Chapter 156

Grayson’s POV

My car sped down the street, the engine's hum barely audible over the storm of thoughts raging in my mind. I gripped the steering wheel, my knuckles white as I struggled to control my nerves. Liam had been by my side for as long as I could remember, a constant presence through chaos, betrayal, and triumph. He wasn't just an ally; he was family, or so I had always believed.

Yet, a distance had grown between us, slow but undeniable. I might have been poor at expressing my feelings—I wasn't exactly known for wearing my heart on my sleeve—but Liam was supposed to have my back. He should have been protecting me, not betraying me.

Then there was Elaine.

I'd initially overlooked their clandestine relationship. I'd rationalized it, telling myself it didn't matter because, deep down, I still considered Liam family. He was the only one who truly understood Elaine, the only one who could handle her fiery temper.

But now? Now, they had crossed a line.

I had played a significant role in shaping Elaine, for better or worse. I had protected her, even though I was partly responsible for her needing protection in the first place. Yes, I deserved her anger, her resentment, even—but this? Mating with Liam without my permission? Even after she claimed I was dead to her?

That wasn't just betrayal; it was a slap in the face.

I didn't care if Elaine hated me or wanted nothing to do with me. She was still my cousin, and I was still responsible for her. That was the reality, whether she liked it or not.

The car screeched to a halt in front of my penthouse building. I cut the engine and slammed the door. The doorman greeted me with his usual polite smile, but I barely acknowledged him, my focus solely on Liam.

The elevator ride felt interminable. I leaned against the polished steel wall, my jaw tight as I replayed the last few hours. Liam and Elaine's betrayal wasn't just personal; it was a challenge to everything I'd built.

Stepping from the elevator, the tension in my chest intensified with each step. The penthouse was immaculate, exuding wealth and power. Floor-to-ceiling windows showcased the city skyline, and sleek, modern furniture filled the space. It suited Liam, so I'd given it to him.

I didn't bother knocking. The door was unlocked, and I wasn't in the mood for pleasantries.

"Liam!" I called, my voice echoing.

He appeared a moment later, calm, collected, and completely unfazed—as if he hadn't just upended my world. His composure only fueled my anger.

"Grayson, I heard you were back," he said neutrally, almost cautiously.

"So that's why you haven't contacted me?" I moved closer, my gaze unwavering. "Do you know what you've done?"

He tilted his head, a flicker of something unreadable crossing his face. "I'm guessing this isn't a social call."

"Don't play coy," I snapped. "You and Elaine. Mating without telling me, without my permission. And don't even get me started on the company!"

Liam's jaw tightened, but he didn't back down. "Elaine isn't a child, Grayson. She doesn't need your permission to make her own choices. And I don't know what you've heard, but everything I've done since you left was to keep the company afloat."

Ignoring his company defense, I said, my voice low and dangerous, "She may not be a child, but she's still my family. My responsibility. And you?" I pointed at him, my anger rising. "You were supposed to have my back, Liam. You were supposed to be on my side."

"I've always been on your side," he replied evenly.

"Then why does this feel like a betrayal?"

Silence hung heavy between us. Finally, he spoke, his voice quieter, almost resigned. "Because you can't control everything, Grayson. Not me, not Elaine, not this."

His words stung, but I didn't flinch. I couldn't.

"This isn't about control," I said, though even as I spoke, I wasn't sure it was true. "This is about loyalty. About respect. I don't care if Elaine is mad at me. What happened sixteen years ago was a mistake. I was a foolish teenager who didn't foresee the consequences. I just wanted my father gone. You, more than anyone, know how awful he was."

Liam sighed wearily, moving towards the bar. His movements were deliberate, slow, as if giving me time to calm down, or perhaps himself time to think. He reached for a bottle, the clink of glass breaking the silence. Pouring amber liquid into two glasses, he turned back to me, his expression unreadable but serious.

"I don't want to fight with you, Grayson," he sighed, his voice laced with exhaustion and regret. "I'm sorry it's happening like this. I really am."

My jaw clenched. I stared at him coldly. "Then you'd better explain this from the beginning, and it had better be a good explanation. Because if it isn't, I won't care how long we've known each other—there will be dire consequences."