Chapter 3 This is not happening

Liam's POV

I still couldn't believe how reckless people were in New York. If I hadn't been there, that old woman could have been seriously hurt-or even worse.

"Where to, boss?" my driver asked as I got into the car.

"Magic Hour at Moxy Times Square," I said, loosening my tie. I had some unfinished business to take care of tonight.

As we drove through the busy city, I looked out the window. It had been years since I was last in New York. The tall buildings, flashing signs, and crowded streets all felt familiar, yet I sensed that tonight was different. Something told me I might stay here a while.

When we arrived, I stepped into the lounge. The sweet smell of fresh flowers mixed with a light scent of vanilla filled the air. The place was just as I remembered-soft velvet sofas, warm golden lights, and large green plants hanging from the ceiling. It felt expensive and cozy at the same time.

The moment I entered, my guards spotted me. They quickly walked me to our private table.

"What would you like to drink, boss?" my head guard asked, his tone friendly.

I gave him a cold look. "I didn't come here to drink."

He shifted uncomfortably, watching the other guests laugh and sip their drinks. I added, "You can order anything you want. It's on me," and they all smiled. The waiter came over soon and took their orders. When he left, I leaned back in my seat.

"Any news on Richard's daughter?" I asked, my voice low. My mood darkened at the thought.

The guard hesitated, glancing at his colleagues. "Sorry, boss. She keeps a low profile. We've been searching nonstop, but it's hard to track her down."

I sighed and shook my head. "You're all useless. Do I have to do everything myself?" I snapped. The guards bowed their heads as if they were small puppies. "Show me her picture. Right now."

One of my men hurriedly pulled out his phone and started scrolling. I could see the sweat on his brow; he was nervous. When he finally showed me the picture, I froze.

The girl in the image looked exactly like the woman I had seen earlier-the one who almost hit that old lady with her car.

I clenched my jaw and slammed my hand on the table. "Damn it. I almost had her."

The guards' eyes widened in shock. "Really, boss?" one of them asked, surprised.

"Yes," I said harshly. "I gave you two months to find someone, and you couldn't do it. And what did I do? I found her in one day." I leaned forward. "Listen well. I give you two days. If you don't do your assignment, don't even come back. You will be fired immediately."

"Yes, boss. We won't disappoint you this time," they replied, nodding in unison.

I stood up, ready to leave the table.

"Boss, are you leaving already?" one of my men asked.

I didn't bother to look at him. "What do you think?" I sighed. Idiots.

I bent down to pick up my phone from the table, but as I turned, my chest hit the tray of glasses the waiter had brought. I looked at the mess of spilled wine and smirked in annoyance. "Wow, just wow," I muttered.

The waiter tried to clean it up with a cloth from his apron, but my guards quickly stepped forward and told him to leave the area. I walked straight to the restroom.

Inside, I took a moment to wipe off the stains on my shirt. I stared at my reflection in the mirror. Today had been one hell of a day. I was angry, frustrated, and tired. But I had a mission. I had to get out now.

As I walked toward the exit, my driver followed close behind. I was about to step outside when I noticed something that made me stop.

A girl was trapped between a group of men near the entrance of the club. They laughed loudly as their bodies closed in on her. She tried to push them away, but they did not back off. I could see the fear in her eyes. Something about her looked familiar.

Then it hit me.

Daisy Turner.

The same girl I'd been searching for all this time. She was dressed just like I remembered from this morning.

I knew I shouldn't get involved. This was not my problem, but I could not leave her like that. My feet started moving on their own.

"Hey!" I shouted, my voice sharp and full of command. "Let her go!"

The men turned to face me, their faces twisted in annoyance.

"Mind your business," one of them sneered. Then he reached inside the back of his trousers and pulled out a small knife.

I muttered under my breath, "These idiots never learn."

I smirked for a moment. Wrong move, I thought.

One of the men stepped forward, raising his fist. He swung at me, and I tried to dodge. But I did not react fast enough. His fist crashed straight into my nose. I felt a sharp pain, and warm blood began to trickle down my face as I staggered backward. I cursed, trying to regain my balance.

The other men charged at me. I did not wait. I grabbed the man next to the knife and twisted his wrist. He screamed in pain as I shoved him hard into a nearby table. The sound of breaking glass mixed with shouts echoed through the club.

Screams rang out as people ran for cover. Security guards hurried in, but I was already taking control.

Another man lunged from behind. I spun around and drove my elbow hard into his stomach. He doubled over, gasping for air and then fell to the floor.

More of my men stormed into the fray. In seconds, fists flew and bodies crashed into tables and chairs. One of my guards tackled a man to the ground, punching him until he lay motionless. Another guard grabbed a bottle and smashed it against a thug's head, sending shards of glass everywhere.

The remaining attackers, realizing they stood no chance, tried to run. But my men were on them in an instant. They chased them down and beat them until every last one was lying on the floor, groaning in pain.

The fight was over.

I turned and walked over to the girl. Daisy stood there, frozen in shock, her body trembling. I knelt beside her and asked, "Are you okay?"

She tried to speak but only managed a soft, shaky "I... I don't know." Her eyes were wide, and she swayed as if the ground had become unsteady beneath her.

I looked closely at her face. "What did you drink?" I asked, my tone gentle but firm.

She blinked slowly. "I... I don't know. Please, help me."

Shit. Someone had drugged her.

I did not waste another moment. I lifted her carefully into my arms. She was so light that she barely reacted. Her head rested on my chest, and I could feel her heart beating fast.

"Boss, should we call the cops?" one of my men asked, his voice small amid the chaos.

I shook my head firmly. "No. Just handle this mess." I knew I needed to get her away from there quickly.

---

At the Hotel – Liam's Penthouse

My driver pulled up in front of one of my hotels. I stepped out of the car, still holding Daisy in my arms. I whispered to myself, "Come on, let's get you safe."

"You can book a regular room and a VIP room for yourself," I told my driver. "Also, get me a fresh pair of clothes." I looked down at my bloodstained shirt and grimaced.

"But sir, you own this hotel. Why not use the penthouse?" my driver asked, curious.

I sighed and turned around. "She must not know I'm rich." He nodded and drove off, leaving me alone with Daisy.

She murmured softly, her fingers weakly gripping my shirt as if clinging to a lifeline. I took the private elevator to the top floor. The ride was silent except for her soft, uneven breathing. I felt a mix of anger, worry, and something I couldn't quite place-an unexpected tug in my heart.

When the elevator doors opened, I walked straight to the medium-sized bedroom that had been reserved for me. I gently laid Daisy on the bed and took a step back.

I was about to leave when she suddenly grabbed my collar with a surprising strength. Her eyes, half-lidded and hazy, locked onto mine.

"Do you know... how hot you are?" she slurred, her words thick and unclear. "Like... so hot."

I raised an eyebrow, confused but amused. "Is that so?"

She nodded slowly, her grip on my collar tightening. "Do you want me... so bad?" she whispered, her voice trembling.

I smiled slightly and said, "You're definitely drugged." I tried to pull her hand away from my clothes, but she clung even harder.

Her lips parted as if she was about to say something else. Then, in a voice that was both tender and strange, she whispered, "Marry me."

I froze for a moment. Her eyes were wide, serious, and completely out of it. Before I could say another word, she slumped in my arms and passed out.

I exhaled slowly and sat down on the edge of the bed. "What the hell just happened?" I muttered to myself.