The Billionaire Hidden in Plain Sight

CHAPTER NINE

For a heartbeat, no one moved. Liam’s calm voice still hung in the air, then suddenly, the room erupted in laughter.

Tara bent over, clutching her stomach. Mark slapped his thigh and wheezed with laughter. Even Victoria, who usually tried to keep her calm, was wiping tears from her eyes as a result of the laughter.

“Oh, Liam,” Tara said between laughs, wiping tears from her eyes. “You’ve finally lost it. You? The owner of Titan Global Holdings? That’s the funniest thing I’ve heard all year!”

Margaret Harper didn’t laugh. She just stared at Liam with a look of utter disbelief, her knuckles white around the head of her cane. Then, very slowly, she began to smile. It was the kind of smile that felt worse than anger.

“Enough of this nonsense!” she snapped. “We’re dealing with a real crisis, and this useless man decides to make jokes?”

“I’m not joking,” Liam replied evenly, his tone calm and measured.

That only made them laugh harder.

“Of course you’re not,” Tara’s brother, Mark, sneered. “You actually believe your own fantasies, don’t you? Unbelievable.”

Emma, standing near the stairs, felt her stomach churn in embarrassment. “Liam, please,” she whispered urgently, trying to keep her voice from trembling. “Don’t make things worse. Everyone’s already on the edge.”

Liam didn’t respond. His calm expression only seemed to make them angrier.

Tara leaned forward, her eyes glittering with mockery. “Tell us, Liam,” she said sweetly, “if you own Titan Global, why are you still living here, eating our food, doing the chores, and wearing the same cheap suit every day?”

“Maybe he’s trying to experience how the poor live,” Mark said, smirking. “Must be part of his billionaire philosophy.”

They all burst into laughter again. Even Victoria chuckled softly. “Oh, Liam,” she sighed. “You’ve embarrassed this family in so many ways, but claiming to own Titan Global might finally top the list.”

“Enough!” Margaret snapped, slamming her cane against the marble. “We have more important matters to discuss than a nobody’s delusions.”

The laughter died down as Margaret’s commanding presence made the room become quiet instantly.

Her sharp eyes swept across the room. “We all know what’s at stake. Titan Global Holdings is opening public bidding for their new luxury hotel project. Whoever secures that deal will be the next president of our company. That rule still stands.”

Mark’s face lit up with confidence. “Then that’s settled,” he said, straightening proudly. “Since my dear sister couldn’t handle her end, I’ll take care of it myself.”

Margaret’s expression softened with approval. “Good. At least one of you understands responsibility.”

She turned to Emma, her eyes cold. “Unlike you.”

Emma lowered her head. “Yes, Grandmother.”

Victoria frowned slightly. “Mother, that’s unfair. Emma has worked hard—”

Margaret’s glare made her shut up. “Hard work means nothing without results.”

Victoria bit back her words with a sigh. Emma stayed quiet with her eyes downcast.

Liam watched quietly, with an unreadable expression. Then the front door opened.

The sound of footsteps  echoed across the floor. Everyone turned toward the doorway as Ethan Morgan walked in, smiling with confidence. His tailored suit fit him perfectly, and the faint scent of expensive cologne followed him.

“Sorry for dropping by unannounced,” he said calmly. “I heard there’s been some trouble.”

Victoria’s face lit up. “Ethan! Oh, thank God. You came at the perfect time!”

Margaret’s frown softened immediately. “Mr. Morgan,” she said politely, “what a pleasant surprise.”

Ethan nodded respectfully, then turned to Emma. “I heard about the bidding news. It looks like fate is giving us another chance.” His tone was light but confident, and his gaze lingered on her a little too long. “Emma, you look beautiful as ever.”

Emma stiffened, her discomfort obvious. “Ethan, this really isn’t—”

“I came with sincerity,” he interrupted smoothly. “I still want to pursue you. I meant every word I said before.”

The room became silent. Victoria’s eyes shone with excitement. She grabbed Ethan’s hand, smiling brightly. “You’re too kind, Ethan. You can see how difficult things have been for Emma. Our family’s future is at stake, and if anyone can help us, it’s you.”

Ethan chuckled lightly, flashing his perfect teeth. “Help? That’s hardly a problem. A trivial matter, really.” He waved his hand casually. “All I need to do is call my father. He’ll make sure. You just consider it done.”

“You can really do that?” Tara asked eagerly, eyes shining.

Ethan grinned. “Of course. My father has connections everywhere. Titan Global won’t turn us down once he makes the call.”

Margaret let out a big smile. “Now that’s a real man,” she said approvingly. “Capable, confident, and resourceful. The kind of man our family needs.”

Her gaze moved toward Liam, cold and filled with disdain. “Not the kind who freeloads and talks about fantasies and delusions all day long.”

The family murmured in agreement.

Ethan looked at Liam, amusement flickering in his eyes. “Don’t worry, Liam. Once this is over, maybe I’ll find you a small job at one of our subsidiary companies. Something that suits your… skill level.”

Liam said nothing, still having a calm expression on his face.

“See?” Tara said mockingly. “He can’t even defend himself. He knows he’s useless.”

Ethan turned back to her, his voice softening. “Don’t worry, Emma. I’ll handle everything. You’ve suffered enough already. Soon, you’ll be free from… unnecessary burdens.”

His eyes moved toward Liam deliberately and Liam finally spoke. “You think you can guarantee that contract?”

Ethan smirked. “Obviously.”

“Then prove it,” Liam said simply.

The challenge hung in the air.  Ethan hesitated for just a moment, thrown off by Liam’s calm. Then he forced a laugh. “What are you saying?,” he said, pulling his phone from his pocket. “Do you know the kind of connection my family has? I just need to call my father.”

“Emma will secure the deal but Tital Global holdings will never coperate with your family.” Liam said calmly like he was very certain.

Ethan gasped, surprised by Liam’s words. “Is that a threat?” He began dialing harshly on his phone, his face red with anger. “You’re a delusional loser. I’ll show you that I’m far better than you.”