Chapter 102: The Snake’s Head
Liam’s POV
Morning arrived like an unwelcome guest, sunlight slicing through the gaps in my curtains. I’d barely slept, Holbrook’s words echoing in my mind throughout the night. I’m dropping your case... My decision is final. Another abandonment to add to my growing collection.
My weekend routine offered little comfort—black coffee, two painkillers for the persistent ache in my side, mindless scrolling through news I couldn’t bear to read fully. The mansion felt cavernous and empty, my footsteps echoing on marble floors as I paced from room to room, a restless ghost haunting his own life.
The intercom’s harsh buzz shattered my brooding silence.
"Mr. Ashton?" My head of security—Marcus’s voice crackled through the system. "There are police officers at the gate, sir. They’re requesting to speak with you."
Ice flooded my veins. "Police? Did they say what about?"
"No, sir. Just that they need to speak with you urgently. Detective Caleb and Officer Ruby."
My mind raced through possibilities. Had Diane filed some new complaint? Had Noah reported our confrontation? No—Noah wouldn’t stoop so low, not after everything we’d been through together. Would he?
"Let them in," I said finally, straightening my robe and running a hand through my disheveled hair. "I’ll meet them in the foyer."
I steadied myself against the wall, catching my reflection in the decorative mirror hanging in the hallway. Christ. I looked like hell—stubble darkening my jaw, hair disheveled, eyes bloodshot. Not exactly the image of an innocent man.
I splashed cold water on my face in the downstairs bathroom and ran damp hands through my hair, attempting to tame it into something presentable. A quick gargle of mouthwash to mask the stench of alcohol. It would have to do.