Chapter 225

Liam studied Seraphina's expression after her offer. The fire in her eyes dimmed slightly when he didn't immediately beg for her assistance. "I've taken care of it already. Thank you for your concern, Miss Kensington," he said coolly.

Seraphina's jaw tightened. This wasn't the reaction she'd anticipated. "There's a world of difference between you approaching Donovan and me speaking to him. My cousin might appear approachable, but he despises direct confrontation. Are you certain you don't want my intervention?"

Irritation flickered across Liam's features. He decided to be blunt. "Miss Kensington, we're strangers. Is this some sort of business proposition?"

She manufactured a sweet smile. "I simply mentioned having a favorable impression of you. Consider it a friendly gesture."

Liam's laugh held no warmth. "Miss Kensington, you misunderstand. I operate on mutual benefit. Every relationship in my world is transactional. Anything else suggests... alternative motives."

Seraphina found herself at a loss. An unfamiliar frustration bubbled within her. Was this man truly oblivious? Or simply uninterested?

She'd made the first move, for heaven's sake. Even if she wasn't his physical ideal, she was a Kensington - a name that carried weight. The Blackwoods didn't even belong in the same social stratum.

Her teeth ground together as a new scheme took shape. With calculated brightness, she smiled. "Very well, I won't impose. Might I at least have your contact details?"

Liam regarded her with detached amusement. His previous interactions with Donovan had been perfectly civil. But this cousin of his? She seemed rather... dense.

He was about to provide his business number when Evelyn's call flashed across his screen.

Liam had been deliberately distant with Evelyn lately, brushing her off with claims of being swamped with work.

She'd apparently caught on. Her calls had become incessant - a constant vibration in his pocket that grated on his already frayed nerves.

The entire Olivia situation had him twisted in knots, and Evelyn's persistent attempts at contact were the last thing he needed.

Now, watching his phone vibrate against Seraphina's predatory gaze, inspiration struck. Perhaps Evelyn could serve as a useful distraction.

The fact that Liam hadn't even saved Evelyn's number spoke volumes.

The subtle tension in Liam's expression told Seraphina this wasn't some random caller.

Never one to miss an opportunity, Seraphina pounced. "Your girlfriend?" she asked with feigned innocence.

Liam's response was curt. "Yes."

Seraphina's competitive spirit ignited. So that explained his resistance. The revelation only made him more appealing - what better challenge than stealing another woman's man? Easy conquests bored her; the thrill was in the chase.

Her lips curved into a secret smile as she plotted her next move. This game had just become infinitely more interesting.