Chapter 52

Sophia was broke.

Liam seemed to read her mind, his tone dripping with mockery. "The money I gave you barely covers three grand. What? Afraid I'll buy you for the night with that?" He smirked. "Relax. You're not my type. I just pity you—consider it charity. If you're that guilty, pay me back in installments from your salary."

Her fingers tightened around the cash, cheeks flushing. "Thank you."

"One more thing," Liam added, glancing at her through the rearview mirror. "My boss is busy. Next time he tells you to leave, don’t waste my time with your dramatics."

Sophia nodded meekly. "Understood."

She turned to the window, face blank, but inside, warmth flickered.

Since her release, the world had been cruel—the Thorntons scheming, Ethan Blackwood hunting her, even Alexander Kensington’s offers came with strings. But Liam?

Rude. Arrogant. He called her "Country Mouse" like an insult, yet he’d saved her job, driven her home from Blackwood Manor, and now covered her debt.

Her throat tightened. Beneath his sharp edges, maybe he had a heart.

Then she noticed the route. "Mr. Sterling!" She blushed. "Sorry, but—could we go to the hospital instead? I need to see Victoria."

Liam arched a brow. "Playing nurse?"

She forced a smile. "Yes. Please?"

"Now that’s how you ask." He swerved the car. "Sweet talk works."

At the hospital entrance, Sophia hesitated. "I’ll repay you ASAP. And... I’ll treat you to dinner."

His grin turned wicked. "Better be worth it, Country Mouse. Or I’ll make your life hell."

She nodded eagerly, like a starstruck fan.

As his car vanished, Liam dialed Noah. "Told you she’d cave. Pay up."

Noah scoffed. "That backwater girl? You’ve got trash taste."

Liam laughed. "I like a challenge."

"Ethan will skin you alive."

"Please. If he wanted her, I’d gouge my eyes out first."

But neither saw Ethan stepping from a parked car, his gaze icy as he watched Sophia hurry inside.