#Chapter 9: Old Wounds

Liam’s POV Joe’s small voice cut through the noise of the bustling event. "Daddy!" he called out, waving excitedly at someone behind me. I turned around, not expecting much, and there he was—Logan. My childhood friend, my rival in many ways, and the person who had always seemed to do everything right. While I had rebelled against the expectations placed on me, Logan had embraced his role as the perfect heir to his family’s fortune. He was polished, composed, and the last person I expected to see here. “Logan?” I asked, the surprise obvious in my tone. “What are you doing here?” Before Logan could answer, Joe rushed forward, wrapping his arms around Logan’s leg. “He’s my dad!” Joe announced, his voice filled with pride as he looked up at Logan with wide, admiring eyes. Logan smiled warmly at Joe, ruffling his hair with a playful affection that made my stomach churn. I felt a hot wave of anger rise in my chest. Was Logan the father of Aria’s child? The idea slammed