Chapter 198: The Calm Between Horizons

The golden hour had just begun when the group finally decided to leave the island. The sun hovered low over the horizon, spilling ribbons of amber light across the white sands and the still water that kissed the shore.

The air was warm, lazy, and perfect — the kind that made everyone wish they could stay just a little longer.

Liam stood by the edge of the private runway, hands in his pockets, watching the silhouettes of his friends as they took their last photos.

Kristy turned toward the villa in the distance, eyes wide with reluctant admiration.

"It’s such a waste to leave," she sighed. "We should’ve packed clothes."

"We should’ve packed lives. I could live here forever," Matt groaned.

"You’d get bored in two days," Liam smiled.

"Not possible," Matt replied, already thinking of the pool wistfully. "Infinity pool, private marina, no traffic, no bills — how could anyone get bored?"

"You might change your mind when the Wi-Fi drops below four bars," Liam smiled faintly.

"But we both know that it will never stop," Matt smiled.

Liam shook his head, smiling.

By the time they reached the A380 — The Black Titan gleaming like polished obsidian in the dying light — the sky had deepened into a watercolor blend of gold and violet.

They boarded slowly, still taking in the view through the massive glass windows before the doors sealed shut. The engines came to life with a low, steady rumble, and moments later the jet lifted from the runway, climbing smoothly toward the clouds.

Inside, the cabin lights dimmed to a soft amber hue. Liam watched the island shrink below them until it disappeared beneath the horizon.

He turned to his friends. "So," he said casually, breaking the silence. "Are you all free in three days?"

Their heads snapped toward him in unison.

Matt blinked. "Free... for what?"

Liam’s smile deepened. "A trip."

The reaction was immediate, as everyone spoke at once.

"A trip?"

"Where?"

"Please don’t say another surprise island."

"Actually, say that. Say another island."

Liam chuckled softly at their energy. "Relax. Nothing like that. Just a short trip. Something different."

He didn’t have to ask twice.

"We’re in," Harper said instantly.

"Same," Matt added. "My schedule’s as open as your hangar."

"Absolutely," Elise said, grinning. "Three days, right? We’ll be ready."

Liam nodded. "Good. Meet me at my place that morning."

The group exchanged excited looks. None of them cared where they were going — traveling with Liam was already a story most people would never live to tell.

As they began speculating about destinations, Elise asked from across the aisle, "So where exactly are we going this time?"

Liam leaned back, crossing one leg over the other. His tone was calm, almost casual. "The Middle East. I have meetings with the royal families of the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia."

For a heartbeat, there was silence. Then chaos.

"Meeting?" Kristopher blurted out, nearly spilling his drink.

Matt’s jaw dropped and Harper actually turned in his seat.

"You mean, like—actual royals?" Matt asked. "Palaces, crowns, guards-with-swords royals?"

Liam nodded slightly. "Yes. They just want to meet, congratulate me on the aircraft, talk about some investment opportunities. Nothing serious."

The entire group stared at him, stunned.

Kristopher blinked several times. "You just said that like it’s a dentist appointment."

Harper groaned and rubbed his face. "Man, I... you’re having tea with monarchs?"

The laughter broke the tension briefly, but Kristopher leaned forward again, his tone was soft but serious, as he spoke, "Just... be careful, alright? I know you can handle yourself, but people like that— they don’t make small moves."

Matt nodded in agreement. "Yeah. They might smile, but everything’s business. They’ll want something from you."

Harper added, "And if they can’t get it through money, they’ll try through influence."

Liam listened quietly, with a small smile on his face. It was rare for them to sound so protective, and he could see the genuine concern beneath their teasing.

"Thanks," he said finally. "But don’t worry. I know how to play their game."

Kristopher exhaled. "We know you do. Just... keep your distance when you need to."

"I will," Liam assured him, smiling faintly. "Besides, it’s just business. And I’ll have you all there to keep me sane."

That earned a laugh and broke the heaviness in the air.

"Good," Matt said. "If any prince offers to buy your plane, tell him we come with it."

Liam chuckled. "I’ll consider it."

The group laughed again, and the tension fully melted away.

But Elise wasn’t done with surprises. She leaned over with her phone in hand.

"By the way," she said, "your follower count hit thirty-five million."

Liam blinked. "Thirty-five?"

"Million," she repeated. "And it’s still climbing. All because of the island posts."

"And that’s not all," she added. "Ours blew up too. Ten million minimum each. I’ve even got DMs from celebrities asking me to introduce them to Liam."

"Here we go," Harper whistled low.

Elise rolled her eyes, as she continued what she was saying, "I also got messages from two big brands offering endorsement deals."

That made everyone turn.

"Wait—what?" Kristy asked, her voice shooting up. "Endorsements?"

Elise nodded, with a proud smile, but it didn’t hide the stunned look on her face.

"Yes. Major ones. Check your inboxes. You probably got the same."

Curious, the group pulled out their phones.

It didn’t take long for the reactions.

"What the hell—!"

"No way!

"Is this... real?"

The girls gasped as they scrolled through messages from marketing directors, luxury companies, and PR agencies.

"Two offers from fashion houses," Lana said in disbelief. "And one from a perfume brand!"

Kristy’s eyes widened. "They want to sponsor me? For what?"

"You’re trending globally," Elise said. "You’re all tagged in half the posts about Liam. The algorithm thinks you’re the new elite."

Matt’s laughter broke the stunned silence. "This is insane. I just got a message from a watch company— and, uh..." He trailed off, squinting at his screen.

"...and apparently fifty unsolicited nudes."

The boys looked up at the same time.

"Same?" Harper asked.

"Same," Kristopher nodded.

"Same. Why do they think this works?" Alex raised his phone

.

"Because they think you work for him," Kristy teased.

The boys exchanged a look, then burst out laughing.

"Guess fame’s got a weird sense of humor," Matt said.

Still, curiosity made them scroll through the more legitimate offers — sponsorships, collaborations, business proposals. Most promised absurd sums just for public appearances or tags.

Harper frowned. "Do we... actually reply to any of these?"

Kristopher shook his head. "Not yet. I’ll talk to my parents first. These contracts look too good to be real."

"Yeah. Same. My mom will want to know more before I sign anything," Matt nodded.

Liam had been quietly amused the whole time, watching their reactions. When Harper finally looked up, he asked, "What about you, Liam? You must’ve gotten a thousand messages by now."

"Probably more. I haven’t checked," Liam smiled faintly.

They stared at him. "You haven’t—why?"

"I just don’t feel the need to," he said calmly.

Elise nodded slowly. "Makes sense. You’ve already got the world watching anyway."

Liam turned the question back to them. "Are any of you taking the offers?"

The girls exchanged looks before Stacy spoke first. "Probably not. I don’t want to tie my identity to any brand and be under some sort of restrictions. Not especially when I just got out of one. My family."

"Then don’t. You should only say yes if it makes you happy," Liam nodded in understanding.

"Thanks, Liam," she smiled.

The conversation drifted to lighter topics — jokes, memes, the absurdity of fame. The cabin was once again filled with laughter.

By the time The Black Titan descended toward Los Angeles, night had already settled over the city. The sea of lights stretched endlessly beneath them, glowing like a second sky.

Through the massive window, the runway lights shimmered in parallel lines.

The moment they touched down, the notifications started again. The aviation networks had already picked up the plane’s return.

"Black Titan sighted — landing at LAX!"

"Liam Scott’s aircraft returns after island trip!"

Outside the airport, some fans and reporters were already waiting, cameras flashing in anticipation.

None of them paid it any mind. Under the escort of airport security, the group descended from the plane, the night breeze blew warm against their faces.

Liam glanced once toward the perimeter fences, where flashes blinked like stars. Then he turned away, as he spoke, "See out guys later."

They all nodded and climbed into their cars. They started their cars and pulled away in formation, leaving the roar of the crowd behind.