Chapter 52

Liam's remark barely fazed Kayla. She scoffed inwardly, wondering why he was so invested in Jeremy's marital status when even Jeremy himself didn't seem to care.

She shrugged, her tone casual and breezy. "I'm not the right person to ask. Maybe someone else knows more than I do."

Janiya stepped into the spotlight, wearing a calculated smile. "Actually, I've already done some digging. Zoe's well-liked among our friends. She's gentle, bright, and cultured-even if her family background isn't the most impressive. Still, she seems to get along with Jeremy just fine."

Johnny's eyes lit up with approval. The thought that Jeremy might finally be settling down pleased him immensely-every eligible heiress he'd introduced to his son had been rejected. Now, with Zoe in the picture, he finally saw hope for the Graham family's future.

Sensing an opportunity, Janiya turned to Johnny."Since you're so curious, why not take advantage of the moment? Kayla's related to Jeremy's girlfriend-she can help us all get acquainted. How about a dinner tomorrow night so everyone can meet?" Kayla's gaze sharpened, instantly wary. Of course,Janiya wouldn't hesitate to use her as a pawn.

Johnny nodded in agreement. "Kayla, I'll leave the arrangements to you and Liam. Make sure to introduce me to Jeremy's girlfriend tomorrow evening. With my milestone birthday coming up, it would be wonderful to celebrate with Jeremy and his partner by my side.Maybe I'll finally have a grandchild to look forward to."

Kayla stayed silent, Jeremy's stern, handsome face flashing across her mind. Wouldn't he be furious if they made the decision behind his back? Besides, she knew Zoe all too well. Pushing Jeremy into this marriage was practically tossing him into a pit.

As Kayla weighed her options, Liamn beamed and jumped in without hesitation. "Don't worry, Grandpa.Kayla and I will handle everything just as you asked."

Johnny looked satisfied, nodding in approval. "Good.I'm counting on you two. If you pull this off, both of you will have a chance to join Graham Group."

Janiya and Liam exchanged gleeful glances, their smiles nearly splitting their faces.

Truth be told, Johnny hadn't come here for Kayla's sake at all; hitting Liam was just a convenient excuse.His real agenda was pushing forward Jeremy's marriage.

Once he felt everything was set in motion, Johnny departed with an air of satisfaction. Kayla's patience snapped. The divorce had been swept under the rug, and now she'd been forced into orchestrating a dinner she never wanted.

She fixed Janiya and Liam with a sharp,mocking smile."It's like watching the same play on repeat-mother and son scrambling for Johnny's approval, hoping to cash in on his favor. But with Jeremy in the picture,you two are dreaming if you think you'll ever get your hands on anything. Isn't this little charade just pathetic?"

Liam, face twisted with pain, braced himself against the table as he tried to stand tall. "Kayla, what the hell are you saying?"

Janiya tightened her grip on his arm, holding him back."Don't take the bait, Liam. She's just stirring up trouble.Besides, your grandpa made it clear-she's got no choice but to help, unless she wants her life to get a lot harder."

Kayla's eyes glinted coldly, her voice ringing with quiet fury."Let's see how long you can ride Johnny's coattails. I can't wait for the day you both get exactly what you deserve."

Liam's anger surged, but the effort sent another stab of pain down his back, making him gasp.

Janiya steadied him, worry etched across her face."Your grandpa promised he wouldn't be rough, but look at you-you felt every bit of that blow."

Kayla couldn't stand another moment in that house. As soon as Johnny's convoy disappeared down the driveway, she made her escape without a backward glance.

Sometime after midnight, Tricia slowly regained consciousness. The first thing she felt was a sharp sting across her cheek-a slap that jolted her fully awake.

She looked up in confusion and saw Janiya looming over her, cold and commanding, flanked by several maids.

"Ms. Graham, why did you hit me?" Tricia stammered,cradling her burning cheek as tears brimmed in her eyes, on the verge of breaking down.

Janiya's gaze was icy and unyielding. "Tricia, maybe Liam's still fooled by your little games, but don't take me for a fool. You're only here to stir up trouble,trying to drag Kayla back and blow this marriage apart.I don't care what you do with my son, but if you dare mess with my interests, don't expect any mercy."

Panic shot through Tricia. She tumbled off the bed and threw herself at Janiya's feet, clutching desperately at her leg. "Please, Mrs. Graham, I just want to be with Liam. I truly love him. I'll do anything you say-just tell me what you want!"

Janiya pried Tricia's hands away, her expression twisted with disgust. "Don't flatter yourself. I'mn not fond of Kayla, but I have even less patience for a scheming woman like you. Get out of this house and don't show up in front of Liam for now!"