The following week brought an unexpected twist. Jenna was caught up in a whirlwind of meetings and design work, but there was something else lingering in the background — Liam's family. They had been mentioned in passing over the past few months, but tonight, he was finally going to introduce her to them.
---
A Dinner Invitation
It all started with a simple text from Liam.
Liam: I'd like you to meet my family. Dinner on Saturday. You in?
Jenna paused for a moment before replying. She had been avoiding the idea of meeting anyone's family, especially someone as influential as Liam. And this seemed too early too. But if Liam trusted her enough to show her to his family, it should be a good thing. His family was bound to be just as polished and intimidating as he was — probably more so. But there was something about the way he phrased it that made her want to say yes. There was no pressure, no heavy expectations. Just dinner. A casual evening with people who mattered to him.
Jenna: I'll come. I'm curious.
Liam's response came almost instantly.
Liam: I'll pick you up at 7.
---
The Mansion
When Jenna arrived at Liam's family home, she was struck by its sheer size. The mansion, perched on a hill overlooking the city, was a stunning blend of modern architecture and classic elegance. The sprawling gardens and intricate stonework spoke of generations of wealth and power.
As Liam pulled into the driveway, Jenna's stomach tightened with nerves. She was about to step into a world that felt foreign to her — a world she wasn't sure she belonged in. But Liam seemed completely at ease as he parked the car, flashing her a reassuring smile before opening the door for her.
"Ready?" he asked.
"Not really," Jenna muttered, though she smiled. "But I'm sure I'll survive."
Liam chuckled. "You'll be fine. Just remember, they're family. They're not as intimidating as they seem."
With that, he led her up the grand staircase to the front door, where a butler opened it with a quiet, respectful nod. Inside, the house was just as grand as the exterior, with high ceilings, polished wood floors, and walls adorned with impressive works of art. The faint scent of fresh flowers lingered in the air, adding to the warm, luxurious ambiance.
As they walked deeper into the house, Jenna couldn't help but feel like an outsider. She had been to her fair share of wealthy homes, but this felt different — colder, more formal. This wasn't a place where people gathered casually; it was a place where appearances mattered.
---
The Dinner Table
Liam's parents were already seated at the dining table when they arrived. His mother, Celeste Ryder, was an elegant woman in her early fifties, her platinum blonde hair styled in a perfect updo. She had the kind of beauty that spoke of years of refinement, her every movement calculated and graceful. His father, Gregory Ryder, was a distinguished man in his mid-fifties, with salt-and-pepper hair and a commanding presence. He was the type of man who exuded power without needing to say a word.
"Liam, darling," Celeste greeted him, rising to give him a kiss on the cheek. "You're late as usual." Her smile was warm but slightly critical, as if it was the one thing she could always count on him to do.
"Sorry, Mom," Liam said, taking a seat beside her. "I brought someone with me."
Jenna stepped forward, offering a polite smile. "Good evening. It's a pleasure to meet you both."
Gregory gave her a curt nod, his expression unreadable but he seemed warm. "Likewise," he said, his voice deep and steady. "Liam has told us a lot about you."
Celeste studied her for a moment, as if trying to decipher who Jenna really was. "Have you? Well, it's lovely to finally meet you in person. Liam rarely brings people around."
Liam chuckled, looking at his mother. "I'm not one for introductions, I guess."
Celeste raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying into his excuse. "I suppose so."
Dinner was served shortly after, and the conversation flowed easily, though there was a noticeable undercurrent of formality. Liam's parents were polite, but it was clear that they were very interested in" Jenna . They asked about her background, her business, and her family, each question accompanied by a subtle but sharp look. Jenna did her best to stay poised, answering as honestly as she could while keeping the conversation light. She spoke of her jewelry line, her passion for design, and the places she had visited, all the while trying to gauge their reactions.
But the longer she sat at the table, the more she realized that this dinner wasn't just about casual conversation. This was a test. A silent evaluation of her worth in their world, and they were carefully examining every word she spoke.
---
Liam's Brother
After the main course, the doorbell rang, and the conversation momentarily stopped. Liam's younger brother, Andrew, had arrived.
Andrew Ryder was everything Liam wasn't. While Liam was sharp, calculated, and commanding, Andrew was more relaxed, his charm effortless and his appearance slightly disheveled in comparison. His messy hair and casual attire spoke to a different kind of freedom — one that didn't abide by the strict rules of the Ryder family legacy. Jenna had heard about him, but this was the first time she was meeting him in person.
"Hey, everyone," Andrew greeted with a wide grin, strolling into the room as if he owned the place. "Sorry I'm late. Traffic was a nightmare."
Celeste, her smile tight, nodded at him. "You're always late, Andrew. Please, sit down."
Andrew flashed his mother a teasing smile before turning his attention to Jenna. "So, this is the infamous Jenna I've heard so much about. Liam's been keeping secrets, huh?"
Jenna laughed, feeling the tension lighten just a little. "I wouldn't say secrets. Just… selective sharing."
Andrew winked at her. "I get it. So, what's the deal with the jewelry? It sounds pretty cool."
Jenna smiled, grateful for his more laid-back attitude. "It's a passion project. I've been working on it for a while now, and things are starting to take off."
"Nice," Andrew said, nodding in approval. "I like that. It's always good to have a passion."
Liam glanced at his brother, a small smirk on his face. "You don't seem to be lacking in that department."
Andrew's grin widened. "Nope. I'm just finding my way."
---
The Underlying Tension
As the evening wore on, Jenna couldn't shake the feeling that the dynamics at the table were far more complicated than they appeared. Celeste's subtle probing questions, Gregory's quiet, scrutinizing gaze, and even Andrew's playful remarks all hinted at something beneath the surface. There was a sense of competition — unspoken but undeniable — that seemed to hang over Liam's family like a shadow.
The evening wrapped up with polite farewells, but Jenna was left with a sense of unease. As she and Liam drove back to her apartment, the silence between them was heavy with unspoken thoughts.
"So, what did you think?" Liam asked, breaking the silence.
Jenna hesitated. "Your family… they're definitely something. I can see where you get your drive from."
Liam smirked, his eyes glinting with amusement. "That's one way to put it."
Jenna looked at him, feeling the weight of the evening settle around her. "I can't help but feel like there's more to them than meets the eye."
Liam's gaze softened as he turned to look at her. "You're right. They've got their own way of doing things, but you don't have to worry about that. What matters is that I'm here. And that's all that matters right now."
"And also, they were just curious. I've never brought anyone home."
Jenna nodded, though she still couldn't shake the feeling that there was something bigger at play — something she was only beginning to understand.
---
This chapter introduces Liam's family, with their subtle pressure but warm and welcoming as well. It also begins to shed light on the forces Jenna is now navigating, not just in her own life but in Liam's world as well.