Chapter 45: The First Strike

I had spent too long reacting. Too long being shoved between powerful men who saw me as nothing more than a bargaining chip.

Liam was right about one thing—I was running out of allies.

But what he didn't know?

I didn't need them anymore.

I needed a plan.

I grabbed a towel and wiped the blood from my hands, forcing my breathing to steady. Liam watched me with something almost like amusement, like he was enjoying the show.

"So," he said, tilting his head. "What's next, Celeste? Are you going to run? Hide? Or…"—his lips curled—"are you going to do something much more fun?"

I threw the towel onto the counter and met his gaze.

"I'm going after Vale."

Liam's brows lifted. "Bold." He took another slow sip of water. "And how exactly do you plan on doing that?"

That was the question, wasn't it?

Vale was smart. He was powerful. And if he had really tried to eliminate me, then he wouldn't stop until the job was done.

But that also meant he had underestimated me.

Big mistake.

"I need to get close to him," I said, thinking fast. "Make him believe I still trust him. Make him believe I didn't figure it out."

Liam hummed, intrigued. "Dangerous move."

"I don't have a choice."

"No," Liam agreed. "You don't."

A slow smirk tugged at his lips. "But that doesn't mean you have to do it alone."

I narrowed my eyes. "And what exactly are you offering?"

He set his water bottle down, stepping closer, voice dropping to something just above a whisper.

"I can make sure you don't die before you get your revenge."

I held my ground. "And what do you get out of it?"

"Entertainment," he mused. "And maybe… a favor to cash in later."

A favor. Dangerous.

But so was Vale.

And if I was going to survive, I needed every advantage I could get.

I took a deep breath.

"Fine."

Liam grinned like he had just won a game I didn't know I was playing.

"Then let's make Vale regret ever crossing you, sweetheart."