Novel Squares
Chapter 48
Chapter 48
Cynthia got a little bold all of a sudden, and Liam’s eyebrows went up just a touch. But now that she leaned in for a hug, he didn’t turn her down but wrapped his arms around her instead.
This time, Cynthia played it smart. She sat sideways on Liam’s lap so anyone walking in could see they were close without getting the wrong idea.
“Aren’t you mad at them?” Liam asked in a low voice.
“No need to get mad. Plus, they didn’t take anything from me. Their plans flopped,” Cynthia said, pretty chill about the whole thing.
Liam said, “Guess my move wasn’t needed then.”
Feeling touched, Cynthia hugged his neck tighter. “I knew it was you looking out for me. Thanks.”
She’d pieced it together that morning when she saw the trending news. The Wilde family was high– class. Even if they weren’t top dogs anymore, they still had some pull. Someone as high and mighty as Yolanda wouldn’t let a scandal just sit there unless they were up against someone way out of their league. Liam was the only one with the smarts and the motive to back the Wilde family into a corner.
Liam asked, “You don’t get annoyed seeing them?”
“If Yolanda showed up alone, I’d tell her to hit the road. But she was clever, bringing her grandma. Plus, Mrs. Florence Wilde is tight with my grandma and a respectable elder in an influential family. So, no matter what they want, we can’t just close the door on an elder like that,” Cynthia reasoned.
Liam looked at Cynthia admiringly. “You’re something! Who raised such a gem?”
Cynthia gave him a small smile. “Now you see what a catch you’ve got.”
His smile went kinda mischievous. “Oh, I knew what I was getting into at the very beginning. I’m way into you.”
Cynthia caught on to his meaning right away. She wasn’t a total innocent anymore.
Right in the middle of their moment, the office door swung open again. Ziv walked in with Florence and Yolanda trailing behind. © 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.
Yolanda was all dolled up, thinking she could turn Liam’s head. But when she strolled in and spotted Cynthia, the last person she’d like to see here, she looked like she’d swallowed a lemon, even forgetting her real purpose. “Why are you here?” she asked.
Cynthia couldn’t help but smirk. She cozied up to Liam, laying her head on his shoulder all dramatic–like. “Why wouldn’t I be here? Haven’t you heard, Ms. Wilde? Liam and I are married. Or is it a problem that his wife’s around?
Got anything planned that I shouldn’t see?”
She laid it on thick, knowing full well Yolanda had the hots for Liam. Before, when Cynthia wasn’t too sure about her own feelings, Yolanda’s antics didn’t bug her. But things were different now. Cynthia glanced at Liam’s
handsome face and frowned, deciding to show them who his woman was.
Liam was pleased with Cynthia’s attitude, wrapping his arms tighter around her waist.
Yolanda, her eyes fiery with jealousy, was thinking, ‘I’ve done so much for him. He should have been mine, but
Cynthia swooped in instead.‘ She was seething.
Florence, always the rock, gave Yolanda’s shoulder a pat, trying to get her to focus on what mattered–her image and the family’s reputation couldn’t take a hit. Then, eyeing Liam and Cynthia all cozied up, Florence had a royal vibe about her when she looked at them. “Mr. Sullivan, I need a word. Can we speak privately?”
Liam was straight up with her. “Mrs. Wilde, Cynthia’s not an outsider. Whatever you got to say, you can say in front
of her.” He meant talk now or take a hike.
Florence’s cool slipped a notch seeing those two in each other’s arms, thinking they were shameful. She’d usually have given such cheeky youngsters a piece of her mind, but right now, she needed Liam’s help. Hitting the point, she said, “Mr. Sullivan, Yolanda’s young and she messed up at the party. I’ve already scolded her. We’re asking for your forgiveness.”
Liam had none of it, scoffing. “Young? My wife’s no older. How old is she to be picking on a kid? Is that how the Wilde family raised their children?”
Florence’s pride took a hit from Liam’s comeback. “Mr. Sullivan, you know darn well why Yolanda did what she
did.”
“You saying this is on me, Mrs. Wilde?” Liam had this edge to him, staring her down. Florence stepped back without meaning to.
Yolanda, all worried, grabbed Florence’s arm. Then she turned to Liam, her crush for years, and spoke up, almost in tears. “Liam, it wasn’t on purpose. I’m really sorry.”
Hearing this, Cynthia got goosebumps. She heard Liam simply say, “It’s not me you should be saying sorry to.”
Yolanda got the hint but apologizing to Cynthia was something she just couldn’t do.
The room got all quiet. Florence, feeling sorry for her granddaughter, stepped up. “Ms. Larson, since you want an apology, here it is.”
It was hard to tell if Florence was being slick or not. She looked tired, her age showing, moving slower. Yolanda felt bad but didn’t step in, thinking she’d have to be the one saying sorry if her grandma didn’t.
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But just as Florence was about to bow, Cynthia’s cool voice cut through. “Mrs. Wilde, think about it. If you bow t me, you’re not just putting me on the spot, but you’re also closing the door on any peace between us.” Cynthia‘ expression was ice. ‘She is playing games. She knows if she bows, I’ll be the one blasted by rumors, Cynthia thought.
Florence straightened up, her expression darkening. “Ms. Larson, must you make things so hard?”
Cynthia sneered, “I can’t stand your apology, Mrs. Wilde.” She turned to Yolanda. “And why step up for Ms. Yol Wilde if she won’t herself? Or is there another reason you’re here?”
Yolanda’s face lost all color. She had this whole plan to get some alone time with Liam, using an apology as h
but she hadn’t banked on Cynthia being there.