Page 94 of Chained By Fate (Dark Billionaires: Vegas #1)
The playful bickering was interrupted by the Maxwells’ butler, Ms. Lane, announcing Liam Maxwell’s arrival. The atmosphere shifted subtly—not tense exactly, but more alert. Even Matt straightened slightly.
But Liam Maxwell, for all his reputation as a ruthless business titan, melted the moment Aria launched herself at him. “Grandpa!”
I watched as Mia held her own against the Maxwell patriarch, her spine straight and her smile genuine. Pride swelled in my chest. My sister had always been the strong one, and now she had an entire family of protectors to match that strength.
“Your sister’s something else,” Matt murmured, appearing at my side with a fresh drink.
“Yeah,” I agreed, accepting the glass. “She is.”
“Speaking of something else,” I nodded toward where Scott was now regaling Mia with what appeared to be an extremely animated story, complete with wild hand gestures, “should I be worried that James’ brother is sharing what looks suspiciously like blackmail material?”
Matt’s lips quirked. “Probably. Scott has dirt on everyone.”
“Everyone?”
“Everyone.” He paused. “Though I noticed he’s surprisingly quiet about that incident in Singapore.”
“What incident in Singapore?”
“The one that had James bailing him out of?—”
“Matt.” Scott appeared between us like a particularly well-dressed ninja. “What happens in Singapore stays in Singapore. We had an agreement.”
“Did we?” Matt’s innocent expression wouldn’t have fooled a blind man.
Before Scott could retort, Savannah’s laugh rang out across the room. William had finally abandoned his cool facade and was now helping Aria arrange her new plushies in what looked like a complex battle formation.
“I’m documenting this for posterity,” Eric announced, phone already out. “The great William Bosworth, defeated by Pokémon.”
“They’re not Pokémon,” Aria corrected with all the gravity a five-year-old could muster. “They’re Yokai. Right, Uncle Will?”
“Absolutely right, princess.” William shot Eric a smug look. “At least someone in this family has culture.”
“Says the man who thought wasabi was guacamole at that Japanese restaurant,” Scott muttered.
“That was one time!”
“One very memorable time,” James added, earning himself a glare from William.
Liam Maxwell watched the exchange with barely concealed amusement, settled in an armchair like a king holding court. Aria had migrated to his lap, explaining the intricate hierarchy of her new Yokai collection with scholarly precision.
“And this one”—she held up what looked like a blue fox-spirit—”is the guardian of the others. Like how Daddy and Uncle Matt and everyone protects us!”
The room softened at her words. Even Matt’s perpetual storm-cloud expression lightened.
“Very appropriate,” Liam agreed, his stern features gentling as he looked at his granddaughter. Then his eyes found mine. “Though I hear you’re quite capable of handling protection duties yourself, Andy.”
I nearly choked on my drink. Was Liam Maxwell… complimenting me?
Matt’s hand found the small of my back, steadying me as I recovered from my near-death-by-expensive-mocktail experience.
“Speaking of seeing things,” Eric smoothly chimed in, “has anyone seen the dessert cart? James ordered this incredible chocolate lava cake that you have to try.”
“The one with the gold leaf?” Aria perked up, previous topic forgotten. “Can I have some, Daddy?”
“After you eat your dinner,” James replied automatically, then paused. “Have you even had dinner?”
“Define dinner,” his daughter replied with impressive diplomacy.
“I taught her that,” Scott said proudly.
“We know,” chorused at least three voices.
The dessert cart appeared like a sugary miracle, wheeled in by staff who’d clearly mastered the art of perfect timing. The spread was ridiculous—everything from delicate French pastries to what looked like an architectural masterpiece made of chocolate.
“If this is how you people eat normally,” I commented, eyeing a particularly deadly-looking chocolate creation, “I’m amazed you all still fit through doors.”
“Bold words from someone on his third slice of cake,” Matt murmured near my ear.
“Fourth,” I corrected, unashamed. “And I’m storing energy for the flight tomorrow. Like a bear preparing for hibernation.”
“You’re not flying commercial,” Matt reminded me for approximately the thousandth time. “My jet has a fully stocked kitchen.”
The evening began winding down when Aria, despite her valiant protests, started nodding off over her third dessert. James scooped her up, and she immediately curled into his chest like a sleepy kitten.
“No fair,” she mumbled. “Andy’s leaving tomorrow.”
“And I’ll be back before you know it, princess,” I promised, reaching over to boop her nose. “Someone has to make sure your Uncle Scott doesn’t teach you any more diplomatic loopholes.”
“Too late.” She yawned, then dropped off completely.
James carried Aria upstairs while the party began to disperse. When he returned with Mia, they walked Matt and me to the door.
“Text me when you land,” Mia insisted, pulling me into a careful hug.
“Yes, mom,” I teased, but squeezed her gently. “Take care of yourself.”
“That’s what I’m here for,” James said, his arm protectively around Mia’s waist.
Matt’s hand found its familiar place on my lower back as we headed to the car.