Chapter 5 - The Trap is Set
We devised a plan. Liam would agree to meet Marcus at his regular Sunday spot behind the park gazebo, acting as though he was desperate to apologize for the scene Chloe had caused at the birthday party. However, this time, Liam would not be alone or defenseless.
David coordinated with a local private security firm to install hidden audio and video equipment around the gazebo area early Sunday morning. Meanwhile, I worked on preparing Liam mentally. He spent days in counseling session prep with a therapist specializing in psychological trauma, learning how to detach his self-worth from Marcus’s toxic control.
When Sunday morning arrived, the atmosphere in our house was tense. I squeezed Liam's hand before he left. "You don't owe him your life anymore, Liam. Break the chain."
Liam walked into the park while David, two private investigators, and I sat in a tinted van parked nearby, monitoring the audio feeds through high-definition headphones.
Marcus was already waiting by the gazebo, leaning against a tree with his arms crossed, wearing the same custom leather boots.
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"You brought a lot of embarrassment to my name last weekend, Liam," Marcus’s voice came through the audio clear as a bell. "Your bratty daughter almost ruined everything. You owe me more than just an apology this time. I want fifty thousand dollars by the end of the month, or those documents hit the prosecutor's desk."
Liam took a deep breath. His voice wavered slightly, but he stood his ground. "I don't have fifty thousand dollars, Marcus. And I won't pay you another cent."
