His hard gaze sliced through my heart. “Then go.”
As I sucked in my breath, Adam spun around and sauntered across the sand before diving into the churning ocean.
After shoving everything into our bags, I caught a cab to Tash and Bryce’s to collect my son.
“Hey, are you okay?” Tash asked the second she saw my face.
“Liam’s unwell, and I need to get back.”
She peered over my shoulder at the waiting taxi. “Where’s Adam?”
“He’s…um…” I pressed my lips together. “He’s not the man I thought he was, okay? Please don’t say I told you so.”
Her eyes softened. “Oh, Cass, I’m so sorry.”
“It’s fine.” I forced a smile. “I’m fine. I just have to get back.”
As soon as I told Finn that Liam was unwell, he understood instantly. His emotional maturity was tenfold Adam’s, and he held my hand the entire flight back to New York. Amy picked him up from JFK and drove him home while Liam’s helicopter flew me back to Harlow Manor.
When I finally arrived, Josie was waiting by the helipad and rushed to greet me.
“Where’s Adam?” she asked, glancing back into the helicopter.
“I’m sorry.” I couldn’t meet her eyes. “He refused to come.”
“Fuck, I knew he’d do this.” She stormed back to the house. “I’ll get Grayson to call him.”
I jogged to keep up. “How’s Liam?”
“He’s still coherent, but he’s drifting in and out.” She wiped away a tear as her voice wobbled. “He’s bedridden now, and his eyes…they aren’t like they used to be.”
I rested my hand on her back, feeling her pain. “And the rest of the family? How are they managing?”
She wiped away her sniffles. “Grayson’s a mess, and Caroline and William are quiet…like, too quiet. And poor Max.” We arrived at the front door. “He hasn’t said anything, but he must be devastated. They’ve been friends for so long.”
“I shouldn’t have left,” I uttered as I entered the foyer.
Josie took my hand and pulled me into the drawing room. “That trip was Gramps’ idea. He wanted to give you and Adam time together, away from this place, to explore your feelings. Knowing there is something growing between you two has made him so happy.”
I gnashed my teeth to dull the ache in my chest. “There’s not.”
“Really…” Josie scrunched up her nose. “Well, don’t tell Gramps that. He told Betty you’re the one.”
“He toldBetty?”
“Did I mention he’s hallucinating, too?”
I closed my eyes as I exhaled. “I have to see him.”
“Of course. Everyone’s upstairs.”
As I walked into Liam’s room, tired eyes peered up at me from every corner.
“Where’s Adam?” Grayson asked, panning his gaze between me and Josie.
“He’s, um…running late.” Josie motioned Grayson to the hallway. “Can we chat?”
As Grayson left, I approached Liam’s bedside.