The Rolls Royce slowed to a stop at the curb, its engine purring softly before cutting off. Through the tinted glass, Liam studied the house before him.
The house in front of him, though not as huge as Bellere Mansion or located in Holmby Hills, wasn’t any less magnificent. Elegant stonework climbed its façade, warm light spilled from tall windows, and trimd hedges flanked a wide driveway.
So this is Matt’s family place, Liam thought. Now I see where Stacy’s friends get their confidence. They’ve grown up in hos like this.
Liam stopped admiring the house and reached for his phone to let Matt know he had arrived. Before he could type, a notification buzzed in, a ssage from Matt,
"I’m not quite ready yet. Can you co in for a bit while I finish up?"
Liam smiled at the ssage and replied, "No worries, I’ll wait here."
From what he could see, this was very much Matt’s family residence. If he went inside, he’d almost certainly et Matt’s parents and siblings.
Liam had promised himself to work on his social skills, to step out of his shell, but... family introductions? That felt a step too far, too soon.
A second buzz ca almost imdiately.
Matt: "Absolutely not. My mom will kill if she finds out I left you sitting in the car. Get in here, man."
Liam exhaled slowly and shook his head. He could already picture Matt’s stubborn expression on the other end of that ssage. He had no doubt his friend ant it. Matt wasn’t going to let this go.
Another sigh escaped his lips, but it turned into a low chuckle.
Fine, he thought. Maybe this is what I need. More interactions, not less. And eting families is part of knowing people personally. It can’t hurt.
He typed a short reply, "Alright. Coming in."
***
Inside the house, Matt’s face lit up when he saw the ssage. He had been pacing nervously, already dressed, but stalling.
Truthfully, he could have been ready twenty minutes ago. He hadn’t delayed because of himself but because of his family.
His mother and younger sister had begged him to let Liam co in. They’d read about him in online articles and magazines, talked about him at dinner, and they were endlessly curious about the boy who sohow lived like a phantom billionaire in Los Angeles.
Every ti Matt was asked, he painted Liam as he truly saw him: mysterious, elusive, larger-than-life. A friend, yes, but one who was still hard to pin down.
Now, the chance to et him was literally at their doorstep. His mom had all but insisted. His sister had nearly dragged him by the arm. So, guilty though he felt, Matt had delayed on purpose.
"Five minutes," he muttered to himself, trying not to imagine Liam walking into chaos.
Matt sighed heavily, hoping that Liam won’t be offended by this. He felt bad about doing sothing like this, about lying to soone he consider his friend.
He really wish he could co out and just tell Liam directly, but he has no idea how Liam will take it.
***
Outside, the car doors clicked open. Mason and Nick both turned back in surprise as Liam stepped out. Instinctively, they reached for their handles to follow, but Liam raised a hand to stop them.
"Not this ti," he said calmly.
Bringing guards into soone’s ho wouldn’t seem appropriate and Liam doesn’t want to leave a bad impression
The two exchanged a glance, then nodded silently.
Liam adjusted his jacket, smoothed the cuff at his wrist, and walked toward the front door. The evening air carried a faint hint of roses from the garden beds, mixing with the sharper scent of freshly cut grass. He rang the bell once.
The door swung open almost imdiately. A girl of about sixteen stood there, bright-eyed, her smile lighting up her whole face.
"You must be Liam. Please, co in," she said quickly, almost too quickly.
Her excitent was genuine, and it caught Liam slightly off guard. He gave her a polite nod. "Thank you."
Stepping inside, he allowed his senses to stretch out just a little. This was an involuntary action of his and sothing he does when he’s in an unfamiliar place.
The girl led him into the living room. There, on a cream sofa, sat a woman who bore such an uncanny resemblance to her that it was impossible to mistake her identity. Matt’s mother rose halfway before gesturing warmly for Liam to sit.
"Please, take a seat."
Liam inclined his head and sat opposite her.
"Good evening," he greeted, his tone respectful but carrying a hint of warmth.
She returned the smile. "Good evening, Liam. Forgive Matt for keeping you waiting. That boy..." She shook her head, sighing.
"It’s no trouble at all," Liam assured her.
Her eyes studied him for a long mont. Finally she spoke, with a soft voice laced with curiosity. "It’s good to finally et you. Matt speaks of you often."
Liam smiled and said,"It’s good to finally et his mother as well."
And he added imdiately, "I have to say — you look far too young. For a mont, I thought you were Matt’s older sister."
He didn’t an it seriously. He’d learned long ago that won enjoyed such complints, and he gave it freely without ulterior motive. But he hadn’t expected the spark that lit in her eyes.
Matt’s mom was the playful type. And Liam’s sharp suit, easy manners, and striking looks only made it worse. She leaned back, with a mischievous smile playing on her lips.
Her daughter noticed imdiately and panic crossed her face.
"Um, excuse ," she blurted, before darting upstairs. She knew her mother’s habits too well. Better to warn Matt than watch her mom tease their guest into awkwardness.
Downstairs, her mother chuckled softly. "I’ve read about you, Liam. I’ve seen the headlines. But I still find it hard to believe you’re only eighteen."
Liam t her gaze steadily, with the smile never leaving his face. He knew that a lot of people were curious about this. They always wanted to understand. But the truth was that his system had given him everything and that was not sothing he could share.
So he just said lightly, "People often react that way. I’m used to it."
Matt’s mom’s eyes softened when she heard that and she said,"It must be difficult. That much attention, at your age."
"It cos with its own challenges," Liam replied with a small shrug.
"Matt’s a good boy. I hope you two continue to be close friends. He admires you more than he’ll admit." Matt’s mom said with a warm smile.
"He’s been a good friend to too," Liamn said, with a warm expression.
At that mont, the hurried footsteps ca pounding down the stairs. Matt appeared, his face tight with expectation, bracing himself for whatever absurd thing his mother might have said. But when he reached the living room, he froze.
Liam was smiling and his mother looked perfectly at ease. The air wasn’t awkward at all. Relief washed over him so strongly that he almost sagged.
"Ready," Matt said quickly, straightening. "We should get going."
Liam nodded and rose. "Of course."
They walked toward the door. Matt opened it for him, and Liam stepped outside into the cooling evening. Before following, Matt glanced back at his mother and she was grinning, clearly amused.
He narrowed his eyes at her, mouthing silently: Behave.
Her laugh followed him out.
Once outside, Matt quickened his pace to catch up with Liam. "Hey... sorry if my mom said anything weird. She likes to ss around sotis."
Liam glanced at him and smiled. "She didn’t. She was gracious. You don’t need to worry."
Matt exhaled, visibly relieved. "Good. Let’s go."
They approached the Rolls Royce, where Mason and Nick waited by the doors. The two guards bowed slightly in greeting, then opened the car. Liam slid inside smoothly, Matt following right after.
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