35. Unexpected Ally

CHAPTER 35

Unexpected Ally

LIAM

D amn it, I hated this. The suit felt like a straight jacket, the tie a noose around my neck. How had I ever thought this life was for me?

"Screw it," I muttered, veering off course towards a nearby coffee shop. The tech deal could wait five minutes. I needed caffeine, stat.

The aroma of freshly ground beans hit me as I pushed open the door, instantly soothing my frayed nerves. I stepped up to the counter, eyeing the menu.

"Large Americano, extra shot," I told the barista, already fishing for my wallet. "And make it quick, yeah?"

The barista raised an eyebrow but nodded, turning to prepare my drink. I drummed my fingers on the counter, impatience bubbling up inside me. Why was everything in this city so damn slow?

As I waited, I pulled out my phone and hit Jimmy's number. He picked up on the second ring.

"Well, if it isn't the prodigal son," Jimmy's voice came through, tinged with amusement. "How's the concrete jungle treating you? "

I snorted, grabbing my coffee as the barista set it down. "Like a cat treats a mouse. I'm about five seconds away from losing my mind, Jimmy."

"That bad, huh?" Jimmy's tone softened. "Hang in there, man. It's just for a little while."

I took a sip of my coffee, wincing as it burned my tongue. "Yeah, well, it feels like forever. Listen, I need a favor."

"Shoot," Jimmy said.

I pushed my way out of the coffee shop, back onto the crowded street. "The fundraiser. I need you to help out. You're good with people, marketing, all that crap. And you've got the patience of a saint, which is more than I can say for myself right now."

Jimmy chuckled. "Flattery will get you everywhere, Liam. But sure, I can help. What do you need?"

I weaved through the crowd, phone pressed to my ear. "Just make it big, you know? This is important to Caleb, which means it's important to me. And if we can stick it to my parents in the process, even better."

"Gotcha," Jimmy said. "I'll reach out to Caleb, see what he's got planned so far. Speaking of, how are things with cowboy Casanova?"

I felt a smile tug at my lips, despite everything. "Good. Really good, actually. I miss him like crazy, Jimmy. Is that weird? We've only been back together for a little while, but…"

"But it feels like coming home," Jimmy finished for me. "I get it, man. You two have history. Deep history."

I nodded, even though he couldn't see me. "Yeah, exactly. God, I wish I had my flask with me right now. Left the damn car in Oakwood Grove."

"Probably for the best," Jimmy said, his voice taking on that gentle, concerned tone I knew all too well. "You've been doing so well, Liam. Don't throw that away now."

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "I know, I know."

"You're stronger than you think, Liam. You've got this. And hey, think of it this way - the sooner you wrap up this deal, the sooner you can get back to your hunky cowboy." Jimmy said softly.

I laughed, feeling some of the tension ease from my shoulders. "Thanks, Jimmy. Don't know what I'd do without you."

Jimmy cleared his throat. "Actually, Liam, there's something else I need to tell you."

I felt my stomach drop. Jimmy's tone had shifted, and I knew whatever was coming wasn't good. "What is it?"

"I found out who leaked the information about you being in Oakwood Grove," Jimmy said, his voice careful.

I stopped dead in my tracks, causing a businessman behind me to nearly crash into me. "Who?" I demanded.

There was a pause, and I could almost see Jimmy wincing on the other end of the line. "It was Cleo."

The world seemed to tilt for a moment. Cleo? My friend Cleo? The one who had helped me design my house? "That's… that's impossible," I stammered.

"I'm sorry, Liam," Jimmy said softly. "I double-checked. It was definitely her."

I felt a mix of emotions surge through me - betrayal, anger, confusion. "But why? Why would she do that?"

Jimmy sighed. "I don't know, man. People have their reasons. Maybe she thought she was helping somehow?"

I shook my head, even though Jimmy couldn't see me. "Helping? By potentially exposing my identity? God, Jimmy, what am I going to do?"

"For now? Nothing," Jimmy said firmly. "Focus on the deal. We'll deal with Cleo when you get back. And hey, at least we know now, right?"

I took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of emotions inside me. "Yeah, I guess. Thanks for telling me, Jimmy."

"I know," Jimmy said, his voice gentle. "Take your time. And Liam? Don't do anything rash, okay?"

I snorted, a bitter laugh escaping me. "No promises. "

As we wrapped up the call, my mind was reeling. Cleo's betrayal added another layer of complication to an already messy situation. But Jimmy was right - I needed to focus on the task at hand. Deal with Tektron, help with the fundraiser, then sort out this mess with Cleo.

One step at a time, I reminded myself. One step at a time.

Coffee in hand, I strode into the imposing glass and steel building where the Tektron deal was set to go down. My mind was still reeling from Jimmy's bombshell about Cleo, but I forced myself to focus. This was it - the last time I'd play the dutiful son, the last time I'd be my father's corporate puppet. After this, I was done.

The receptionist flashed me a practiced smile as I approached. "Mr. Denison? Mr. Clark will see you now."

I nodded, mustering up a polite smile of my own. "Thanks."

As the elevator climbed to the top floor, I tried to quell the nerves bubbling in my stomach. Leon Clark was a force to be reckoned with, even for someone like me who'd been swimming with the corporate sharks for years. But I could do this. I had to do this.

The elevator doors slid open, revealing a sleek, modern office that screamed power and money. And there, silhouetted against the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the New York skyline, was Leon Clark himself.

He didn't turn as I entered, just kept staring out at the city, a glass of what looked like obscenely expensive wine in his hand. "Take a seat, Mr. Denison," he said, his voice smooth as silk.

I did as he said, my eyes taking in every detail of the man before me. Even from behind, Leon Clark cut an impressive figure. Tall, broad-shouldered, impeccably dressed in a suit that probably cost more than my car. When he finally turned to face me, I understood why people found him so captivating. He was handsome in a striking, almost intimidating way, with sharp cheekbones and piercing green eyes that seemed to look right through you.

"Welcome back to New York," Leon said, a small smile playing on his lips as he took his seat across from me. "I hear you've been taking some time away from the company. Your father mentioned it."

I felt my jaw clench at the mention of my father. Of course he'd been talking to Leon. Probably trying to smooth things over, make sure his prodigal son hadn't screwed up the deal of the century.

"That's right," I said, keeping my voice neutral. "Needed some time to recharge."

Leon's smile widened a fraction. "I'm sure. I know your father well, Liam. I understand the need for shall we say, a breather?"

I blinked, caught off guard by his candor. This wasn't the cold, calculating businessman I'd been expecting. "Something like that."

Leon leaned back in his chair, swirling the wine in his glass. "So, tell me about your trip. Where did you go? What did you do?"

For a moment, I was tempted to tell him everything. About Oakwood Grove, about Caleb, about rediscovering who I really was away from all this corporate bullshit. But I reined myself in. This wasn't a heart-to-heart. This was business.

"It was fine," I said, my tone clipped. "Relaxing. But that's not why I'm here, Mr. Clark. I have the contract for the acquisition, if you'd like to review it."

I pulled out the thick stack of papers from my briefcase, sliding it across the desk towards him. Leon glanced at it, then back at me, that enigmatic smile still playing on his lips.

"Always business with you Denisons, isn't it?" he mused. "But I suppose that's why you're so good at what you do."

I felt a flicker of pride at his words, followed immediately by a wave of self-loathing. This wasn't me. Not anymore.

Leon picked up the contract, flipping through it casually. "I'm sure it's impeccable, Liam. Your reputation precedes you. But I'm afraid I won't be signing it."

The words hit me like a punch to the gut. "What?" I blurted out, my carefully cultivated professional demeanor cracking. "But why?"

Leon set the contract back down, leaning forward to rest his elbows on the desk. "Because, Liam, I don't think you want me to."

I stared at him, completely thrown. "I… what? Mr. Clark, I assure you, this deal is?—"

"Please," he cut me off, waving a hand dismissively. "Call me Leon. And I'm not talking about the deal itself. I'm talking about you, Liam. The real you. Not this corporate facade you've built up."

I felt my heart start to race. What was he talking about? How could he possibly know…?

"I don't understand," I said, fighting to keep my voice steady.

Leon leaned forward, his piercing green eyes studying me intently. "Tell me something, Liam. Has your father ever asked you what you really want?"

The question caught me off guard. I let out a bitter laugh, running a hand through my hair. "My father? Care about what I want? That's a good one. He's only ever cared about one thing - himself."

"So why are you doing this?" Leon pressed, gesturing to the contract between us. "Why are you here, pushing a deal you clearly have no interest in?"

I opened my mouth to give him some bullshit corporate answer, but something in his gaze made me pause. Fuck it, I thought. What did I have to lose?

"Honestly?" I sighed, slumping back in my chair. "I'm here because it's the last thing I have to do before I can walk away from all of this. From my father, from the company, from this whole charade. "

Leon nodded, a knowing glint in his eye. "And what is it you really want, Liam?"

Images flashed through my mind - the ranch, the fundraiser, Caleb's smile. I felt a lump form in my throat. "I want… I want to go home. To the place where I can actually be myself. To the person who sees me for who I really am."

"Caleb, right?" Leon said casually, taking a sip of his wine.

My head snapped up, eyes wide. "How the hell do you know about Caleb?"

Leon chuckled, setting down his glass. "I make it a point to know everything about the people I do business with, Liam. Even the parts they try to keep hidden."

I felt a surge of anger. "So what, you had me investigated? Dug into my personal life?"

"Of course," Leon replied, not even having the decency to look ashamed. "It's just good business. But Liam, I'm not your enemy here. In fact, I'd like to help you."

I snorted, crossing my arms. "Help me? How exactly do you plan to do that?"

Leon leaned back, a sly smile playing on his lips. "What if I told you I could buy your father's company for more than its net worth? Enough that you could walk away, completely free of him, and go build that life you want with Caleb?"

My jaw dropped. I stared at him, trying to process what he was saying. "You… what? Why would you do that?"

"Let's just say I have my reasons," Leon said cryptically. "Think of it as an investment in your future. A future where you're actually happy."

My mind was reeling. This was insane, right? It had to be some kind of trick. But god, the thought of being free, of never having to deal with my father's bullshit again…

"I don't know what to say," I admitted, my voice hoarse.

Leon stood up, straightening his already impeccable suit. "You don't have to say anything right now. Think about it. When you're ready, I'll take care of everything. "

As he walked me to the door, I couldn't help but ask, "Why are you doing this? Really?"

Leon paused, his hand on the doorknob. For a moment, I saw something flicker in his eyes - something almost… sad. "Let's just say I know what it's like to live a life that isn't truly yours. And I wouldn't wish that on anyone."

I left Leon's office in a daze, my mind spinning. The busy New York streets seemed muted, distant, like I was watching everything through a fog. I needed a drink. Badly.

I found myself in a nearby bar, nursing a whiskey and trying to make sense of what had just happened. My phone buzzed - a text from Caleb.

"Miss you. How's it going?"

I stared at the screen, my throat tight. God, I wanted to tell him everything. About Leon's offer, about the possibility of finally being free. But I couldn't. Not yet. Not until I figured out what the hell I was going to do.

"Miss you too," I typed back.

I downed the rest of my whiskey, wincing at the burn. What was I going to do? Leon's offer was tempting - so fucking tempting. But could I trust him? And even if I could, was it right to essentially sell out my family's company?

"Fuck," I muttered, signaling the bartender for another drink. This was exactly why I'd left New York in the first place. Everything here was a goddamn mess of ulterior motives and backroom deals.

My phone buzzed again. Jimmy this time.

"How'd the meeting go?"

I let out a hollow laugh. How the hell was I supposed to answer that?

"It's a long story," I texted back. "Can you come to my hotel? I need to talk to someone about this, and I trust you not to bullshit me."

Jimmy's reply was almost immediate. "On my way. Hang in there, boss. "

I finished my second whiskey, then headed back to my hotel. By the time Jimmy arrived, I was pacing the room like a caged animal.

"Alright," Jimmy said as he walked in, eyeing me warily. "What's got you so wound up?"

I ran a hand through my hair, probably making it stand up in all directions. "You're not gonna believe this, Jimmy."

I launched into the story, pacing back and forth as I recounted my meeting with Leon. Jimmy listened silently, his eyebrows climbing higher with each new revelation.

"Holy shit," he breathed when I finally finished.

"No kidding," I snorted, flopping down onto the bed. "What the hell am I supposed to do, Jimmy? This could be my ticket out, my chance to finally be free of all this bullshit."

He sat down in the chair across from me, his expression thoughtful. "Look, Liam, I can't tell you what to do here. This is a big decision, and it's got to be yours."

I groaned, covering my face with my hands. "I know, I know. But fuck, Jimmy. How am I supposed to make this kind of choice?"

Jimmy was quiet for a moment. Then he said, "Can I ask you something?"

I peeked out from between my fingers. "Shoot."

"If you take this deal, if you walk away from everything will you be happy?"

The question hit me like a punch to the gut. Would I be happy? I thought about Oakwood Grove, about the ranch, about Caleb. I thought about making music again, about being free to just be myself.

"Yeah," I said softly, surprising myself with how sure I felt. "Yeah, I think I would be."

Jimmy nodded, a small smile on his face. "Then I think you have your answer."

I sat up, my heart racing. "But what about my dad? The company? Everything I've worked for? "

"Liam," Jimmy said, his voice gentle but firm. "You've spent your whole life trying to live up to your dad's expectations. Don't you think it's time you lived for yourself?"