Chapter 613:
Maintaining her indifferent demeanor, Harlee reassured him.
âDonât worry. The scenario you dread wonât come to pass. Youâre well aware of the powerful ally I have. If he can secure my freedom, then youâre certainly not beyond his reach.â
Rhys, witnessing the exchange, nodded in agreement, his eyes locked on Harlee, echoing her statement.
Liamâs expression softened as he began to appreciate Harleeâs significance within the family.
His smile lost its usual irritation, replaced by a warmer, more genuine quality.
âOf course, I believe in you. Youâre the Gill familyâs most outstanding child. Who else would I put my faith in?â
Harleeâs chuckle carried a sharp edge of sarcasm as her eyes shimmered mockingly.
âMy name is Harlee Sanderson, and I am in no way connected to your esteemed Gill family. So, spare me the pretense of kinship.â
âItâs utterly repulsive! If you dare refer to yourself as my father one more time, Iâll make sure every soul in Baythorn is aware of how the Gill family treated me in the past!â
Liamâs complexion drained of color, his expression stiffening as his tone turned icy.
âHarlee, please reconsider your actions. If cutting ties with the Gill family is what you want, Iâll support you. We can act like strangers from now on if thatâs what it takes.
And if thereâs anything else you require from me, do not hesitate to ask.
Even if itâs an outrageous request, I wonât turn you down. I owe you that much.â
Taking a hesitant step closer, Liam lowered his voice, his words laced with genuine regret.
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âCan we still talk? Just the two of us? I know Iâve made so many mistakes, Harlee, but I want to make things rightâ¦â
âThereâs no need!â Rhys interjected firmly, draping his arm protectively around Harleeâs waist and distancing her from Liam.
âHarlee is deeply loved by everyone around her. She doesnât need your belated reparations.
Going forward, unless Harlee reaches out first, I trust youâll keep to todayâs agreement and act as if sheâs a stranger, understood?â
Before Liam could formulate a response, Harleeâs patience had worn thin. With a brisk tone, she declared, âIâll reach out if need be.â She then turned, walking away briskly with Rhys by her side.
Left alone, Liam remained rooted to the spot long enough for his legs to numb.
His gaze was a turbulent sea of emotion, torn between mourning the loss of a cherished daughter and lamenting a severed influential tie. Originally planning to dine at the upscale Grand Oak, Liam stopped short and decided to go home instead.
Laura was seated in the living room, her expression tense, as if waiting for news. The moment Liam stepped through the door, she rose swiftly, her concern evident.
âLiam, how did it go? Did you meet the young lady from the Wagner family?â she asked, her voice eager yet probing.
Laura had rushed back from her countryside retreat nearly a month ago after hearing that Averie had gone missing. Wasting no time, she had begun orchestrating blind dates for Liam, determined to ensure he had a wife, one who could meet her strict standards.
To Laura, Liam was a man destined for greatness.
A capable, successful man like him needed an equally capable partner. She seemed to have conveniently forgotten that Averie had been instrumental in securing half of the Gill familyâs business success.
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