Chapter 163

“Sir, I already made some calls, and it seems that what Miss Felicity Covington said is true. Our people in Maas are already verifying those documents and images,” Mondo reported. “Once we verify them, we’ll be taking action.”

“Good, keep me updated,” Liam answered, glancing at his watch. They had plans for dinner tonight, so he was going home early. “Let’s call it a day,” he said.

In just a minute, Liam was out of the building and in his car. He arrived back at the condo and immediately smelled something special coming from the kitchen. He smiled and made his way toward the scent, finding Izzy standing over the stove.

Without a word, he walked up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her close. He kissed the nape of her neck, his lips lingering there for a moment.

Izzy turned in his arms, slipping her own around his neck. She looked up at him, her eyes meeting his as she smiled.

“When did you arrive?” Liam asked.

“Not too long ago,” Izzy replied, turning back to the stove. “I’m making something special.”

He raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. “Something special?” he repeated, a hint of amusement in his gaze.

Izzy nodded. “Just wait and see,” she said with a small smirk, her fingers brushing against his shirt as she gave him a soft squeeze.

Liam leaned down, resting his chin on her shoulder, watching her work. The day’s tension melted away with the warmth of her presence.

“Why don’t you go change your clothes first? Dinner’s ready in just a few minutes,” Izzy said.

Liam chuckled softly, dipping his head to press a quick, lingering kiss against Izzy’s lips. “Alright,” he muttered, pulling back to meet her eyes. He gave her waist a faint squeeze before stepping away, moving smoothly down the hall and up the stairs.

In the bedroom, he stripped off his suit jacket and tie with quick, efficient motions, hanging them neatly in the closet. The hot water was a welcome relief, easing the stiffness in his shoulders and washing away the lingering tension of the day. He ran a hand through his damp hair as he stepped out, drying off quickly before pulling on a dark sweater and casual slacks.

Liam made his way back downstairs, fingers absently pushing through his hair. The rich aroma drifting from the kitchen was stronger now—warm, buttery, with a faint hint of garlic. His steps slowed as he rounded the corner to the dining room, his eyes narrowing at the sight that greeted him.

A whole lobster rested at the center of the table, glistening under the warm lighting. A small dish of clarified butter sat beside it, steam curling, paired with roasted vegetables and a bottle of white wine. Everything was plated neatly, the silverware gleaming, napkins folded with precision.

Izzy emerged from the kitchen a moment later, carrying a basket of warm rolls. She glanced up at him, her lips twitching at his expression. “Surprised?” she asked, arching a brow as she set the basket down.

Liam blinked, his eyes flickering between the spread and her, a faint huff escaping him. “A bit,” he admitted, crossing his arms loosely. “You’ve been holding out on me, apparently.”

Liam chuckled, but as he took a seat, a faint frown tugged at his brow. The spread was almost too perfect—the lobster, the wine, the warm rolls fresh from the oven. His mind raced, efficiently flicking through dates and events.

Anniversary? No, that was months away. Izzy’s birthday? No, not that either. Her grandfather’s birthday? Passed. Her grandmother’s? Also passed. His parents’ birthdays and even their death anniversaries? No, none of those. Was this some sort of a monthsary? He didn’t know Izzy celebrated monthsaries.

Liam’s fingers drummed once against the tablecloth, his eyes narrowing. He couldn’t shake the feeling that he’d missed something important. But what?

Izzy’s eyes flickered with curiosity as she placed the basket down, tilting her head. “What’s wrong?” she asked, arching a brow. “Do you hate lobster or something?”

Liam blinked, dragged from his thoughts. His eyes refocused on her, his lips twitching. “No,” he muttered, smoothing a hand over his sweater. “I love it. Just surprised, that’s all.”

Izzy snorted softly, rolling her eyes. “Good,” she quipped, sliding into her seat with a faint smirk. “Would’ve been a waste otherwise.”

Liam chuckled, but his eyes lingered on her, searching for irritation or a hidden agenda. But Izzy’s expression was calm, if a bit amused, as she reached for her glass.

So she wasn’t mad. Or if she was, she hid it well.

Liam exhaled softly, his shoulders loosening as he reached for the bottle of wine. He uncorked it smoothly, pouring a glass for her first, then for himself. The faint scent of citrus and oak drifted between them, warm and familiar.

He handed her the glass, their fingers brushing briefly before he leaned back, a faint smirk curling his lips. “You know,” he muttered, swirling the wine, “I like this.”

Izzy arched a brow. “Like what?” she asked, picking up her fork.

“This,” Liam said, gesturing between them with the glass. “Coming home to you. Having dinner like this.” He took a slow sip of wine, his eyes glinting. “Feels… nice.”

Izzy snorted, though her eyes glinted with warmth. “Is that so?” she muttered. “Well, don’t get used to it. I can’t spoil you every night.”

Liam chuckled, his eyes narrowing with amusement. “Is that so?” he muttered, smirking. “Guess I’ll have to savor it, then.”

Izzy scoffed, rolling her eyes. “Just eat,” she quipped, though the faint flush dusting her cheeks didn’t go unnoticed.

Liam chuckled softly, cutting into the lobster with smooth, precise motions. The first bite was warm, buttery, with a faint hint of garlic and herbs. He exhaled softly, his eyes narrowing as the rich, savory flavors settled.

Then it hit him. The heat was immediate—warm at first, then hotter, spreading across Liam’s tongue with a slow, creeping burn. His eyes narrowed as he chewed, the rich, creamy sauce of the Lobster Thermidor masking the spice just enough to catch him off guard.

Liam’s jaw tightened briefly, his fingers pausing around his fork as he swallowed. The buttery richness of the lobster was there, but the spice nipped sharply at the back of his throat, leaving a faint heat blooming across his palate. He blinked once, reaching instinctively for his wine, taking a smooth sip to wash down the burn.

Across the table, Izzy’s lips twitched. She propped her chin on one hand, her eyes glinting as she watched him. “Something wrong?” she asked, feigning innocence.

Liam’s eyes narrowed, glancing briefly at the half-eaten lobster. His fingers flexed around his glass as he leaned back, exhaling slowly.

“Didn’t know you liked it spicy,” he muttered, reaching for his napkin.

Izzy’s smile widened. “Just thought I’d try something different,” she quipped. “I quickly realized I actually like it spicy. Is it too much?”

Liam scoffed softly. “I’ve had worse,” he muttered. “Just wasn’t expecting it.”

But before he could comment, Izzy tilted her head slightly. “So,” she started smoothly, resting her fork on her plate. “How was your meeting with Miss Covington?”

The question was light, almost casual, but Liam’s fingers paused around his glass. His eyes flickered, narrowing.

So that was what this was about.

Then Izzy blinked. “Would you like some more wine?” she asked.