Page 24 of Lucas

I resist the urge to roll my eyes. Liam has degrees in software engineering and law. He did the law degree just for fun, he doesn't even work in the field. Yeah, he's like that. Getting degrees for enjoyment, as if they're collectible trading cards or something.

Sometimes I’m not sure how we’re even brothers. If I would have had to guess who was the adopted one, I would have chosen Liam.

Liam lifts his eyes, the amusement still present in his gaze. “You know damn well what the contract says. Valeur has the best lawyers in the country, and I’m sure they explained it to you. You’re going to lose Valeur Real Estate. I’m just making sure Valeur-Tech didn’t sneak in here somewhere because I’m not willing to lose my company to this folly of yours.” He hands me back the papers and I snatch them from his fingers.

“I don’t intend to lose anything.”

Liam leans back, a calculating look in his eyes. “Lucas, you’re underestimating her. Ava Gant didn’t get to where she is by being stupid. She’s a shark, just like you. And now you’ve put blood in the water.”

I scoff. “Please. I can handle Ava Gant.”

“Like you handled not putting a risky clause in the contract? Face it, she outplayed you there.” Liam grins.

I glare at him. “She didn’t outplay me. I let her think she did. It’s all part of the plan.”

Liam raises his hands in mock surrender. “If you say so. But I know you, Lucas. You’re impulsive. You don’t always think things through. And that temper of yours... It’s going to get you in trouble one day.”

“My temper is fine,” I snap.

Liam gives me a pointed look. “Case in point.”

I take a deep breath, trying to rein in my irritation. “Look, I appreciate the concern, but I’ve got this under control. Ava Gant won’t know what hit her.”

“I hope you’re right. Because if you’re not, it’s not just your ass on the line. It’s all of ours. Valeur Real Estate, the whole empire Dad built. It all comes crumbling down if you fuck this up.”

The weight of his words settles over me. He’s right. It’s not just about me. It’s about the family legacy.

“I won’t fuck it up,” I say, my voice firm with conviction.

Liam studies me for a long moment, then nods. “Okay. I trust you. But Lucas...be careful. Don’t underestimate her. And for God’s sake, keep it in your pants.”

I can’t help but laugh. “Wow, words of wisdom from my little brother. When did you get so smart?”

Liam grins. “I’ve always been the smart one. You were just too busy chasing skirts to notice.”

I give him the finger. “Fuck you.”

It’ll be okay. I’m not going to turn into my father. I said it, and I meant it. Only cowards cheat, and I’m no coward.

“Of course, you know Dad’s going to murder you when he reads this clause? That you’re putting the company at risk? Valeur Real Estate was the first company in the empire. He’s especially fond of it.” Liam arches an eyebrow, the one with the scar running through it.

“He won’t know if you don’t tell him.” I narrow my eyes. “I have no intention of letting him read the contract. That’s why I have you.”

“What did he say about the marriage?”

I lick my lips. “Well, he wasn’t thrilled, but he sees the bigger picture.”

Liam says nothing.

“Hugo!” I call out.

My house manager enters the living room. “Yes, sir?”

“We’ll have dinner now in the sunroom.”

“Yes, sir.” He smiles and leaves the room.

“Who knows about this agreement?” Liam asks.