Chapter 13 The Loophole

Ileana finally mustered up her courage and decided what to do. She wasn’t afraid of Liam’s death stares.

No matter how devilish she could be, there was an ounce of humanity left in her.

She thought that she had just entered the house. Accepting it would only confirm the tag of gold-digger. Even her heart felt not right to accept it.

The meaning behind the bracelet was precious. She had to be sincere to be the rightful owner. So judging all pros and cons and listening to her heart she finally decided not to accept.

“Mom… I’m very grateful to you and god! But I can’t accept this bracelet.”

“Why my child?”

Pamela’s brows were knitted in disappointment. Her mind struck that it must be Liam’s word which made Ileana decline it.

“Well mom, it’s not like I don’t want to but… I just feel not worthy enough for the time being.”

“But…” Pamela wanted to refuse when Ileana suggested.

“How about this! You can keep it with you and pass it to me later, when the right time comes.”

Liam’s creased forehead finally eased. He was satisfied after hearing Ileana’s adequate response.

“Listen dear, it’s not about the time. All I know is, I recognized you as my daughter-in-law.”

She then glanced at Liam with sadness in her eyes and said unwillingly.

“Even if… If you can’t stand against him… or this marriage is revoked, I’ll not blame you! Trust me, you will always be our beloved daughter.”

Her words were diligently spoken with firmness. As an experienced woman and knowing her son’s previous treatment she can’t hold another party accountable.

Pamela insisted Ileana wear the bracelet there and then.

It was heart wrenching for Ileana to refuse her request again. Pamela had already been rejected once and seeing her determination Ileana caved in.

Knowing her mother-in-law’s intention well enough she was torn. Just like the precious heirloom, Pamela wanted Ileana to stay in the family for a lifetime.

The bracelet was the symbolism of the recognition in the whole society as Collin's daughter-in-law.

It was finally on her wrist, she felt heavy hearted so headed back to her room.

But she knew very well, along with it came a trial that would be awaited for her.

As she had calculated, already knowing about Liam and his intentions.

The clock was ticking hard, within five minutes Liam banged on the door.

He was bawling and yelling in anger at her.

“Ileana Smoore Tyler! Come out this instant!”

It was the first time Liam used her full name. She felt nothing but extreme coldness and terror hovered in her heart. Her scalp prickled and goosebumps could be seen.

After a while, she exhaled and opened the door. Peeped out timidly and asked, “What brings you here?”

“Give it back!” he said authoritatively.

“Huh… What?” she tried to play dumb and test his patience.

Without even giving any heed, he pushed the door open. She yanked backwards but he snatched her wrist in time. So her body steadied because of the push and pull.

He announced, “Will you hand it willingly or want me to apply force?”

“Why should I give it to you? It’s given to me by mom.”

She told him defiantly.

“Very well… then, don’t blame me!” He eyed her with contempt. The rim of his eyes were turning red with anger.

“As your wish!” she said with a smirk.

This riled up Liam, when he was about to succeed in taking it off, Ileana reminded him.

“Oops… Looks like you forget things easily, Mr. Liam…”

She then continued seeing his no response, “Alright if you insist, then let’s be fair. I’ll tell everyone that you lost the bet.”

The already riling Liam’s wound had been rubbed with salt. It was extremely painful for an egoistic and narcissistic person like him to get threatened. But Ileana was well-matched for him.

“You have the nerve to threaten me!” he said evilly, raising his eyebrow.

“It’s you, who is at fault, not me!” she retorted back sarcastically.

Ileana didn't understand what happened. Everything suddenly spun around her like an earthquake. Liam was pinning her on the wall.

When her gazes normalized, she saw him glowering at her madly.

Their faces were about several inches away. His hot breathing was falling on her face. He couldn’t bear the fact of being looked down upon or threatened.

Let alone she challenged him.

“I feel like I made the wrong decision from the beginning,” he declared aggressively.

“I feel like you picked the perfect-opponent from the start,” she retorted with a plain face.

Though her heart was racing from the inner fear. When held wrongly she couldn’t zip up her mouth.

Liam thought, “She had the audacity to rebut in such a situation even. This girl must be either tired of living or crazy.”

His face in an instant changed from being aggressive to sardonic. He started laughing hysterically like a maniac. It felt like the hell’s demon was held loose.

The courage in Ileana was shattering but seeing the unfolding scene. The remaining blood cells receded from her face. She closed her eyes, prepared to bear the wrath.

He finally spoke in a low-voice, “Don’t regret this week then… keep on wearing it!”

It was a threat returned with the same intensity.

“What???” Ileana’s eyes balled out of their socket…

“Are you going to break the deal?” she asked cautiously.

“Well… I won’t. BUT… I can’t guarantee how I would behave. After all, it’s not part of our deal. Am I right, Miss Tyler?”

His voice was low and deep to send chills down her spine. Her limbs went limp because of the dreaded moment.

Liam knew very well that he had the upper hand. Digging the loophole, in that instant, no wonder he was a genius and daring businessman.

The loophole made his opponent kneel down at his mercy.

After thinking for a moment, Ileana reconsidered her situation and asked.

“Will you behave, if I return the bracelet back?”

She was uncertain but still tried her luck.

“I might consider,” he smirked and loosened his grasp.