Chapter 7
The amber streetlights cast a dim, dramatic glow over the quiet residential sidewalk as Marcus Vance stepped directly into Liam’s path. The crisp evening air carried the scent of autumn leaves, but the atmosphere between the two cousins was charged with sudden hostility. Marcus adjusted his expensive wool coat, trying to project an air of superiority that felt hollow beneath Liam’s calm, unwavering gaze. "Well, well, the humble pauper," Marcus sneered, crossing his arms and letting out a sharp, mocking laugh. "I have to hand it to you, Liam. Your little act of quiet dignity was masterclass deception. Hiding behind a modest logistics job while sitting on a nine-figure tech fortune? That’s some serious cloak-and-dagger stuff." Liam didn’t flinch. He didn’t drop his grocery bag. He simply stood there, his dark hair catching the light, his expression entirely composed as he looked at the sweating, ambitious man before him. "If you're here to deliver another family lecture, Marcus, save your breath. The weather is too nice for corporate nonsense," Liam said evenly, his voice smooth and devoid of intimidation. Marcus stepped closer, lowering his voice into a venomous hiss. "Don't play games with me. I saw the files. I know who you are, and more importantly, I know what you’re capable of. But my uncle Arthur doesn't know. The great patriarch of Vance Global thinks he chased away a broke nobody." Marcus leaned in, his eyes wide with desperate greed. "Sign this non-disclosure and waiver agreement transferring your historical patents to my subsidiary, and I’ll make sure Arthur never finds out how badly he humiliated himself. Otherwise, I’ll blow this family apart." Liam looked down at the paper Marcus thrust into his chest, then slowly raised his eyes back to his cousin's frantic face. A quiet, knowing smile touched the corners of Liam's mouth, infuriating Marcus even further. "You think this is leverage, Marcus? You think money and blackmail are the ultimate power?" Liam asked softly, stepping past his cousin without a second glance. "Keep your papers. Let Arthur find out the truth whenever he pleases. True strength doesn't need to hide behind threats." Marcus spun around, shouting curses at Liam's retreating back, but a cold dread settled deep in his stomach. He realized he had poked a sleeping giant, and there was no way to put the monster back in the box.
