Chapter 124: Blood In The Water (Bonus - 5/5)

The music throbbed across the mansion, and the bass pulsing through the polished marble floors. Laughter rose and fell in waves as groups mingled and glasses clinked.

Liam and Matt had drifted toward one of the quieter corners of the main hall, each holding a glass of wine. From here, they could see the dance floor, the glowing garden beyond, and the tide of people flowing between.

Matt leaned in close, his grin wide. "So, what’s the plan tomorrow? You’ve got the whole world at your fingertips, man. You can’t tell me you’ll just stay home again."

Liam swirled the wine gently in his glass, the ruby liquid catching the chandelier light. He thought for a moment, then said, "Track racing. Maybe I’ll rent out a circuit and burn some laps."

Matt choked, staring at him. "Rent out a track? You’re serious?"

"Why not?" Liam smiled.

"You’re too rich, man," Matt said, shaking his head in disbelief. "Normal people go karting when they’re bored. But you want to rent out Laguna Seca like it’s a basketball court."

Liam chuckled softly, letting the comment pass. He wasn’t showing off. He was just stating it plainly.

But Matt wasn’t done. He turned, eyes glinting with curiosity. "Okay, then tell me—how many cars do you actually own? I know the Maserati GranTurismo, the Lamborghini Temerario, that Ghost Black Badge outside, and of course the McLaren P1 LM variant . That’s already insane. What’s the real number?"

Liam raised his brow, enjoying Matt’s incredulous expression. He lifted his glass and said casually, "Seven."

Matt froze. "Seven?"

Liam nodded. "Aston Martin Vantage GT3. Ferrari SF90 Stradale. And the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Cabriolet Imperium."

The last name landed like a thunderclap.

Matt blinked, processing what he has just heard. He said with a cracked voice, "Wait, repeat that last one. Slowly."

Liam obliged, repeating the name evenly, a with a small smile.

Matt stared, eyes widening with each syllable. His mind scrambled through car blogs and concept galleries he had seen online. His jaw tightened.

"That’s... that’s a one-off, isn’t it? You’re telling me you own a variant on the Maybach 6 Cabriolet? The one people thought Mercedes would never release?"

Liam gave a small nod. "A custom variant. Imperium edition. One of one."

Matt leaned back, exhaling a low whistle. His mind reeled. Owning a McLaren P1 LM was one thing—monstrous rare. But a one-off Maybach 6 variant? That was...

He looked at Liam again, but this time his gaze was different. Amusement was gone. Awe—and maybe envy—took its place. "You... you’re not real, man."

Liam only smiled, twirling his glass again.

Matt rubbed the back of his neck and forced a laugh. "Alright. Question is—which one are you bringing to the track tomorrow?"

Liam tilted his head, genuinely thoughtful. "No idea. Honestly, I haven’t even decided which track to rent. Laguna Seca’s the closest, but that’s a five-hour drive. Doesn’t make sense just to scratch an itch."

Matt perked up, his grin returning. "You’re overthinking it. Easy fix. Get your driver to haul the car down early. Then you helicopter in later, spend a few hours burning rubber, and head back. Done."

Liam shot him a look. "Have Nick drive one of my cars across the state while I fly in? No. That’s not happening."

Matt shrugged, unbothered. "Then rent one. You think tracks like Laguna Seca don’t have their own garages? You can rent just about any supercar. Saves you the logistics."

Liam’s brows rose. For once, he was impressed. "Not a bad idea."

He considered it in silence. The idea of renting didn’t bother him—it was practical. But something about the thought of driving a car that wasn’t his sat strangely in his chest. Still, it was better than dragging his staff into errands.

He was weighing the thought when he felt some presence behind him. Slowly, he and Matt turned.

A group stood behind them, six deep. Their expressions carried the sharp edge of trouble. At the center, tall and broad-shouldered, was a face Liam recognized instantly.

Liam studied them, their stares focused on him, their stance, expression and body language, and he can already guess what they want.

This was especially so with the familiar face he saw standing with them, with a smile on his face.

It was the guy he had broken his hand at the front of a restaurant.

He really wished he hadn’t remembered him but his Perfect Memory skill was unforgiving this time around.

Matt caught the looks, and his gut tightened. He stepped forward instinctively, planting himself between Liam and the group. His voice was even but firm. "What do you want?"

He can’t let them do anything to Liam. He was the one that brought him here, and so, he was responsible for him.

The leader of the group—Adrian Vale—lifted his glass lazily. "Relax. We’re just curious. Had to see for ourselves what the most popular kid in town looks like."

Matt frowned, heat creeping into his tone. "You’ve seen him. Now leave."

Adrian’s smile widened, unbothered. "In a moment. But first, a question."

His eyes cut to Liam. "How’d you do it?"

Liam tilted his head. "Do what?"

"The mansion. The cars. The yacht. The helicopter. How’s someone our age pulling all this off? Trust fund? Offshore accounts? Or just dumb luck?" Adrian’s tone was playful on the surface, but his eyes burned with sharp curiosity.

The noise around them dimmed, geads turned and people leaned in. A circle began to form.

Matt tensed. "Adrian—"

But Adrian cut him off, stepping closer. His smile thinned. "No, seriously. Everyone here’s dying to know. What’s the secret? You can’t just drop into our world with all this and expect no one to ask."

The tension coiled tighter, thick enough to choke.

Liam sighed inwardly. He set his glass down on a nearby table, then raised his eyes to Adrian’s. His voice was calm, steady. "If I told you, it wouldn’t be a secret."

A ripple of chuckles spread through the circle.

Adrian’s eyes narrowed a fraction. Then, slowly, he smirked. "You’re not an easy one to corner." He raised his glass and clinked it gently against Liam’s, a thin peace offering. "Fair enough. I’ll let it slide... for now."

The crowd laughed, the tension bleeding away with nervous relief. Conversations resumed, though side-glances lingered. Adrian’s group peeled back, their leader’s smile still hiding that glint of hunger.

The host appeared quickly, slipping between them with an easy laugh. "Adrian, you’re grilling him like an investment banker. He’s not here for an interview. Ease up, man."

Adrian raised his hand in mock surrender and drifted off into the crowd.

The host turned to Liam, his expression apologetic. "Don’t mind him. Adrian always comes on too strong. Enjoy yourself."

Liam gave a small nod. "I will. Thank you."

The host clapped his shoulder lightly before leaving.

Matt exhaled and muttered, "Jungle."

Liam smirked faintly, repeating under his breath, "Jungle."

Matt leaned closer, dropping his voice. "Adrian Vale. UCLA grad. Son of a Fortune 500 CEO. He’s charismatic, used to being the center of gravity in any room. Tonight, you stole that from him. Don’t take it personal. He wasn’t trying to humiliate you—he’s just... curious. Always too curious."

Liam shook his head slightly. "He came on very strong."

"Exactly," Matt said with a crooked grin. "That’s his problem. He pushes too hard. But you saw the way everyone looked at you? You’re blood in the water, Liam. They can’t help themselves. Everyone wants a taste."

Liam gave him a look of mild disgust, and Matt laughed so hard he nearly spilled his wine.

The party continued until deep into the night, but Liam decided to leave earlier. Matt also chose to leave. Liam dropped him off before having Nick drive him home.