When Riley opened his eyes the first thing he saw was __ Liam standing in front of him , blocking the woman's raised hand .
For a moment Riley couldn't process it.
Aside from his mother and brother ,no one had ever stood up for him .Not once. Seeing someone do it now sent an unfamiliar warmth creeping into his chest.
" I have listened to your nonsense long enough." Liam said evenly. " Not anymore. Keep your hand to yourself __ unless you don't need them anymore. "
He dropped her hand as if he had touched something disgusting.
" You dare threaten me !" She bellowed." I will not believe their bullshit. There is no evidence. Release my son ."
Liam took out his phone and played the recording. Rider's mocking voice came from the phone. The entire conversation __ from when Liam had enter to the moment before the police arrived __played out.
He paused the recording . " Do you need more evidence ." he asked with a mocking grin .
Cold sweat formed on Sara forehead. She tried to grab the phone from Liam's hand . But he pulled it away before she could touch it.
" There is no use . I have already submitted the evidence. " Liam said triumphantly.
" This is clearly forged !My son would never say such thing ! " She snapped " Confess that you're lying, or I will destroy you and your whole family."She raised her hand again, blinded by fury.
" Whose family are you going to destroy?" came a cold, commanding voice.
Sara's hand froze midair.
A man was walking towards them.
When he entered, the entire station quited down . Even the police officers who had been shouting earlier stopped what they were doing , there eyes fixed on him.
He was the picture of perfection.His black hair was meticulously styled each hair in it's placs. Slightly arched eyebrows framed sharp, ocean blue eyes lifted at the corners, giving him an observant, dangerous look. A straight nose ,chiselled jawline and thin lips __ he looked more like a statue than a man standing above 6 feets.
He wore a black three-piece suit tailored perfectly to fit his frame .His presence radiated cold authoriy, making people think twice before even breathing in his directiion.
Riley, who usually had no interest in high society of Capital, immediately recognize him .
This was Ethan Reynolds the vice president of Reynolds Apparels & Fabrics. They dominanted high end fashion and textile, and their roots reached into every major industry in the country.
A single tie from their brand could feed Riley for a month.
"Brother, you're here!" Liam leapt to his feet, rushing toward Ethan.
Riley watched as Liam practically launched himself at him ,clinging like a koala . Ethan frowned visibly at the physical contact. But Riley could see a flicker of relief in Ethan eyes when he had scanned Liam from head to toe, finding no injuries.
A bitter taste rose in Riley's mouth.
For a fleeting second, he wondered what would it feel like to have an older brother like Ethan __ Someone who could silence the room just with their presence. But he discarded the thought immediately. It's not like he could trade places with Liam. Everyone is born with their own fate, and his fate was world apart from him.
After ensuring Liam was fine, Ethan turned toward Sara .
" Say that again. "
Sara was frozen, as if she'd been doused in ice water. She knew the difference between a Thompson and a Reynolds.Panic flashed in her eyes as she searched for an escape—then landed on Riley.
Her eyes lit up.
"I was talking to this boy," she said, grabbing Riley's arm, her nails digging into his skin. "He framed my innocent son and dragged young master into it."
"When he was exposed, he refused to confess . Trash like this should be dealt with immediately."
Riley didn't respond. He knew how this worked—he was the easy target, the one without a name to protect him.
" Brother, she is lying. " Liam said " You should have heard her earlier, threatening me."
Sara look like she desperately wanted to shut Liam's mouth.
" Enough! " Ethan said coldly.
He gestured to an officer, " Escort her out. "
"No—wait! Listen to me!" Sara cried as two constable grabbed her arms."Believe me! I didn't say anything to him!"
" Like anyone would believe you, old hag." Liam shot back, sticking out his tongue.
" Language, Liam " . Ethan said quietly. Stern words—yet he twisted Liam's ear with practiced familiarity.
" Do you have any idea how worried I was when the police called?"
" Brotherrr, stop!. Not now." Liam whined, face flushing red." We will deal with this at home. You are destroying my image in front of my friend! ." He pointed at Riley.
" He's Riley. My friend." Liam said proudly," And this is my elder brother__ Ethan."
Suddenly the center of attention of two brothers , Riley stiffened. He offered a small , hesitant " H-hello."
Ethan's piercing gaze lifted to Riley . It was a heavy, analytical look, as if he were measuring Riley worth in a single second. Deciding Riley isn't a threat __ or perhaps not worth his attention __ Ethan simply gave a stiff nod and turned back toward his brother.
In a single glance, Riley felt weighed and dismissed.
Riley swallowed.
He had met rich people before. None of them felt like this.
" Stay put !" ,said Ethan. "Once this is handled, we are going home."
" Yes ,Sir." Liam replied, snapping a salute.
" Little trouble maker" Ethan muttered, ruffling his hair . " Now go and sit. "
" Stop!!! You are ruining my hairstyle !."
Liam cried out in mock horror , though Riley noticed Liam didn't pull away very fast.
In fact , Liam's ears were slowly turning a shade of pink.
Ethan chuckled softly_ brief, rare before heading towards the back office with his lawyer.
" Brother ! You are also Riley's guardian " Liam shouted from behind.
Ethan paused only long enough to glance back at Riley and gave a single nod to Liam before disappearing into the office.
The look alone made Riley shrink.