Page 67 of Billion Dollar Dispute

I straighten and follow his gaze across the room. Liam is blocking Jemima, but I can see the edge of a blue strapless dress peeking out from behind him. The dress fits her perfectly, clinging to her every shape and catching the light in a way that makes her look beautiful. It’s a simple shade of blue, but it makes her skin glow. Her hair is pulled back into a neat bun, showing off her slender neck, and I can’t help but want to kiss it. When I notice his hand is on the spot I touched earlier, I freeze, trying to read her face.

I can’t tell if she’s uncomfortable, but Oliver’s competition, Liam, is known for being ruthless. He won’t stop until he gets what he wants, including people.

“No fucking idea,” I growl, striding over to them.

Jemima’s eyes widen as she spots me. I edge myself between them, forcing Liam to drop his hand. My blood boils at seeing him touch her.

“Liam,” I mumble in greeting.

“Harvey, long time no see.” Liam smirks.

“It hasn’t been that long, has it?”

“We always catch up at Oliver’s events. Maybe next time we could talk over lunch.”

“Sure, call Esme, and she can make room in my calendar,” I add, knowing that I won't approve that schedule.

“Maybe Jemima would like to join us? She tells me she planned all of this for Oliver.”

“She’s amazing,” I say, shifting my gaze to Jemima. There’s warmth in her eyes as she gives me a small, soft smile.

My hand moves to her back, feeling a tremor run through her. “Let’s go get you a well-deserved drink.”

“Sure,” she says with a small smile.

“I offered,” Liam says, a hint of annoyance in his voice.

“Sorry, I changed my mind,” she says, her tone polite but businesslike. She’s keeping it professional, even though it’s clear she’s not keen on Liam.

“I’ll call you about my gallery events,” he says, still pressing.

She glances quickly at me before turning back to him, offering a tight but genuine smile. “Of course, I look forward to hearing from you.”

As she walks away, my hand drops from her lower back, but I follow close behind, giving Liam a quick nod as I say goodbye. Once we’re out of earshot, she slows her pace so I can catch up. “Is he a friend of yours?”

“No. He’s Oliver’s competitor,” I say, shaking my head slightly.

“Makes sense.”

My brow furrows. “What happened?”

“He found me fixing the flowers that had been damaged and started asking a lot of questions about Oliver and the gallery.”

We arrive at the bar, and I order two glasses of wine, handing her one.

“He wants to run Oliver out of business,” I say, my voice low as I take a sip of mine.

“Then I won’t work with him,” she replies firmly, her eyes narrowing.

I shake my head. “Do what you need to do for your business. Oliver can handle him.”

“I’d rather work with Oliver than him,” she says with a shrug, her gaze drifting to the floor for a moment.

“You like Oliver, then,” I murmur as a knowing smile tugs at the corners of my mouth.

“Number one fan,” she responds, her tone light.

A server interrupts, wanting to talk to Jemima. I’m surprised when she turns and says, “I’ve got to go and check on things.”

---