Chapter 6: The Art of War

Amara Kingsley stood in her art studio, surrounded by the smell of fresh paint and unfinished masterpieces.

The sun streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating the controlled chaos of her creative space—canvases propped against the walls, sketches pinned to a board, a half-finished sculpture in the corner.

She dipped her brush into the paint, hesitating for a moment.

This wasn't just a painting.

It was the first move in her plan to destroy Liam Hargrove.

A familiar voice broke through her thoughts.

"That's a dangerous look on your face."

Amara turned to see Claire Morgan, her assistant, leaning against the doorframe with a cup of coffee in one hand.

Claire was sharp, observant, and brutally honest—a necessity in Amara's world.

Amara smirked. "It's my usual look."

Claire walked in, handing her the coffee. "No. This is different. It's like you're planning a heist."

Amara chuckled, taking a sip. "Maybe I am."

Claire studied her for a moment. "This wouldn't have anything to do with Liam Hargrove, would it?"

Amara arched a brow. "What makes you say that?"

Claire folded her arms. "Because ever since you met him, you've had this... intensity. And now you're painting like you have something to prove."

Amara turned back to the canvas. "He's a client. That's all."

Claire hummed. "Uh-huh. And I'm the Queen of England."

Amara smirked. Claire was too perceptive for her own good.

A Message from the Devil

Her phone vibrated on the table.

Liam: How's my commission coming along?

Amara smirked.

Amara: Patience, Mr. Hargrove. Masterpieces take time.

A few seconds later, another message.

Liam: I don't do patience.

Claire peeked over her shoulder. "Is that the devil himself?"

Amara laughed. "Depends on who you ask."

Claire sighed dramatically. "I hate to admit it, but the man is ridiculously attractive."

Amara rolled her eyes. "You're not helping."

Claire grinned. "Just saying. If you weren't planning a heist, I'd say enjoy the ride."

Amara smirked. Oh, she would. But not in the way Claire imagined.

An Unexpected Visit

The next morning, Amara was working on a new concept when she heard the studio door open.

She turned—and froze.

Liam Hargrove stood in the doorway.

Dressed in a tailored suit, exuding power and control.

Claire, who had been adjusting a canvas, nearly dropped it.

"Holy—" She caught herself, giving Amara a wide-eyed look before quickly excusing herself.

Amara exhaled slowly, placing her brush down. "You're early."

Liam smirked. "You didn't answer my last message."

She arched a brow. "You noticed?"

He stepped inside, his gaze drifting over her work. "I notice everything."

She crossed her arms. "And what exactly are you looking for?"

Liam walked closer, stopping just short of her personal space.

"A hint," he murmured.

Amara tilted her head. "Of what?"

Liam's gaze flickered with something unreadable. "You tell me."

She let out a soft laugh. "You're used to people bending over backward for you. That must get boring."

He smirked. "You think you're different?"

She met his gaze, unwavering.

"I think you don't know what to make of me. And that bothers you."

A flicker of amusement danced in his eyes.

"I like puzzles, Amara."

She smiled, slow and knowing.

"Then you'll love me."

His smirk deepened. "I'll see you soon."

As he left, Amara inhaled deeply, her fingers tightening around her brush.

He was hooked.

Now?

She just had to tighten the noose.

A Meeting with Noah

That evening, Amara met Noah at a rooftop bar, the city skyline stretching below them.

Her younger brother watched her over his whiskey glass.

"You're working with Liam Hargrove?" His tone was casual, but his sharp eyes told another story.

She met his gaze. "It's just a commission."

Noah exhaled, setting his glass down.

"Do you have any idea who you're dealing with?"

She smirked. "A businessman?"

Noah scoffed. "A shark."

She took a slow sip of her wine. "I can handle myself."

He studied her, then sighed. "Just… be careful."

She clinked her glass against his.

"I always am."

Noah didn't know the full truth.

He didn't know that she had lived through Liam Hargrove's betrayal once before.

But this time?

She was the one holding the knife.

The Game Begins

When Amara returned to her studio, she found a black velvet box waiting for her.

Inside was a diamond bracelet.

A note was tucked inside.

Liam: Every masterpiece deserves appreciation. Consider this… an incentive.

Amara laughed softly.

Did he think he could buy her?

She picked u

p the bracelet, watching the diamonds catch the light.

Then, with a smirk, she placed it in a drawer.

Liam Hargrove was falling into her web.

And soon?

She would close the trap.