CHAPTER 250: HIDDEN DANGER AT THE PARTY

Rowan wiped the sweat from his forehead, his pulse racing. He didn’t know how to explain the situation. Zachary not only possessed the company’s confidential information but also held something far more dangerous and personal—proof of Rowan’s secret affairs.

He had threatened to publicly release videos of Rowan’s intimate encounters with several women from his business trips over the years if Rowan failed to secure Nathaniel’s signature on a file, one that approved investment in a supposed small-scale company.

But Rowan knew the truth. It was a shell company. It was Zachary’s vile plan to make Nathaniel face loss in business. The consequences would be a disaster.

If Nathaniel ever discovered it, the entire alliance between their families could collapse.

He felt trapped. Refusing Zachary meant public humiliation and disgrace. Agreeing meant betraying the Grants. There was no way out.

His silence made Liam anxious. "Dad, say something," he pressed. "If you are not feeling well, I’ll take you to the lounge."

Rowan nodded slightly. "Yes... Take me there." He needed a quiet place to speak privately with his son.

But before they could move, a voice called out behind them. "Where are you two going?"

They turned to see Hayley approaching with a bright smile.

"Everyone is waiting for you," she said cheerfully. "Come on, let’s take the family photo."

She gestured toward the Grants, who were gathered together, smiling for the camera, blissfully unaware of the storm brewing beneath the surface.

Rowan hesitated. He was running out of time. If he failed to get Nathaniel’s signature soon, he was finished. "I... want to rest for a bit," he muttered.

"Rowan, don’t be difficult," Hayley chided softly, tugging his arm. "This is your son’s engagement, and you are talking about resting? Come on, let’s take the photos first. You can relax afterward."

Noticing Rowan’s troubled expression, Liam quickly stepped in and stopped his mother. "Mom, please, listen to me." He gently held her hand. "Dad isn’t feeling well. Let him rest for a bit. You can go stay with the Grants—I’ll join you soon."

Though she didn’t argue further, Hayley’s displeasure was obvious. She shot Rowan a sharp glare. "Fine, let him rest. But don’t take too long," she said, giving her son a pointed look before walking off to mingle with the Grant family.

Liam guided his father to the lounge, and once they were alone, he asked, "Tell me what’s really wrong. Is this about Zachary?"

Rowan nodded, pulling a few folded papers from his jacket and handing them to Liam. "He wants Nathaniel’s signature on these."

Liam unfolded the papers and scanned them. They were investment documents for a company offering thirty percent profit shares. It was a tempting deal at first glance. But something didn’t sit right with him.

"Why does Zachary want Nathaniel to invest in this?" Liam questioned. "He could easily do it himself. And why pressure you to get Nathaniel’s signature?"

"Because it’s a shell company," Rowan explained grimly. "Anyone investing in it would lose everything. And who knows what hidden traps Zachary has planted in those clauses? I can’t let Nathaniel fall into his trap. But if I refuse, that madman will destroy me and the company. I’m trapped."

Rowan couldn’t bring himself to reveal the darker truth behind it all, but Liam sensed that it was not the only reason. He had the feeling that there was more to the story.

"Are you hiding something from me, Dad?" he pressed. "If you don’t tell me everything, how am I supposed to help you?"

Rowan stayed silent, still torn between fear and shame. But the look on his face confirmed Liam’s suspicions.

"Dad," Liam burst out, frustration lacing his voice. "Are you going to tell me the truth or keep hiding it?"

Rowan lowered his head, guilt weighing on him. "I’m sorry... It’s all my fault."

He hesitated before confessing, his voice trembling. "During my business trips, I... got involved with several women. Zachary somehow got hold of videos of those intimate moments. He is threatening to release them tonight if I don’t get Nathaniel’s signature."

He was about to cry as panic overtook him. "I don’t have much time. If I fail to do what he wants, I’ll be finished. And your mother will never forgive me."

"Don’t talk about Mom," Liam snapped, his eyes blazing. "You don’t deserve her."

Rage coursed through him at the thought of his father’s betrayal. "You never thought of her when you were cheating, and now you are scared of losing her?"

"I know I made a terrible mistake," Rowan said weakly.

"Mistake?" Liam’s tone hardened. "That’s not a mistake—it’s a sin."

"Fine," Rowan suddenly shouted, losing control. "I’ll go out there right now, confess everything, and beg for her forgiveness in front of everyone. Then Zachary will have nothing to use against me."

He stood abruptly and started toward the door.

"Stop," Liam said firmly, grabbing his arm and pulling him back. "You can’t do that. If Mom finds out this way, she won’t be able to take it. It’ll break her completely, and I won’t let that happen."

"Then what am I supposed to do?" Rowan pleaded. "I can’t live like this forever. He’ll destroy me anyway. Maybe it’s better if I confess everything myself..."

He tore away from Liam’s grip and moved for the door, but Liam was quicker and grabbed him again.

"I’ll find a way," Liam promised. "Give me some time."

Rowan searched his son’s face, unsure but desperate. Finally, he nodded slowly. "Alright. I won’t act rashly."

"Go back to your wife and stay with the guests," Liam instructed. "Leave this to me."

Reluctantly, Rowan left the lounge.

Liam sank onto the sofa, clutching the papers. His jaw tightened, and a low, frustrated groan escaped him, his hands trembling with helpless anger.

’I can’t lose my temper now,’ he told himself. ’I need a solution fast.’

An idea came to him.

He took out his phone from his pocket, dialed a familiar number. As the call logged in, he said urgently, "Bring my toolbox. It’s in my study."