Chapter 9 Seduce

"Nadia, tarnishing Liam's reputation is not the way," Charlee remarked.

Nadia tilted her head, her gaze steady on Charlee, with delicate gemstones glinting at the edges of her striking eyes.

"Are you hesitant to treat him that way?" Nadia questioned.

"Me? Not at all," Charlee replied, lounging on the couch as her eyes followed the fluid movements of the performers twisting on stage. "He's an asset. If we push him into a corner, things could backfire."

Neither the Sullivan clan nor Green Biopharmaceuticals had any chance of getting close to Marc.

But the Todd family was another story.

Without pressing further, Nadia reached out and tousled Charlee's hair.

"He's a worthless scumbag, not deserving of your care. Don't let your emotions lead to foolish choices."

With that, she rose, grabbed a wine bottle, and dashed onto the stage.

In under thirty minutes, two familiar men in black barged into the room. Moving with precision, they restrained the unruly Nadia in no time. After a polite nod to Charlee, they escorted her away.

Charlee remained composed, unfazed by the scene.

She'd never bothered to investigate Nadia's background, but anyone with bodyguards of that caliber was clearly from a family of influence.

Finishing her drink, she stood to leave, only to feel a hand clamp around her wrist-a man with a cocky swagger had stopped her.

"Hey there, gorgeous. How about-"

Before he could finish, the sharp sound of a collision echoed.

In one fluid motion, Charlee flipped him over her shoulder, slamming him onto the coffee table. Glass shattered, wine spilled, and onlookers froze, too terrified to react.

Dusting off her hands, she walked to the door, where she bumped into Liam and Stacey, who was clinging to his arm.

As their eyes fell on the chaos inside, Liam's expression turned grim.

"Who gave you permission to mess around in a place like this?" he demanded.

Charlee's gaze flicked to Stacey's hand on Liam's arm, and her lips curled into a derisive smirk.

"Shouldn't you mind your own business, Mr. Todd? Besides, you've no authority over me."

"Charlee."

His voice was sharp, cutting through the air like a blade.

Sensing his growing ire, Stacey clutched his waist, her face filled with fabricated worry.

"Charlee, did you really hire those men to leave marks on your neck? Aren't you ashamed? I heard they cater to older women, even in their sixties. You're... utterly shameless."

"And how does that concern you?"

Charlee's lips curved into a teasing grin, her gaze locking with Liam's in a deliberate provocation.

His eyes darkened further, the intensity of his stare unwavering.

Stacey, still clinging to him, felt the tension in his body and silently cursed Charlee, fury bubbling beneath her polished demeanor.

She cursed Charlee silently.

That woman still dared to seduce Liam!

"Charlee, enough. Liam is meeting a key client tonight to discuss a deal with Champion Corporation. Don't cause a scene here. If the wrong people get wind of this, it could tarnish the Todd family's reputation."

Charlee arched an eyebrow slightly.

Liam was introducing Stacey to Champion Corporation's representatives? How reckless of him.

A global giant like Champion Corporation would undoubtedly conduct thorough background checks before choosing a partner. While personal scandals weren't dealbreakers, they were far from ideal.

With Nadia's plans already in motion, Stacey's involvement was an unwitting boon.

Liam's gaze clouded with complex emotions. "You've become utterly disappointing, Charlee. Go home."

Without waiting for her response, he ushered Stacey into the elevator.

As the doors closed, Stacey glanced back smugly, expecting to see Charlee staring after them with resentment.

But Charlee had already turned away, her confident stride and carefree air showing no trace of vulnerability.

Stacey's hatred surged, though she quickly masked it, reverting to her usual demure facade.

Lowering her head, she whispered, "Charlee must resent me for taking her director position... and for being here with you tonight to meet Champion Corporation."

Her tearful eyes tugged at Liam's heart.

"You're far more qualified for the role," he assured her. "Charlee needs to learn her place. Show your best tonight, and if all goes well, our families can collaborate on the project. Once it's yours, managing the team will be a breeze."

That way, no matter how headstrong Charlee was, she'd have no choice but to return to him for help.

"Liam," Stacey murmured softly, pressing closer and brushing her lips against his neck. "I bought that outfit you like. Tonight... let me thank you properly."

Yet, despite her advances, the image of Charlee in that very outfit flickered through Liam's mind.

Heat coursed through him as he tightened his hold on Stacey's waist, making her gasp softly.

......