Marrying My Father’s Enemy

Chapter 20 :

Eira stared at him, a slow smile spreading across her face. "So, I'm guessing your name's Liam?"

The blond man raised an eyebrow, clearly taken aback. "Not surprised, huh?"

"Not really," she replied. "I already know who you are. Another one of Henry Blackwood's bastards, just like me."

He smirked, being unbothered. "Ah, well, look at that. Seems I'm not as much of a secret as I thought."

She lifted her head, looking sceptical at him. "And how are you so sure we're siblings?"

 "DNA test. Got it confirmed. You're as much his daughter as I am."

Eira shrugged, not missing a beat. "Good. I was waiting for an invite from you anyway."

Some spray of surprise crossed his face before he let out a low laugh. "Bold. I like that." He gestured to his car again. "Well, how about a proper meeting over a ride?"

She shook her head, crossing her arms. "Give me a break. Tomorrow, same time. I'll give you an address." She took out her phone, writing a location.

Liam took out his own phone, saving it with a shake of his head. "You don't trust me?"

"Not even a little," Eira replied.

He laughed, giving her a last smirk before climbing back into his car. "Fair enough. Tomorrow it is." With a quick wave, he drove off.

Back at home, Eira sank onto her bed and opened her phone, scrolling through the latest articles. The headlines were ruthless:

-Gold Digger or Heiress? Henry Blackwood's Illegitimate Daughter Exposed!-

The comments were worse, breaking her stomach. 

Strangers called her every name in the book: schemer, fortune-hunter, liar. 

It was a smear campaign, and she knew exactly who was behind it. Her eyes got tired as she kept reading, until one line caught her attention:

-Henry Blackwood to Address Allegations Tomorrow at Blackwood Industries-

Eira sat up, and started thinking of a plan. Just then, Callian came through the door.

She looked up, "Callian, I need you to take me somewhere tomorrow."

He raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Where to?"

"To my father's little speech at Blackwood Industries. I've got a surprise for him."

"And what kind of surprise are we talking about?"

"You'll see,"But I need you there. Quietly."

Callian leaned against the doorway, folding his arms, he nodded. "I wouldn't miss it…So… what's the plan, my fearless troublemaker?"

Eira crossed her arms, ignoring his funny tone. "I just need to make sure he doesn't get away with this. The press thinks they can call me a gold digger, like I'm some—some stranger trying to get his attention. I want him to know I'm not backing 

"And here I thought you wanted my attention," he murmured.

 "Not everything's about you, Callian."

He smiled, not letting up. "Maybe not, but you have to admit, it'd be a little more fun if it were."

Eira rolled her eyes. "You're not listening. This is serious."

"I am listening," he said softly, "I just think you could, maybe, take a break once in a while. You know… relax? We've been through a lot, and here you are, already planning the next fight."

"Someone has to," she replied firmly, "Henry's not going to stop unless I make him."

Callian sighed, giving up his attempt at flirtation, "Alright, I'll get you there tomorrow. But first, there's something else we need to handle."

"What?" She raised an eyebrow.

"My family's having dinner tonight," he said simply. "And they'd like to see you."

Eira blinked, "Tonight?"

"Yes, tonight. So come on, we'll head over." He motioned toward the door. "You can intimidate my family instead, if it helps you warm up for tomorrow."

"Your poor family doesn't know what they're in for."

"Oh, I think they can handle you," he teased, leaning in closer. "Besides, I need someone to make me look good."

She gave him a sidelong glance, ignoring his attempts to charm her. "Don't expect much help from me."

"Come on, Eira," he said, taking her hand and leading her toward the door. "You're exactly what they need to see."

Eira sighed but followed. 

As they pulled up to the house, Eira took a deep breath.

"Relax," Callian murmured. "They love you."

"I'm not sure about your mother's love," she muttered.

He just led them inside.

Callian's parents were already seated in the elegant dining room. His father stood up as they entered, smiling at them. "Eira, welcome. We've been looking forward to meeting you again."

"Thank you, Mr. Reed," Eira replied politely, feeling a little more at ease.

"Call me Robert. Any friend of my son's is family here."

"Not every friend. She's his wife," Callian's mother cut in while looking Eira up and down."You'll forgive me if I'm a bit more cautious, Eira."

Callian gave his mother a look. "Mother, please."

She ignored him, "You're Henry Blackwood's daughter after all. That makes things… complicated."

Eira kept her expression steady. "I understand, Mrs. Reed."

"Do you?" She raised an eyebrow, her tone started to feel more biting. "Your father's caused more damage than you could imagine. And now you're involved with Callian?"

"Mother—" Callian started, but she held up a hand.

"Callian, this isn't about you." She turned back to Eira. "Tell me, what exactly do you want from my son?"

 "I don't want anything from him. We're on the same side. That's all."

Mrs. Reed scoffed, shaking her head. "On the same side… Henry Blackwood's daughter, claiming she's on our side. Do you have any idea how ridiculous that sounds?"

"Mother, stop," Callian interrupted, "You're not being fair."

"Oh, I'm being fair," she replied coldly. "She's the daughter of a man who's tried to destroy us, Callian. And now she just shows up, and we're supposed to welcome her with open arms?"

Robert cleared his throat. "Enough, Leina."

His wife looked at him, surprised, but he continued, turning to Eira. "I knew your mother, Helen," he said softly. "A wonderful woman. Strong, kind-hearted. I see a lot of her in you."

Eira's eyes widened a bit. "You… you knew my mother?"

"Yes," he said, smiling gently. "Years ago. We worked on a few projects together. She was motivated and fair, always wanting to help people. It was hard, what happened to her. But I'm glad to see her daughter grew up strong, just like she was."

 "Thank you. That means… a lot."

Robert nodded. "I'm sure Helen would be proud of you."

Leina looked away, clearly uncomfortable, but she didn't say anything more. Callian gave his father a grateful look and squeezed Eira's hand under the table.

"So, Eira," Robert said, shifting the conversation, "tell me, what's your next move?"

She took a breath, "I'm planning to confront Henry tomorrow, actually. He's giving a speech at Blackwood Industries."

 "Going straight to the source. That's brave."

Eira shrugged. "It's the only way he'll listen. He used the press to paint me as some… gold digger, some stranger trying to ruin his life. I can't just let him get away with that."

Leina sighed, crossing her arms. "And what exactly do you think you'll accomplish, Eira? Henry doesn't play fair. You of all people should know that."

"Maybe he doesn't," Eira replied steadily. "But I'm not my father. And I'm not scared of him."

Callian smiled, being clearly impressed by her. "That's why we're doing this."

Robert leaned back, nodding slowly. "Good. And if you need any help, Eira, you can count on us."

"Thank you," she said, genuinely grateful.

Leina pursed her lips but stayed silent, though Eira could feel her glaring. Ignoring it, she kept her attention on Callian's father, who looked at her with an approving smile.

"Well," Robert said, trying to lighten the mood, "I think we should eat before the food gets cold."

Eira offered a polite smile, picking up her fork, though Leina's disapproving look was haunting across the table.

As they ate, Robert chatted warmly with Eira, asking her about her studies, her plans, and her interests. 

He laughed easily and seemed genuinely interested, making her feel at peace despite Leina' frosty attitude.

Leina, however, kept her comments brief and sharp, she was still clearly skeptical. But every time she'd say something dismissive, Callian would step in.

"Mother," he said at one point, giving her a stabbing look, "I think we've covered enough about her father, don't you?"

 "Just making sure we understand who we're dealing with, Callian."

"We understand perfectly," Callian replied, glancing at Eira.

"Mrs. Reed, you're not going to like me, do you?" 

Leina raised an eyebrow, "no. You ruined my son's engagement."