Liam Ford looked at Jack Oliver with a faint spark of interest.
"So… now you're curious about what I have to say?" Jack asked, calm but deliberate.
"Speak," Liam replied flatly, his tone sharp. Nothing else.
Jack rolled his eyes, then continued, a sly smile tugging at his lips. "She was spotted at the airport today. Bad timing, really—I was hoping to do some business with her." There was a faint regret in his voice.
"You already have countless business contacts," Liam said, coldly measuring him. "What's so special about this one?"
Jack shook his head, smirking. "I heard she's beautiful and intelligent. Beauty with brains," he added, almost dreamy, lost in thought.
"…Name?" Liam asked sharply, his eyes narrowing.
Jack laughed lightly, teasing. "Ah, so now you're curious…"
"Answer me," Liam said, irritation creeping into his tone.
Jack hesitated, studying Liam's face carefully. There was something there—an edge, a hint that Liam already suspected more than he let on. Finally, Jack's voice softened.
"She's Ava," he said, almost reluctantly.
Liam repeated the name slowly, letting it roll over his tongue. Ava. His jaw flexed slightly as he processed the information. There was something commanding about the name—about her. His eyes sharpened, calculating. "Ava… it's a beautiful name. I'll make sure she works with me."
Jack chuckled, raising an eyebrow. "You seem… interested. When I meet my sister-in-law, I'll be sure to report this fascination of yours," he teased.
Liam's expression didn't soften. His icy gaze pinned Jack for a moment, and Jack shivered slightly. "Ah, no need to look at me like that," Jack said quickly, straightening his tie. "I'll get going. I've had my fun for today. Send my regards to your sister-in-law," he said, pushing the door open and leaving the boardroom.
---
Almost immediately after Jack left, Liam's phone buzzed. Sean Young, his secretary, was on the line.
"Do a background check on Ana Carter," Liam ordered coolly. His voice alone sent a chill down Sean's spine.
"Uh… Mr. Ford, I don't think she's hiding anything from you," Sean said hesitantly, gathering his courage.
Liam's expression darkened. He slammed his fist on the desk, cracking the polished wood slightly. "You dare defy my orders?" His tone was cold, sharp, and dangerously unamused.
"N… no, sir! I'll get to work immediately!" Sean stammered, quickly hanging up before Liam's wrath could consume him.
"If I find out you're hiding anything from me," Liam muttered under his breath, clenching his fists, "you'll regret ever trying to play games with me."
He glanced at the time. Dinner was approaching. Inevitably, his thoughts drifted to Ava Carter. A small, almost imperceptible smile tugged at his lips. So naïve… and yet… fascinating, he mused.
---
At the Ford villa, Bella was busy arranging dinner when her phone rang. She stared at it in disbelief.
"Hello?" she answered.
"I won't be home until midnight," Liam's calm, authoritative voice informed her.
"And…" Nanny bella pressed, curiosity brimming.
"Make sure Ava feels comfortable while I'm away," he said, then hung up. Nanny Zoe's lips curved into a satisfied smile. Finally… someone has managed to stir his heart, she thought quietly.
"nanny" a familiar voice called from behind, startling her. She almost dropped the serving dish.
Turning, she placed a hand over her heart, sighing with relief when she realized it was only Ava.
"You scared me," bella said,
"Oh! Sorry, I didn't mean to," Ava apologized quickly.
Bella eyed her thoughtfully. "Why haven't you changed into something more comfortable for dinner?" she asked, noticing Ava's simple attire.
"I'm not used to changing before dinner," Ava replied casually, perching on the edge of the dining table.
"Ah… okay," Nanny bella said, uncovering the plates in front of her. Ava's eyes lit up at the sight.
"Yuck!" she exclaimed, staring at the salad. "What is this?"
"Is Mr. Ford a vegetarian?" Ava asked curiously.
Nanny bella chuckled softly. "No, he isn't. I thought you'd like it—vegetables help you grow strong. Don't you like it?"
"I… hum, I'll eat it," Ava said, raising her index finger, her smile playful like a puppy. "But on one condition."
"Okay, tell me," Nanny bella prompted.
"You'll have to prepare a proper meal for me after this… and plenty of dessert," Ava declared.
"We only have cake," Nanny bella reminded her.
"I'll take that," Ava said jokingly, "I'll enjoy your flower-like meal for now."
Nanny bella chuckled and headed into the kitchen. Soon, the smell of roasted meat filled the villa. Ava dug in eagerly.
After finishing her main course, Nanny bella served a strawberry cake with generous cream. Ava's eyes sparkled as she savored every bite.
"Thank you for the sweet dinner, Nanny Zoe. My belly is full. Now I can take a shower and rest," she said softly, bowing slightly.
"It's my greatest pleasure to see you enjoy it," Nanny bella replied warmly, smiling as Ava disappeared into her room.
A perfect match for Liam Ford, Nanny bella thought to herself, shaking her head with a fond smile.
_______
After this I'm done editing though it still needs professional editor please bare with me ,the next chapter will be the continuation of the novel, I'm thinking of joining one those promotion contest don't know if I can get recognition, well it was someone idea I thank the person so much.much love 💕