of sight.

quick word with his coworkers, slung his case over his shoulder,

scanned the room before leaning against the bar, not spotting him

left a

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14:48

Chapter

even bother saying goodbye,” she muttered, but made no move to

aimlessly. As he passed a corner store, he hesitated, then ducked inside. He emerged moments

rational one. Most of the time, he used indifference to force himself into being logical, but

of it, that he needed the job, needed to keep his head down, needed to pretend he didn’t see anything. But his body had moved before his mind

customer and the girl being harassed. The guy wouldn’t back off, not even when Liam pulled

impossible to miss–bright, fierce, and unafraid. Without hesitation,

the center of it all,