Lust Meter System: Conquering Beauties-Chapter 84: Cheering Him Up

The door swung open before Liam could knock.

Elsa’s mother stood in the doorway, and for a second, Liam had to remind himself this was actually her mom and not an older sister.

She looked young.

Too young to have a daughter Elsa’s age.

Her white hair fell in soft waves past her shoulders, the same color as Elsa’s but styled differently, more mature, swept to one side.

Her skin was smooth, barely a line on her face, and if Liam had to guess, he’d say she looked like she was in her early thirties at most.

She wore a deep burgundy sweater dress that hugged her figure, the fabric soft and clinging to her curves.

The neckline was modest but the way it draped showed the swell of her breasts and the narrowness of her waist.

The dress stopped mid-thigh, showing off her long legs, and she wore black stockings underneath that disappeared into ankle boots with a small heel.

A thin gold necklace rested against her collarbone.

Above her head, faint and glowing, was a number.

[72/100]

Liam’s eyes flicked to it for just a second before he forced himself to look away.

’It increased?’

"Liam!" she said warmly, her voice soft and calm, like she was greeting an old friend. "Come in, come in. It’s so good to see you again."

She stepped aside, holding the door open wider.

Liam smiled, keeping his expression casual. "Good to see you too, Mrs. Hart."

"Please, call me Diana," she said, waving a hand dismissively. "Mrs. Hart makes me sound ancient."

Elsa stepped in beside Liam, rolling her eyes slightly. "Mom, you say that every time."

Diana smiled, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "Because it’s true every time."

She closed the door behind them, then gestured down the hallway. "Dinner’s almost ready. Your father’s already at the table. Come, sit."

They followed her through the house.

The interior was clean, modern, with hardwood floors that gleamed under the soft overhead lighting.

The walls were painted a warm beige, decorated with framed photos and abstract art.

Liam’s eyes caught on one of the photos as they passed.

It showed Elsa standing beside a guy who looked almost exactly like her, same age, same white hair, though his was cut shorter.

They were both smiling, arms around each other’s shoulders.

’She’s got a brother?’

He looked closer. The guy had the same dark eyes as their father, the same sharp jawline. But the white hair was all from their mother’s side.

Liam filed that away mentally but didn’t ask about it.

Diana led them into the dining room, where a large wooden table sat in the center, already set with plates, glasses, and silverware.

The smell of roasted chicken and herbs filled the air, rich and savory.

Elsa’s father sat at the head of the table, his posture straight, his expression stern.

He was tall even while sitting, broad-shouldered, wearing a dark button-up shirt with the sleeves rolled to his elbows.

His hair was graying at the temples, his face sharp and assessing.

Mr. Hart looked up as they entered, his eyes locking on Liam immediately.

"Liam," he said, his voice deep and measured. "Good to see you again."

Liam nodded. "You too, Mr. Hart."

"Sit," Mr. Hart said, gesturing to the chairs across from him.

Liam pulled out a chair for Elsa, and she gave him a small smile as she sat. He took the seat beside her, his hands resting on the table.

Diana moved to the kitchen, her heels clicking softly against the floor. "Can I get you anything to drink, Liam? Water? Wine?"

"Water’s fine, thanks," Liam said.

She returned a moment later with glasses of water and set them down in front of Liam and Elsa.

Then she sat beside her husband, folding her hands on the table, her expression warm and attentive.

Mr. Hart leaned back slightly in his chair, his eyes still on Liam. "So. How’s the business going? Still running smoothly?"

Liam nodded, keeping his tone steady. "Yeah, it’s been good. We’re building up a solid client base. Things are moving in the right direction."

"Good," Mr. Hart said, his tone neutral. "I’ve been thinking about what you told me last time. About logistics and consulting. My company could use someone with fresh eyes. Someone who understands operations from a ground-level perspective."

He paused, his fingers drumming lightly on the table.

"I’d like you to come by sometime next week," he continued. "Take a look at what we’re doing, see if there’s anything you’d recommend. If you impress me, we can talk about a consulting contract."

Liam’s chest tightened, but in a good way. This was an opportunity. A real one.

"I’d be happy to," Liam said, his voice steady. "Thank you. I appreciate the chance."

Mr. Hart nodded once. "Good. I’ll send you the details."

Diana stood, moving to the kitchen. "Alright, let’s eat before everything gets cold."

She returned with plates of food, setting them down in front of everyone. Roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, all of it arranged neatly.

They ate, the conversation shifting to lighter topics. Diana took a sip of her wine, then set the glass down gently, her eyes moving between Elsa and Liam with a warm, almost wistful expression.

"You know," Diana said, her voice light but carrying a certain weight, "I’ve been thinking a lot lately about grandchildren."

Elsa choked slightly on her water.

Liam’s fork paused halfway to his mouth.

Diana smiled, completely unbothered by their reactions. "I mean, I’m still young. I could be one of those fun grandmas. The kind that spoils them but doesn’t look old enough to actually be a grandma, you know?"

Mr. Hart glanced at his wife, his expression neutral but his tone dry. "Diana."

"What?" Diana said innocently, looking at him. "I’m just saying. I’d like to meet my grandchildren while I still have the energy to keep up with them."

Elsa’s face was red. "Mom, seriously?"

"Your brother doesn’t want to give me that."

"Why do you want me to do it instead?" Elsa asked, her face flushed.

Diana’s tone was calm and measured, like she was discussing the weather. "You’re at that age now. And Liam seems like a responsible young man. I’m just putting it out there."

Liam’s throat felt tight. He forced himself to swallow the bite of food he’d been chewing, his eyes darting between Diana and Elsa.

’Is she seriously talking about this right now?’

"Mom," Elsa said, her voice strained, "we’re not even—"

"I know, I know," Diana said, waving a hand dismissively. "I’m not saying it has to be tomorrow. I’m just saying... eventually. When you’re ready. No pressure."

The way she said "no pressure" made it sound like there was absolutely pressure.

Mr. Hart cleared his throat, his eyes still on his plate. "Diana, let them eat."

Diana sighed softly, picking up her fork again. "Alright, alright. I’ll drop it."

She took another bite of her chicken, chewing thoughtfully, then glanced at Liam with a small smile. "But just so you know, Liam, I think you’d make a wonderful father someday."

Liam nearly choked on his water.

Elsa buried her face in her hands. "Oh my god."

Diana laughed softly, finally seeming to realize she’d pushed far enough. "Okay, okay. I’m done. I promise."

She turned her attention back to her plate, and the conversation shifted mercifully away from grandchildren and hypothetical futures.

Mr. Hart started talking about a contract his company had just secured, something about expanding operations into another city, and Liam did his best to stay engaged, nodding and responding when appropriate.

Even with all the drama going on around him, Liam’s mind kept drifting.

Back to the hospital. To the man in the chair, staring at nothing.

To Elena’s voice. "This is what happens when you fight them and lose."

To the weight of everything pressing down on him.

His phone buzzed in his pocket.

He ignored it at first, but it buzzed again. Then a third time.

Diana glanced at him, her expression still warm but slightly curious. "Everything alright, Liam?"

Liam forced a smile. "Yeah, sorry. Just work stuff."

He pulled out his phone, glancing at the screen.

Kelvin~ Found something. We need to talk. Tomorrow.*

Kelvin~ Seriously. It’s important.

Kelvin~ Hit me up when you’re free.

Liam stared at the messages for a moment, his stomach tightening.

’Tomorrow. Alright.’

He slipped the phone back into his pocket and looked up, meeting Elsa’s eyes across the table.

She was watching him, her expression unreadable but her eyes sharp. She knew something was off.

He gave her a small nod, like he was saying *I’m fine*, but she didn’t look convinced.

The meal continued, and eventually, Diana stood to clear the plates. Liam offered to help, but she waved him off with a warm smile.

"You’re a guest, Liam. Sit."

Diana returned from the kitchen, setting down a tray of coffee cups. "It’s getting late. You two should stay the night. The guest room’s already made up."

Elsa looked at Liam, her expression questioning.

Liam hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Yeah. That’d be great. Thank you."

"It’s no trouble," Diana said, smiling. "I’ll get some fresh towels."

She stood and walked down the hallway, her dress swaying slightly with each step.

Mr. Hart stood as well, stretching slightly. "I’m turning in. Liam, I’ll send you the details about next week."

"Sounds good," Liam said.

Mr. Hart nodded once, then disappeared down the hallway.

Liam and Elsa sat in silence for a moment.

Then Elsa spoke, her voice quiet. "You’ve been distracted all night."

Liam looked at her. "I’m fine."

"You’re not," she said, her eyes searching his face. "I can tell. What’s going on?"

Liam opened his mouth to respond, but the words didn’t come.

’Tasha’s safe. I made sure of it. The people I put in place are watching her. She’s fine.’

But he couldn’t tell Elsa that. Couldn’t tell her that just being with him, him being here at all, was putting both her and her family in danger. He’d promised her, though. That’s why he was here.

"It’s nothing," he said finally. "Just a lot on my mind."

Elsa didn’t look convinced, but she stood, her arms crossed. "Come on. I’ll show you the guest room."

Liam followed her down the hallway, his mind still turning.

She stopped in front of a door and pushed it open.

The guest room was simple but comfortable. A queen-sized bed, a small desk, a lamp in the corner.

"Bathroom’s down the hall," she said. "If you need anything, just let me know."

Liam nodded. "Thanks."

Elsa lingered in the doorway for a moment, her eyes on his face.

"You know," she said quietly, "I could try to cheer you up."

Liam looked at her, raising an eyebrow. "Yeah? How?"

Elsa stepped inside, closing the door behind her.

Liam sat on the edge of the bed, and Elsa moved closer, then climbed onto his lap, straddling him.

She looked at him, her hands resting on his chest.

"I’ll show you," she said softly.