Chapter 3

The warmth in Liam's eyes cooled a few degrees, but his expression remained gentle.

"Don't be ridiculous."

I frowned. Honestly, I didn't like the way he was looking at me right now.

So, with my free hand, I grabbed his tie, then climbed onto the sofa, leaning in over him.

"You don't want to? That's fine…

"Just relax, honey. No need for you to do anything."

As I said this, my fingers traced the prominent vein down his neck—

"Chloe Thompson, is this how you've been 'studying' abroad for the past year?!"

Liam's face darkened. He turned his head away, snatching my 'naughty' hand.

His grip on my hand was surprisingly strong. I raised an eyebrow, thinking Julian was much more obedient.

But then Liam said, "There's a limit to your mischief, Chloe."

"We're already engaged! What are you still shy about?"

I should've just kidnapped him back to the basement. Then he wouldn't have so much to say.

But Liam's brows furrowed even deeper, and I was already losing my patience.

My hand deftly slipped free from his grip, and I immediately tore open his shirt.

The next second, my hand immediately reached out, touching his bare chest—

But suddenly, I heard a *click*, and then my eyes were momentarily blinded by a flash.

Both Liam and I froze, then turned our heads in unison to the source.

It was Julian, holding up his phone, taking our picture.

"Tsk, future Auntie has so much energy at night, doesn't she?"

My hand, resting on Liam's pecs, stiffened.

I silently vowed that Julian had better not push me to post his pictures online.

But while I was distracted, Liam abruptly shoved me aside.

"Chloe, unlock these handcuffs."

Thanks to Julian's little interruption, I failed to 'pounce' on the male lead.

So, I had no choice but to leave, disappointed, with my handcuffs still on.

But as I reached Liam's front door, a sudden realization hit me.

"Maybe I should bring a stun gun next time?"

After I left, the uncle and nephew in the living room were locked in a silent standoff.

Julian, still in his wheelchair, idly playing with his phone, propped his other hand under his chin, observing his uncle with a leisurely, almost smug air.

By now, Liam had straightened his clothes.

"Delete the photo."

"What's wrong? Afraid I'll secretly send it to *her*?"

Liam's fingers twitched, neither admitting nor denying anything, but the look in his eyes towards Julian was icy.

The overhead light illuminated half of Julian's face, revealing the slight deepening of the curve of his lips.

"So fake, wanting to have your cake and eat it too." Julian kept his eyes on Liam as he spoke. Seeing no change in Liam's expression, he continued to mock, "Then again, without the Thompson family's support, your precious *CEO* position wouldn't be so secure."

At this, Julian suddenly smiled in an uncharacteristic way.

His gaze dropped to Julian's legs. "Talk when you can stand up."

……

With only 24 hours left on my life countdown, I returned to Liam's house.

But this time, I snuck in.

In the pitch-black room, I walked towards the man on the bed, armed with a stun gun.

But just as I was about to reach him, a large hand snatched my arm, pulling me into the covers.

*Thump!* The stun gun in my hand fell to the floor.

Then, the room was flooded with light.

"What a coincidence, future Auntie~"