The next few weeks saw Jenna trying to balance the growing connection with Liam and her expanding business commitments. The quiet moments they shared in the park or at dinner became small islands in her otherwise hectic life. But even as she began to open up more to him, the complexities of her world remained — and the world of Liam Ryder, too.
---
The Gala
One particular evening, Jenna found herself at a high-profile charity gala. Her jewelry line was one of the event sponsors, and she had been roped into attending, even though her heart wasn't in it. The room was filled with rich, influential people, all dressed to the nines, and the clink of glasses and soft murmurs of conversation filled the air.
It was there, in the midst of a sea of designer dresses and expensive suits, that she spotted him — her older brother, Nathaniel Quin. A man who had always been both a constant support and a source of silent pressure. Tall, dark-haired, and with sharp eyes that missed nothing, Nathaniel commanded attention the way only someone with immense wealth and status could.
"Jenn," he greeted her with a forced smile, his tone cool and businesslike. "I thought I'd find you here. Looking… spectacular, as always."
"Thanks, Nathaniel," Jenna said, her smile polite but strained. She wasn't sure how to feel about his sudden appearance. They hadn't spoken much lately, especially since she'd taken more control of her brand and distanced herself from the family's expectations.
"Are you enjoying the event?" Nathaniel asked, glancing around the room.
"Sure. It's… fine," Jenna replied. Her attention was elsewhere, as it always was when it came to family. She wasn't exactly close to her brother as he was barely available. But she accorded him the respect and love because he tried to be, which was and has always been enough for her.
"I've been thinking, you know," Nathaniel continued, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly, "it might be time to take a more serious look at your brand's future. You could expand into international markets, collaborate with some of the high-end designers here. I've been getting offers from a few big players who might be interested. I'll make some calls."
Jenna forced herself not to flinch. Her brother's approach was always somewhat calculated, he wanted the best for her but he needed to give her a chance to find her own path. "I'm happy where I am for now," she said, trying to steer the conversation elsewhere.
Nathaniel raised an eyebrow, but before he could respond, the voice of another newcomer caught Jenna's attention.
---
Liam's Entrance
The sudden presence of Liam Ryder in the room drew immediate attention. Though he wasn't one to seek the spotlight, his tall, commanding figure and perfectly tailored suit were enough to make heads turn. He wasn't just another wealthy businessman — he was a name in his own right, one that people respected.
He approached Jenna with a calm assurance, his gaze warm and familiar. "I thought I'd find you here," he said, giving her a subtle nod of acknowledgment before turning his attention to Nathaniel.
"Liam Ryder?," Nathaniel greeted, his tone polite but distant. "Good to see you. I wasn't aware you were attending."
Liam's smile was slight but genuine. "I wasn't either," he said, glancing around the room with mild interest. "But I thought it'd be a good opportunity to catch up with some old friends."
Jenna felt a slight tension in the air, the weight of both Liam and Nathaniel standing so close to each other. The two men were different in many ways, but Jenna couldn't help but notice how they seemed to measure each other — both calculating, both in control of their respective worlds.
"Liam," Jenna said after a moment, breaking the silence. "This is my brother, Nathaniel. Nathaniel, this is Liam Ryder."
Nathaniel offered a polite handshake, but there was a certain formality to it that made Jenna uncomfortable. She knew her brother's type — not exactly welcoming to new people . But Liam didn't seem phased. He returned the handshake with ease, his grip firm yet not overly assertive.
"I've heard a lot about you, Mr. Ryder," Nathaniel said, his voice smooth, almost too smooth. "Ryder & Co. has made quite an impact in real estate. Impressive work."
Liam inclined his head, never one to boast. "I'm just doing my job. And as for you Mr. Quin, I've heard your family business is thriving."
Jenna could feel the quiet tension between them. It wasn't overt, but it was there — the unspoken competition. The men didn't need to say much to communicate their understanding of each other.
"So, how's work going for you?" Nathaniel asked, his tone shifting into a more friendly, almost patronizing, mode.
"It's going well," Liam replied. His eyes met Jenna's, and for a split second, there was an unspoken exchange between them — a reminder of their quiet understanding.
Jenna quickly interrupted, sensing the conversation was starting to veer into uncharted waters. "I should get some air," she said, her voice slightly strained. "It's getting a bit crowded in here."
Liam looked at her with a subtle understanding. "I'll walk with you," he said, offering her a reassuring smile.
---
The Walk Outside
Once outside, the cool night air was a welcome change from the stuffy atmosphere inside the gala. The contrast between the loud, glittering room and the quiet, expansive courtyard felt almost symbolic — a world of luxury versus the possibility of something real.
As they walked side by side, Jenna couldn't help but glance over at Liam. His presence was a comfort, but the reality of what had just happened lingered in her mind.
"That was... interesting," Jenna said finally, letting out a soft laugh. "My brother doesn't do subtle, does he?"
Liam chuckled, his gaze still trained on the path ahead. "Not his strong suit, no."
Jenna glanced up at him, suddenly curious. "And you? Are you always this... composed?"
Liam looked at her with a faint, knowing smile. "Not always. But I've learned that sometimes, silence speaks louder than words."
Jenna couldn't help but smile. For all the differences between him and her brother, there was something about Liam that felt... right. Something she wasn't quite ready to define, but felt was worth exploring.