The Man Who Waited vs. The Man Who Wasted novel Chapter 148

Liam purposely slung his arm around Jocelyn's shoulders. "I used to think, if I couldn't be with her, I'd just look out for her like a protective older brother. But the way things are looking, it seems I might just have a shot after all."

He shot a playful wink at Sarah.

"You don't mind if I dump you to go after Jo, do you, babe?"

Catching on immediately, Sarah played along. "Not at all. I gracefully bow out."

Liam glanced back down at Jocelyn's swollen, bruised cheek.

A sharp pang of genuine anger twisted in his chest.

His words just now had been half-joking, half-serious.

But right now, the fury he felt seeing her hurt was very real.

Liam's expression turned terrifyingly cold.

"I'm taking her out of here."

He gave Sarah a look.

Sarah immediately grabbed Jocelyn's hand to lead her away.

As they brushed past Adrian, he reached out and grabbed Jocelyn's arm.

"Jo..."

"Adrian," Jocelyn cut him off, staring straight ahead. "My face hurts. My heart hurts. Let me be by myself."

Adrian was quiet for a few agonizing seconds before his fingers finally loosened.

Liam clapped Adrian hard on the shoulder.

"If you don't love her, let her go, man. But once you do, don't come crawling back. Nobody wants to be collateral damage in your twisted family drama. You've been warned."

Liam walked to the door, then suddenly stopped.

He stuffed his hands in his pockets and slowly turned around.

"Oh, by the way, Mr. Preston. That slap is going to cost you. You better brace yourself for the fallout."

Caleb didn't give the warning a second thought.

What could this arrogant kid possibly do to him?

He had been a heavy hitter in the business world for decades. Was he supposed to be scared of some punk?

In the hospital room, those left behind stared at each other in uneasy silence.

Nobody wanted to be the first to speak.

The tension in the room was suffocating.

Eleanor finally relented. "We'll table the divorce for now. I'm far too old to be dealing with this much drama in one day. I'm going home to rest."

She turned to Caleb. "Mr. Preston, I am deeply sorry for what happened today. It's my grandson's fault for marrying such a classless woman."

Caleb opened his mouth to reply, but his phone started ringing.

He answered it, barking aggressively.

"What?!"

Whatever the person on the other end said made Caleb's face instantly drain of color.

"What?! How is that possible?!"

"You're all a bunch of useless idiots! What am I paying you for if you don't know anything?!"

"I'm coming over right now!"

He hung up and immediately dialed another number.

"Book me the fastest flight to Austin right now!"