Chapter 7
CHAPTER SEVEN
NOVA
Stealing a glance at the clock, I barely stifle back a yawn. 11:37 PM. Another late night at the office. Another upcoming showcase means more long weeks of prep work, making sure every aspect is immaculate. The soft blue glow from the computer screen illuminates the scattered papers and empty coffee cups littering Liam's usually immaculate desk.
"Okay, so we've got the tech demos lined up for the first hour," I say, scrolling through our meticulous planning document. "But I'm thinking we should move the Q&A session earlier. Give the investors a chance to ask questions while they're still caffeinated."
Liam nods, his brow furrowed in concentration. "Good point. We don't want them nodding off during the most critical part of the event."
I sneak a glance at him as he types, his fingers flying over the keyboard with practiced precision. There's an intensity to him, even at this ungodly hour, that I find... captivating. It's so at odds with the cold, ruthless image I'd built up in my head.
"You know," I say, leaning back in my chair, "for a supposed evil genius, you're surprisingly dedicated to the mundane details."
He looks up, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Evil genius? Is that what they're saying about me these days?"
I shrug, my heart rate picking up a bit. "Well, you know how the rumor mill works. Reclusive tech billionaire, groundbreaking inventions... people's imaginations run wild."
Liam's lips quirk into a small smile. "And what do you think, Nova? Am I living up to the hype?"
I pause, caught off guard by the directness of his question. There's a vulnerability in his gaze that I wasn't expecting. "I think..." I begin, choosing my words carefully, "that you're a lot more human than the rumors give you credit for."
Something flickers across his face—surprise? Relief?—before he looks away, focusing back on the screen. "Well, don't go spreading that around. It might ruin my carefully cultivated image."
I laugh, the tension in the room easing. As we settle back into our work, I can't help but feel a twinge of guilt. I'm here to uncover secrets, to expose the truth behind the SilenceBreakers rumors. But as we’ve started sharing late nights like this, every glimpse of the real Liam behind the public persona makes it harder to maintain that professional distance.
The night wears on, and our conversation drifts from work to more personal topics, I find myself relaxing, genuinely enjoying Liam's company. His dry wit, his passion for his work—none of it lines up with the cold man I’d expected to meet.
I listen intently as Liam recounts his early days in the industry. His wealth of experience is evident, making me acutely aware of the years between us. Yet somehow, that gap feels insignificant in moments like these.
"So," Liam says, leaning back in his chair and stretching, "what made you want to work for QuantumLeap? I have to admit, I was surprised when HR recommended you. You don't exactly fit the usual mold."
I freeze for a moment, my heart racing. This is dangerous territory. "I guess I've always been drawn to the cutting edge," I say, trying to keep my voice casual. "And quantum computing? That's about as cutting edge as it gets. Plus," I add with a grin, "I heard the boss was a real hardass. I like a challenge."
Liam chuckles, a warm sound that sends an unexpected shiver down my spine. "Well, I hope I'm living up to that reputation."
Our eyes meet, and for a moment, the air between us feels charged with something I can't quite name. I quickly look away, my cheeks flushing.
I settle into the plush armchair across from Liam, cradling my steaming mug of coffee. The office feels different from this angle—cozier, more intimate. Liam's shoulders relax as he sinks into his own chair, the ever-present tension in his jaw easing slightly.
"So," I start, blowing on my coffee, "child prodigy, huh? That must've been intense."
Liam's lips quirk in a half-smile. "You have no idea. By the time I was ten, my parents had me enrolled in college-level math courses. Playdates? Forget it. I was too busy proving theorems."
I wince sympathetically. "Ouch. No wonder you're such a workaholic now."
He chuckles, but there's a hint of sadness in his eyes. "It wasn't easy living up to everyone's expectations. Sometimes, I wish I could've just been a normal kid."
"I get that," I say softly. "My mom worked three jobs just to keep us afloat. It was hard, but it made me determined to succeed."
Liam leans forward, his gaze intense. "How did you manage? That must have been incredibly difficult."
I shrug, tracing the rim of my mug. "You adapt, you know? I learned to cook and clean by the time I was eight. Homework was done in the back of diners while Mom waited tables." I pause, memories flooding back. "But she always made time for bedtime stories. No matter how exhausted she was."
"That's... remarkable," Liam says, his voice tinged with admiration. "You both sound incredibly strong."
I look up, meeting his eyes. There's a deeper warmth there now, a genuine interest that makes my heart skip a beat.
"What about your parents?" I ask, curiosity getting the better of me. "Are you close now?"
Liam's expression clouds over. "Not really. They see me more as an achievement than a son. Our conversations revolve around my latest breakthroughs or the company's stock price." He sighs, running a hand through his hair. "Sometimes I wonder if they even know who I am beyond the headlines."
The pain in his voice is palpable, and I resist the urge to reach out and squeeze his hand. Before my eyes, Liam Novak is becoming real to me, with hopes and fears and wounds that run deep.
"That must be lonely," I say softly.
He meets my gaze, and for a moment, I see a flash of vulnerability that takes my breath away. "It is," he admits. "But talking to you... it helps. You understand struggle in a way few do."
My heart races, and I'm acutely aware of how close we're sitting, how intimate this moment feels. I should be cataloging every detail for my story, but all I can think about is how much I want to ease the sadness in his eyes.
"I'm glad," I say, meaning it more than I should. "Sometimes it's good to remember we're all just human, you know?"
Liam smiles, warm expression that transforms his face. "Yeah, I'm starting to see that."
The office settles into a cocoon of quiet as the night deepens. The city lights twinkle outside, casting a soft glow through the windows.
Liam leans back in his chair, running a hand through his hair. "You know, it's not easy being the 'boy genius' everyone expects to change the world." His voice is low. "There's always this pressure to be perfect, to never fail."
I nod, understanding all too well. "The weight of expectations, right? It's like carrying a boulder on your shoulders."
"Exactly." He meets my eyes, and for a moment, I see past the billionaire facade to the man underneath. "I've been burned before by people I thought I could trust. It's hard to let anyone in."
My heart aches for him. I know that feeling all too well. "I know what you mean. Trust is a rare commodity. Sometimes, I wonder if I'll ever really belong."
Liam's eyebrows furrow. "You? But you seem so... confident."
I laugh, but it's tinged with bitterness. "Fake it 'til you make it, right? Truth is, I'm always second-guessing myself. Wondering if I'm good enough, if I'll ever measure up to the demands of this job, if I'll ever prove my worth."
"I had no idea," Liam says softly.
"Yeah, well, it's not exactly something I advertise." I fidget with my pen, avoiding his gaze. "Growing up with a single mom, watching her struggle... it makes you feel like you've got something to prove, you know?"
Liam nods, his expression thoughtful. "I can imagine. Sometimes I wonder if my parents ever saw me as more than just their prodigy."
The openness in his voice tugs at something deep inside me. I want to reach out, to offer comfort, but I hold back. This is dangerous territory.
"It's funny," I say instead, "how we can be surrounded by people and still feel so alone sometimes."
"Yeah," Liam agrees, his voice barely above a whisper. "It's like... everyone wants a piece of you, but nobody really sees you."
Our eyes meet, and for a moment, I feel like he's looking right into my soul. My heart races, and I'm acutely aware of how close we're sitting, how intimate this moment feels.
"I see you," I say softly, before I can stop myself.
Liam's eyes widen slightly, and I see a flicker of something—hope? vulnerability? – cross his face. "I... I think you do," he says, his voice husky.
"We should probably call it a night," I say, my voice a little too high. "Early meeting tomorrow, right?"
Liam nods, but I catch a hint of reluctance in his expression. "Right. Of course." He stands, stretching again, and I try not to notice the way his shirt rides up, revealing a sliver of toned stomach.
The office falls silent, save for the soft hum of the building's systems. I glance at Liam, catching his eye as we both reach for our belongings. Our hands brush, and a jolt of electricity shoots up my arm. My breath catches in my throat.
"Thank you for tonight, Liam," I say, my voice barely above a whisper. "It was... nice getting to know you better."
Liam's blue eyes lock onto mine, intense and searching. "The feeling is mutual, Nova. We should do this again sometime."
My heart races, pounding so loudly I'm sure he can hear it. The air between us feels charged, heavy with unspoken words and growing attraction. I can't tear my gaze away from his face, taking in every detail—the slight stubble on his jaw, the way his hair falls across his forehead, the curve of his lips.
My heart races with a mixture of excitement and guilt. As the subject of my investigation, developing feelings for him is more than unprofessional—it's ethically wrong. But try as I might, I can't silence the voice in my head whispering, “What if?”
Liam shifts closer, and I catch a whiff of his cologne—something crisp and clean, with a hint of citrus. It's intoxicating. His fingers brush against mine again as he reaches for his jacket, and this time, the touch lingers. My skin tingles where we connect.
"I'd like that," I hear myself say, surprising even myself with the sincerity in my voice.
Liam's expression softens, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "Good. I'm glad we're on the same page."
As we gather our things and head for the door, I can't help but steal glances at him, watching the way he moves, confident yet graceful. I notice the strength in his shoulders, the elegant line of his neck.
We pause at the threshold, neither of us quite ready to end the night. Liam's hand hovers near the small of my back, not quite touching but close enough that I can feel the heat radiating from his palm.
"Nova," he starts, his voice low and husky.
I turn to face him, my breath catching as I realize how close we are. "Yes?"
For a moment, it seems like he might say something more, might even lean in. But then he takes a small step back, clearing his throat. "Have a good night. I'll see you tomorrow."
"Good night, Liam," I reply quietly.
As I walk away, my mind races. Tonight was a turning point, that much is clear. But what does it mean for my mission? For my heart?