Chapter 11 – His Brother's Threat
Serena was in the kitchen helping one of the housekeepers when Liam's younger brother, Leo, walked into the mansion. She had seen his picture once on a magazine cover, so she recognized him quickly. Tall, brown-haired, and confident, Leo looked just as charming as Liam, maybe even more playful.
"Oh… you must be Serena," he said, smirking. "I'm Leo. Liam's younger and smarter brother."
Serena wiped her hand and nodded. "Hi. Nice to meet you."
He tilted his head, giving her a weird look. "So, you're the wife, huh?"
Serena forced a smile. "Yes."
Leo's phone rang and he answered it quickly, walking toward the living room. Serena could still hear his loud laughter and sharp words as he spoke. Minutes later, he disappeared into Liam's study. Liam had just returned from work and looked tired, but the moment he saw Leo, his face turned hard.
"What are you doing here?" Liam asked coldly.
Leo threw himself on the leather chair like he owned the place. "Can't I visit my big brother? Or do I need a letter of approval now?"
Liam didn't laugh. "If you're here for something, say it and leave."
Leo raised an eyebrow. "Still angry with Dad, huh?"
Liam didn't respond.
Leo leaned forward. "You've been avoiding him since that fight about the company. He's getting tired of your attitude, Liam. He said you're losing focus."
"I'm doing fine," Liam snapped.
"Oh really?" Leo smirked. "From where I stand, it looks like your new marriage hasn't changed anything. You're still cold, careless, and distracted. And don't act like I don't know you don't even love that girl."
Liam's eyes darkened.
Leo continued, "I've been watching. You don't touch her, you barely talk to her. Do you want Dad to find out this marriage is fake?"
Liam clenched his fists.
"Because," Leo added, "if he does, he'll give the company to me. He's only waiting to see if you're ready to grow up. I'm married, Liam. I've proven myself. You, on the other hand... you're still licking your wounds because Vanessa dumped you for that celebrity singer."
Liam looked away sharply, but his silence was loud.
Leo smiled wider. "Yeah, I know. She broke your heart and now you're lost. You think marrying Serena will fix anything? Please."
Liam stood up suddenly. "Get out of my house."
Leo stood too, calmly brushing invisible dust off his jacket. "Sure. But think about what I said. You're not the only Steele son. If you can't take charge, I will."
He walked out with a smirk, leaving Liam breathing heavily.
***
Serena stood quietly at the stairs. She had heard some of their conversation. So that was Liam's younger brother? He seemed smart, but dangerous.
Later that night, Liam barely touched his food. He was lost in thought, staring at nothing. Serena sat across from him, eating slowly. She didn't want trouble.
"Do you want anything?" she asked softly.
"No," he replied, not looking up.
Serena nodded, keeping her head down. But inside, her heart was racing. She didn't understand Liam. Some days he was cold, some days he ignored her completely. It was hard to figure him out.
But one thing was clear — his brother was trouble, and Serena had to be careful.
***
In her room that night, Serena sat on her bed thinking. She remembered how happy her mother looked the day the hospital confirmed they could start her father's surgery.
Serena smiled slightly. At least one good thing had come out of this nightmare.
But she still felt like a prisoner. Her own mother had sold her to a stranger. And now, she was in a house where no one truly wanted her.
She missed her old life. She missed the freedom to love. To laugh. To be with Elliot.
Tears slipped down her cheek.
She wiped them quickly. "No," she whispered. "I won't cry anymore. I'll survive this."
***
Liam sat in his study, drinking quietly. His mind went back to that night Vanessa walked out on him. The betrayal still burned like fire. She had promised to love him forever, but she ended up in the arms of a celebrity — the same man who kept texting Serena now.
What a joke.
"Love is a lie," he muttered.
But then... why did Serena's eyes bother him sometimes? Why did her silence feel louder than Vanessa's screaming?
He poured himself another drink. He didn't want to think about that. Not now.
***
The next morning, Serena came downstairs and saw Liam sleeping on the couch in the study, his drink still half full.
She walked closer and placed a blanket over him.
As she turned to leave, he opened his eyes. "Why are you helping me?" he asked quietly.
Serena paused. "Because... you're my husband."
Liam stared at her for a long moment. Then looked away.
Serena walked out.
And for the first time in a long while, Liam didn't feel alone.