The Publicity Stunt

If Olivia had known how much of a headache planning a last-minute charity event would be, she might have reconsidered suggesting it.

She'd spent the entire night pulling strings, calling in favors, and coordinating with Liam's PR team to make sure everything was set.

The event? A fundraiser for underprivileged kids interested in the performing arts, a perfect way to make Liam look like a responsible, kindhearted citizen instead of, well, the reckless playboy he actually was.

And now, as she stood outside the grand event hall, watching the final preparations come together, she exhaled. This should better work.

"Let me guess," a deep voice murmured behind her, "you haven't slept."

Olivia turned to find Liam standing there, looking infuriatingly well-rested. Dressed in a perfectly tailored navy suit, with his signature smirk in place, he was every bit the Hollywood star that fans swooned over.

Meanwhile, she had dark circles under her eyes and was running on nothing but caffeine and sheer willpower.

"Unlike some people, I actually had work to do," she shot back.

Liam placed a hand over his heart. "Ouch. Is that any way to talk to the man you're about to make look like a saint?"

She snorted. "Saint is a very strong word."

Liam grinned. "Fair. But you have to admit, I do look good."

Olivia crossed her arms, eyeing him up and down. "You look like someone who should at

least pretend to care about this event."

"I do care," he said, then leaned in slightly. "I just care a little more about seeing you all

worked up."

Her face heated. "You're impossible."

"And yet, you keep me around."

Before she could argue, a voice interrupted them.

"Mr. Hayes! The press is set up inside. We're ready to begin."

Liam sighed dramatically. "Guess it's time for me to go be charming."

Olivia gave him a warning look. "No scandals."

He winked. "No promises."

*****************************

The Event Begins

As the event kicked off, Olivia watched from the sidelines while Liam did what he did best, steal the spotlight.

He greeted the kids warmly, posed for photos, and even cracked a few jokes that had the reporters eating out of his hand.

Okay, she admitted, maybe he wasn't completely terrible at this.

Then came the moment she'd been dreading, his speech.

She had written it herself, carefully balancing sincerity and just enough charm to make him look good without seeming fake.

The problem? Liam never stuck to a script.

She held her breath as he stepped onto the stage, the microphone in his hand. He glanced at the neatly printed speech on the podium… then casually folded it and stuffed it into his pocket.

Olivia's stomach dropped. Oh no. No, no, no.

Liam leaned into the mic. "So… I was supposed to read something really well-written and formal right now. But let's be honest, I've never been the 'stick to the rules' type."

The audience chuckled. Olivia felt like fainting.

"But here's the thing," Liam continued, his voice softer now. "I grew up in a world where

people only cared about fame, power, and success. It's easy to forget that real dreams start here, with kids who have passion, talent, and ambition, even if they don't have the resources."

He turned to the kids sitting in the front row, his expression surprisingly sincere. "You guys are the future. And if this event can help even one of you chase your dreams, then it's worth it."

A murmur of agreement spread through the room. Even the reporters seemed caught off

guard by his honesty.

Olivia blinked. Did he just… say something real?

Liam cleared his throat, flashing his signature grin. "Anyway, enough of me being deep. Let's get to the fun part, yeah?"

The room erupted into applause. Olivia exhaled. Maybe he wasn't a complete lost cause after all.

***************

Trouble in Paradise

Just as Olivia was starting to believe this event might actually go smoothly, trouble arrived in the form of Serena Carter.

Liam's ex-girlfriend.

And, quite possibly, the last person Olivia wanted to see today.

The moment Serena strutted into the hall, cameras turned toward her like she was magnetic.

With her perfectly styled hair, designer dress, and air of effortless confidence, she was everything tabloids loved about Hollywood's elite.

And she knew it.

Olivia watched as Serena's gaze zeroed in on Liam….and then, her.

Great.

Liam had just finished taking photos with some of the kids when Serena sauntered over, flashing a dazzling smile.

"Liam," she purred, touching his arm. "I didn't expect to see you doing charity work."

Liam arched an eyebrow. "And I didn't expect to see you here at all."

Serena laughed lightly. "Oh, darling, you know I always support a good cause." She tilted her head. "Though I have to admit, I'm more interested in your new assistant."

Olivia stiffened as Serena turned her attention to her.

"And you are?" Serena asked sweetly....too sweetly.

Olivia forced a polite smile. "Olivia Carter. Liam's assistant."

Serena hummed, looking her over. "Assistant, huh? That's all?"

Liam's jaw tightened. "What are you getting at, Serena?"

Serena smiled innocently. "Oh, nothing. Just that the tabloids seem to think she's more than that." She turned back to Olivia, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Tell me, Olivia, are you in love with Liam yet?"

The question caught Olivia off guard. She felt her cheeks heat as cameras clicked around them.

Liam's smirk returned, but this time, it had a dangerous edge. He casually slung an arm

around Olivia's shoulders.

"Oh, come on, Serena," he drawled. "Jealous already?"

Serena's eyes narrowed slightly before her smile returned. "Oh, Liam," she cooed, patting his cheek. "I don't get jealous. I just win."

With that, she turned and sauntered away, leaving Olivia feeling like she'd just been dragged into a war she didn't sign up for.

*************************

Aftermath

As soon as they were alone, Olivia shoved Liam's arm off her.

"What the hell was that?!" she hissed.

Liam grinned. "What? You didn't like my little performance?"

She groaned. "You just gave the press exactly what they wanted…..a brand-new scandal!"

Liam shrugged. "Hey, it'll keep things interesting."

"Interesting? Liam, your ex just declared war on me!"

He smirked. "Relax, sweetheart. Serena's all bark, no bite."

Olivia crossed her arms. "Yeah? Well, I don't feel like being her next target."

Liam studied her for a moment, then sighed. "Look, don't let Serena get to you. She's just

trying to mess with you."

"Great. So I'm stuck in the middle of your drama now?"

Liam's smirk softened slightly. "Maybe. But I wouldn't let anything happen to you, if that

makes you feel better."

Olivia blinked. Was that… concern?

Before she could respond, his phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen, then back at her. "I gotta go deal with some PR stuff. You good?"

She exhaled, running a hand through her hair. "No. But I don't have a choice, do I?"

Liam chuckled. "Nope."

As he walked away, Olivia let out a long sigh.

She had signed up to be his assistant.

But somehow, she had ended up right in the middle of his chaotic, messy, scandalous life.

And she had a feeling this was only the beginning.