Chapter 156: Shay or Liam?

Words : 1060 Updated : Sep 29th, 2025

Jaxon’s body tensed with murderous intent as he shadowed Zara. He stretched his hand toward her, ready to grab her arm. But the sudden echo of approaching footsteps made him halt. He drew his hand back when he took a quick look at the two women coming over, chatting casually as they headed toward the ladies’ restroom. Grinding his teeth in frustration, he melted into the men’s restroom to avoid raising suspicions. Minutes later, Zara emerged, oblivious to the danger lurking nearby. Her gait was uneven, and dizziness clouded her head. The gleaming tiles seemed to ripple like waves beneath her feet. She extended a hand to steady herself against the wall, but a sudden twist of her heel sent her stumbling forward. Before she could fall, strong arms wrapped firmly around her waist. Zara froze, startled. She blinked as she struggled to focus on the man’s face. "You?" Recognition flickered, softening her expression into a grin. "Shay Walch? Aren’t you Mr. Walch?" She tilted her head, scrutinizing him. "You look different... you cut your hair. Last time, it was long." The man gave her a measured smile. "You are drunk." Zara chuckled lightly, waving her hand in denial. "Not drunk... just a little tipsy." His lips twitched with amusement. "Understood. I’ll drive you home." She pulled herself free from his arms, shaking her head. "No, no... don’t bother. My friends are waiting for me." "Your friends?" He arched an eyebrow. "They seem busy with themselves." While coming to the restroom, he had noticed Bree and Ryan tangled together in an embrace, kissing feverishly in the hallway, lost entirely in each other. Zara hesitated, mulling it over. Perhaps Shay had a point. Bree and Ryan had looked like they couldn’t peel themselves away from each other—hands tangled, eyes locked, lips brushing again and again in hungry devotion. It was probably best not to interrupt them and just slip away on her own. A sigh slipped from her lips. Catching the flicker of hesitation on her face, he leaned closer. "Come on. Let me take you home," he murmured, his tone coaxing. "I have my car," Zara countered quickly. She straightened in protest, though the movement made her sway slightly. "I can drive on my own." He chuckled with amusement. "Really?" He looked at her from head to toe with a teasing glint in his eyes. "You can barely stand straight, yet you think you can drive? Don’t worry. Taking you home safely is my responsibility. Come on." Before she could come up with another excuse, his hand lightly guided her forward, steering her out through the hotel’s grand entrance. Zara didn’t push him away, but as they reached his car, she mumbled stubbornly, "What about my car?" "My driver will send it to your place," he reassured her. "Now get in." He helped her settle into the passenger seat. He then moved around the hood, slipping behind the wheel. Just as he pressed the ignition, his phone buzzed in his pocket. He fished it out and answered. "Hey, Liam? Where are you? We are all waiting for you. Are you even coming back?" Eugen’s impatient voice rang through the phone, muffled by the sounds of music in the background. Liam glanced sideways at Zara, who leaned back in the seat, her head lolling to the side, eyes half-closed, lips slightly parted. Something unreadable passed through his gaze. "You guys have fun," Liam said. "I remembered something. I’m leaving." "What? Hey, wait—" But Liam didn’t let him finish. He ended the call and slipped the phone back into his pocket. The next second, he shifted gears and pulled the car onto the road. Zara had dozed off when the car slowed to a stop in front of Nathaniel’s villa. Liam glanced at her and froze. For a moment, he couldn’t look away from her, captivated by her sleepy expression. ’So much like her sister,’ he thought, a fleeting nostalgia crossing his face before he masked it with his usual playful demeanor. ’I hope Nathaniel is treating her well.’ "Zara, we’ve arrived," he called gently, tapping her shoulder. She opened her eyes groggily, still dazed. "Where...are we?" she mumbled, looking out. Her gaze roamed around the courtyard and driveway before settling on the villa. "This looks...familiar." A smirk tugged at Liam’s lips. "It’s your home. Forgotten already?" Zara blinked, embarrassed. "Oh...yes, I remember. I just...felt like I was dreaming. How did you know where I lived?" she asked, turning to him. He chuckled softly, offering no explanation. Zara, too tired to demand an answer, simply smiled and thanked him. "Thank you for dropping me off." As she opened the door and stepped out, she nearly stumbled. She gripped the doorframe for support, cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "Good night, Mr. Walsh. Thanks for bringing me home safely." Liam didn’t reply. Instead, he stepped out and moved to her side. "I’ll take you inside." He offered her his hand. "I...no, I can walk," Zara protested, shaking her hands. "I insist," he said firmly. Ignoring her objections, he slid an arm around her, supporting her as he guided her toward the house. Zara’s nerves prickled with tension. She was late and drunk. On top of that, she was being escorted home by a man. This was something she had never done before in her entire life, and she knew Nathaniel would not like it. She was afraid Nathaniel might humiliate Shay. As they neared the front door, she gently stopped him. "Mr. Walsh, thank you for tonight. You should leave. I can go in from here." He raised an eyebrow with a mock disappointment. "I didn’t realize you were so ungrateful. I helped you and brought you home safely. You didn’t even offer me a cup of coffee." Zara forced a strained smile. "Coffee? At this hour?" "I love coffee," he said smoothly, "and I can drink it anytime." Her hesitation deepened. She didn’t know how Nathaniel would react if he saw Shay with her. If Nathaniel humiliated Shay, Zara would feel mortified. "Mr. Walsh..." she began, but before she could finish, the front door burst open. Zara’s heart leapt into her throat. She whipped her head toward the door and stiffened. Nathaniel’s tall, imposing frame filled the doorway, his sharp and cold eyes locking with hers.

Chapter 156: Shay or Liam?

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