Chapter 6 Liam
LIAM
“Unfortunately, Mr. Crawford can’t see you without an appointment,” the receptionist chirps like she is repeating a well-rehearsed line. Her eyes remain glued to her computer screen, while her fingers rapidly tap against the keyboard. “I’m happy to get you on the schedule for the end of next week.”
“I’m afraid this matter is quite urgent,” I push, gripping the briefcase handle just a little tighter. “Let your boss know Donovan Blackwell’s daughter and her husband are here to see him.”
Recognition at the name Blackwell flashes across her features, but she remains on the fence. “I’m sorry, but he is already in a meeting and—”
“Now!” My voice booms through the office in a menacing tone, making the receptionist flinch in her seat. Her eyes widen as she looks up at me and realizes that I won’t take no for an answer.
“I’ll see what I can do,” she says, her voice a little shaky now. She gets up and speed walks down to the end of the hall, where she frantically knocks on the door before opening it.
They are too far away to hear what they are saying, but after a short conversation, the receptionist returns to us. “Mr. Crawford will see you now.” She waves toward the open office door.
“Wonderful,” I fake cheer.
As I walk down the hall with Aurora by my side, I lean over until my mouth is close to her ear and whisper, “Remember, your sister’s future depends on your cooperation.” At my reminder, she gives me a side-eye glare that has me chuckling.
I have no intention of actually harming an innocent kid, but Aurora doesn’t know this, and as long as she doesn’t, I’m going to use it against her.
We enter the lavish office, where Crawford is sitting behind an oversized wooden desk. He sizes me up immediately, carefully calculating the situation. He gets to his feet to greet us, holding out his hand as we step up to the desk.
“I don’t think we’ve had the pleasure of meeting before,” Crawford states as I give him a firm handshake.
“Liam Knight,” I introduce myself before slamming the briefcase onto the desk.
Crawford glances down at it before turning his attention to Aurora. “I’m so sorry, I heard about the fire on the news this morning. They said your father was most likely in the house?”
“He was, unfortunately,” I cut in before Aurora can speak. I take a seat. Aurora and the lawyer do the same.
“That’s tragic,” Crawford says, his eyes going back and forth between Aurora and me. “And you two are married?”
“Recently, yes,” I confirm. “The fire was a shock for us, of course, but at least Donovan had the pleasure of meeting his daughter’s husband before his unfortunate demise.”
Crawford nods, looking at me like he doesn’t believe a word coming out of my mouth. Yet he remains painfully friendly. “How is it that I can help you today, Mr. Knight?”
“We want to make sure that everything is transferred into Aurora’s name as soon as possible and that I’m added to all the accounts.”
Leaning back into his chair slowly, Crawford crosses his arms in front of his chest. “Is that so? He questions with his eyebrows raised.
“That is so.” I grin, knowing he is about to drop the act and show me his real self.
“Unfortunately, I won’t be able to do either for you,” Crawford reveals.
“First of all, the ashes didn’t even have time to cool; I doubt Donovan’s body has been identified yet.
Secondly, I am quite certain your wife is not listed as the heir to her father’s fortune.
Seems like you didn’t think your scam all the way through. ”
“I suggest you open the briefcase. It might help you rethink your ability to help me.”
Concern overtakes his features as he reaches for the briefcase and quickly slides it closer to him. He pushes the latches open with his thumbs and flips the top open.
“Shit,” he curses under his breath, when he sees the pictures of himself fucking his daughter’s underage babysitter. Slamming the briefcase shut, he turns his attention back to me. His dismissive attitude is suddenly replaced with worry and caution. “How the fuck did you get these?”
“I have my ways,” I say smugly. “I don’t have to tell you that those images, along with videos and other incriminating evidence, will be released unless you do what I ask of you.”
The lawyer’s face takes on a shade of red as he takes a moment to reevaluate the situation he is in. “Listen, obviously I don’t want these out, but I can’t help you. There is no way for me to change the last will and testament even if—”
“The updated paperwork is already in your files, and Donovan’s death certificate is under the pictures inside the briefcase,” I explain calmly.
Uncertainty is written all over Crawford’s face as he pushes a button on his desk phone. “Emily, bring me Donovan Blackwell’s last will and testament.”
“Of course.” Her high-pitched voice comes through the speaker.
We sit in silence. The lawyer shifts in his seat, looking uncomfortable. I glance over at Aurora, who hasn’t said a word since we exited the car. Her lips are pressed into a thin line as she blankly stares at a random spot on the wall. Clearly, she doesn’t want to be here.
A moment later, the office door opens and Emily, the secretary, walks in holding a thick folder. Crawford takes it from her and starts going through the file before Emily has a chance to scurry from the room.
“That’s impossible,” he mutters, flipping through the pages frantically. “How did you…”
“Like I said, I have my ways.”
“I will need a few days to get all of this taken care of,” he says, flustered, a thin sheen of sweat forming on his forehead.
“You have until tonight,” I warn, as I stand up.
Crawford’s mouth opens like he is about to object, but lucky for him, he decides against it. Aurora gets up from her chair, and together we exit the office without another word.
The receptionist carefully wishes us a great rest of our day as we pass her desk on the way out.
Aurora remains by my side, keeping up with my strides even in her high heels.
I don’t miss how she scans her surroundings constantly, probably hoping to catch me off guard so she can get away. Not happening.
Back at the car, my obedient wife slides into her seat and buckles up. She crosses her legs, making the pencil skirt slide up slightly. My palms twitch, wanting to touch her smooth skin like I did earlier.
“You did well in there,” I praise, as the vehicle starts moving again.
Aurora scoffs. “Do I get a prize?”
“Depends,” I muse. “Maybe I’ll give you something if you behave the rest of the day.”
“Don’t worry. Be seen, not heard. That’s what I do best,” she says bitterly.
“You’re in a bad mood today,” I taunt. “I figured you would be more content after that orgasm last night.”
Shifting in her seat, Aurora’s cheeks turn into a delectable shade of pink. Her shoulders are tense, and she actively avoids looking at me. “Maybe I was faking it.”
I chuckle. “It looked pretty real to me, but I guess I have to make you come a few more times to be sure. You know, for comparison.” My cock stirs at the thought. The image of her in my bed, naked, and spread out still fresh on my mind. “Maybe we should start now,” I suggest.
“That’s not the kind of prize I had in mind.” Her response piques my interest.
“What did you have in mind?” I ask, genuinely curious.
She turns toward me, scanning my face like she is trying to figure something out. “I’m pretty sure my father sent Mariella’s mother money every month. I want those payments to continue.”
Part of me wants to tell her that I already approved the transfers to continue in the paperwork we just dropped off. However, I decide to keep the truth from her for now. “You know, you don’t actually have any leverage here.”
“You know you don’t actually have to be an asshole all the time,” she snaps back. “Clearly, you already have enough money. Giving up a few hundred bucks a month won’t hurt you,” she argues.
“It’s never been about the money,” I reveal.
“Then what is it about?”
“Revenge.”