Chapter 73: Into The Lion’s Den
Sophie’s POV
The security guard gave my vandalized car a curious once-over as I punched in the gate code to Liam’s mansion. My hands trembled slightly, but I forced them steady. I couldn’t afford to show weakness now—not with what I was about to do.
The mansion loomed before me, all imposing columns and pristine landscaping. This place had always represented everything I’d wanted: wealth, power, luxury. Now it just looked like a beautiful prison.
I parked in the circular driveway and took a deep breath, checking that the recording app on my phone was ready to activate with a single touch. The weight of my mother’s revelation still pressed on me—my father alive, with Diane—but I pushed it aside. One impossible situation at a time.
Liam was waiting for me in the living room when I entered, a tumbler of whiskey clutched in his hand. His hair was disheveled, his eyes bloodshot. A purple bruise bloomed across his cheekbone, and he winced when he shifted on the couch. He looked nothing like the polished businessman he pretended to be.
"Finally," he muttered, gesturing for me to join him.
I crossed the room slowly, studying his appearance. "What happened to you?"
Liam’s hand instinctively went to his side. "Slipped in the shower. Cracked a rib, bruised my face."
"I’m sorry to hear that," I said, fighting to keep the skepticism from my voice. This was clearly no bathroom accident. Someone had beaten him, and badly. I felt a flicker of satisfaction at the thought, quickly followed by shame at my own pettiness. That wasn’t why I was here.
He stood with a grimace, limping toward the bar to pour me a glass. "I need you to talk some sense into your sister."
I accepted the drink but didn’t take a sip. My mind needed to stay sharp. "What exactly do you want me to say to her?"