Liam Rochester

As the Stokes family emerged from the Central Hall, they were met with a sight that left them all in shock.

Elena Stokes's eyes widened in surprise as she took in the scene before her. "Is that not Liam Rochester, the multi-billionaire heir to the Rochester empire?" she questioned, her voice barely above a whisper. "What is he doing in Oceancity, and with Esther, of all people?"

Lilith Clay's eyes nearly popped out of her head as she processed the information. "Multi-billionaire?" she repeated, her voice laced with incredulity. How had Esther managed to snag the attention of one of the wealthiest and most eligible bachelors in the country? And that too, just after leaving the Stokes family?

Lilith's mind reeled with the implications. She had expected Esther to be miserable and alone after signing the papers, but instead, she seemed to be thriving. As Lilith watched Esther and Liam drive away, a pang of jealousy struck her. Why did Esther have it all? Beauty, brains, and now a wealthy boyfriend? It wasn't fair.

Genesis Stokes, sensing Lilith's distress, swooped in with a sly comment. "Don't all of you know Liam Rochester is a well-known playboy? And he's probably using Esther as a plaything. When he gets tired of her body, she'll become a nobody once more. She should enjoy her last days in his arms."

Genesis's words were like a balm to Lilith's wounded ego. At least it wasn't a permanent arrangement. Esther's time with Liam was limited, and soon she would be dumped like yesterday's trash. Lilith's thoughts turned to Lachlan, and a plan began to form in her mind. With Esther occupied by Liam, Lilith saw an opportunity to get closer to Lachlan and make him hers. As they walked away from the Central Hall, Lilith's smile grew wider. She felt a sense of satisfaction knowing that Esther's relationship with Liam might not be as stable as it seemed.

And who knows, maybe she could use this information to her advantage and get Lachlan's attention once and for all. The thought sent a thrill through her, and she quickened her pace, her eyes fixed on Lachlan's broad shoulders as he walked ahead of her.

Meanwhile, Lachlan Stokes stood frozen, his anger simmering like a pot about to boil over. He had witnessed every action Esther took, every dismissive glance, every firm word. His face was a mask of controlled fury, his eyes blazing with intensity. Even Lilith, usually emboldened by her proximity to Lachlan, felt a shiver run down her spine. She had never seen him so enraged, and she didn't dare approach him, fearing she might get caught in the crossfire.

Lachlan's phone was clutched in his hand, his fingers dialing Esther's number with a ferocity that belied his calm exterior. Yet, every call went unanswered, a stark reminder that Esther was no longer within his grasp. It was a bitter pill to swallow, and his anger only intensified with each unanswered call.

On the other end, Esther gazed at her phone, her expression unreadable. She had expected Lachlan's calls, had anticipated his anger and frustration. But she wasn't about to indulge him, not after everything he had put her through. With a quiet satisfaction, she watched as Lachlan's calls went unanswered, his attempts to reach her thwarted by her silence. When Liam noticed Esther was no longer occupied, he turned to her with a question, his voice low and smooth.

"Japanese or Chinese cuisine?" The mention of food was like a switch, and Esther's stomach growled softly in response. Her face lit up with a smile, and she replied enthusiastically, "Japanese cuisine."

Liam chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. He knew Esther's love for food was unmatched, and it always delighted him to see her so carefree. "I've never seen you get so excited about anything but food," Liam teased, his voice laced with amusement. "When will you change? Are you even a girl"

Esther shot back, her eyes sparkling with mirth, "How about you check at the hotel?" Liam's face went still, his eyes narrowing slightly as he realized the hidden message behind her words. He hastily dropped the subject, aware that he was treading on thin ice.

Just then, Liam's expression turned serious, his gaze intent. "I heard from Uncle Wong that you'll be leaving for Diamond City tomorrow to sign the agreement between the Rose Cookie Group. What about Myron?"

Esther's response was prompt, her voice cool and collected. "That's why I have you here, Liam. Why go tomorrow when I can go this evening and besides I can take Myron to meet elder brother maybe staying in Diamond City would help with his condition ?" Liam's eyes widened, his thoughts racing with the logistics of such a plan. Before he nodded

As they drove, Esther noticed they were being followed. A sly smile spread across her face, and she turned to Liam, her voice low and mischievous.

"We've been followed for the past thirty minutes. I guess who it must be." Liam's gaze turned stern, his eyes scanning the rearview mirror. "Lachlan Stokes," he replied, his voice dripping with certainty.

Esther nodded, her eyes glinting with amusement. "Absolutely. He's really hard to shake off."

Liam chuckled, his voice low and husky. "Perhaps he likes you."

Esther's expression turned dismissive, her voice firm. "That's not it. His ego's been hurt, and he wants payback. But what he doesn't know is that he's playing with the wrong person."

With a sudden burst of speed, Esther took the driver's seat, her hands firm on the steering wheel. She maneuvered the car with precision, taking the spy off guard. As they passed him, Esther rolled down the window and gave him a rude gesture, her middle finger raised in a defiant gesture.

The spy's face turned red with anger and humiliation, realizing he'd been outsmarted by a girl not even eighteen. He hit his steering wheel in frustration, cursing loudly.

"Damn it! Damn that girl!" His anger was palpable, his face twisted in a scowl. He couldn't believe he'd been played so skillfully, his pride wounded and his ego bruised.