He doesn't sit until I do, and even then, he takes the arm of the couch rather than the cushion, as if positioning himself for a better angle.
The folder rests neatly on his knee, untouched. "I wasn't expecting company," I say, folding my hands in my lap.
He smiles, all polished teeth and cunning charm.
"I thought I'd take the chance while the gates were still open. Word is, you're about to go back behind steel and stone."
"Word travels fast."
"It always does when you're the headline."
I let the silence sit for a moment before I answer.
"You came to remind me of that?"
He leans forward slightly, not enough to invade my space but enough to be noticed.
"I came because you're alone, Keira. And sooner or later, even the best fortress caves in from the inside."
I keep my eyes fixed on him.
"I'm not as alone as you think."
"Really?"
He tilts his head.
"Where is Ruairí now? Wicklow? Half the city believes he left you for good. The other half believes you pushed him out to keep control of the estate. Neither version ends with allies knocking on your door."
I don't respond.
There's no value in feeding the myth he's come to peddle.
Liam continues, voice level, the kind of tone people useto justify clean cuts.
"Your people are scattered. Your family's finances are being picked apart by every man with a calculator and a grudge. The O'Duinns have already moved on three of your holding companies, and the only reason they haven't moved on you directly is because they're still arguing over what your value is. You're an asset, Keira. That's how they see you. And when you stop being one, this place will go quiet real fast."
He waits for a reaction.
I don't give him one.
He shifts the folder to the side, taps a finger against the spine.
"I'm not here as an enemy. You know that. I've always respected your ability to keep the ship afloat longer than anyone expected."
He pauses, eyes flicking to the fire, then back to me.
"But we both know the clock's ticking. And I'm offering you a way to leave with something intact."
"What do you want?"
He smiles again, but it's smaller this time, almost private.
"I want you to understand that I am the only one who can get you out of this."
I lean back in the chair, let the weight of that statement land exactly as he meant it to.
He doesn't speak again for several seconds, giving the impression that the next part is delicate, even though I know it's been rehearsed.
