Chapter 2

An hour later, the quiet cul-de-sac where Olivia's modern Austin bungalow sat was no longer quiet.

Seven flatbed trucks idled, their lights flashing.

One by one, they unloaded their cargo onto her manicured lawn and driveway.

My Ferrari SF90 Stradale.

The Lamborghini Aventador SVJ.

A Porsche 911 GT3 RS.

My vintage Aston Martin DB5.

The McLaren 765LT.

A Rolls-Royce Ghost, for good measure.

And finally, the rugged Mercedes-AMG G63.

Each one pristine, gleaming under the streetlights.

Neighbors peeked through their blinds.

I stood across the street, arms crossed, watching.

My phone rang. My father.

"Ethan? Tony just called me. Said you're having some kind of automotive exhibition in Texas. Care to explain why my security chief is moonlighting as a valet for your temper tantrum?"

His voice was dry, amused. Typical.

"Just clearing out the garage, Dad. Making space."

"Right. Well, while you're 'making space,' I've arranged that meeting you've been dodging. Chloe Davenport. Her family's big in venture capital,新能源. Next Tuesday, New York. Don't be late."

Chloe Davenport. Another of his matchmaking attempts.

"I'll think about it," I said, noncommittal.

"You'll be there." He hung up.

Headlights turned onto the street.

The silent, sleek profile of the Lucid Air Sapphire.

It pulled into Olivia's driveway, navigating carefully around my collection.

Liam got out of the driver's side, a smug look on his face.

He opened the passenger door for Olivia.

She stepped out, saw the assembled horsepower, and froze.

Her eyes, wide, found me across the street.

I walked over.

Liam stepped in front of her, a protective gesture that made me want to laugh.

"Ethan, what is all this?" Olivia's voice was sharp.

"Just some of my other cars," I said, my voice calm. "Since you're in a giving mood, I figured Liam might want a choice. Or you could gift one to every employee. Spread the love."

Liam paled slightly. "Mr. Hayes, I..."

"The Lucid," I said, looking past him at Olivia. "You knew that was my personal order."

"Don't be dramatic, Ethan," she said, her composure returning. "It's just a car. We needed a presentable vehicle for client meetings, and Liam does so much driving for me."

She ran a hand through her hair. "You have so many. I didn't think you'd mind one less."

"I mind," I said, my voice flat. "I mind that you took something that was mine, without asking, and gave it away."

I turned to Liam. "Enjoying the Sapphire, Miller?"

He swallowed. "It's... a very nice car, Mr. Hayes."

"Good. Keep it. Consider it a severance gift."

Olivia gasped. "Ethan!"

"Or," I continued, gesturing to the array of supercars. "Pick another. Any one of these. My treat. Just so we're clear on who's actually footing the bill for your boss's generosity."

Liam looked like he wanted the earth to swallow him.

Olivia's face was flushed with anger. "How dare you?"

"How dare *I*?" I almost laughed. "You're the one who stole my car, Olivia."