Hayes was in full swing again, words pouring out nonstop like he was back in a company meeting.
He could go on for hours without repeating himself.
Liam used to wonder if anyone could outtalk him.
“Liam, get in the car and come back with me,” Hayes continued.
“If you pick up extra shifts, double up during the day, you might still scrape together four hundred bucks this month after deductions.” Liam reached into his pocket, pulled out the taxi keys, and tossed them over.
“I quit.” Hayes froze.
“What?” “I said I quit.” The words hit harder than expected.
Hayes’ expression darkened instantly.
His company was already struggling.
He came here to pressure Liam, then pull him back in.
He didn’t expect this.
“Liam, think carefully,” Hayes said, his tone tightening.
“Jobs aren’t easy to find right now.
You don’t have a degree.
I kept you because of your driving.
I was even planning to build you up as a top driver.” Liam looked at him steadily.
“I work to earn a living,” he said calmly.
“Not to be treated like I owe you something.
You don’t get to talk down to me.” There was no shouting.
No theatrics.
Just a statement of fact.
Hayes swallowed the rest of his anger.
He wasn’t stupid.
There was no point pushing further.
“Fine,” he said coldly.
“Emily, take the car back.” He turned, then stopped at the gate, throwing one last glance over his shoulder.
“Let’s see what you do next,” he said.
“No degree, no credentials.
Don’t expect doors to open for you.
And that client you offended?
Her husband has connections.
You might find driving jobs harder than you think.” Before Liam could respond— His phone rang.
He answered immediately.
“Hello.” “Hi, is this Liam Vance?” a clear, professional voice asked.
“Yes.” “This is the recruitment office from Pacific Coast Broadcasting.
You applied for a staff driver position a few days ago.” “I did.” “We reviewed your background.
Your military service and driving experience match our requirements very well.
Our field teams often work under demanding conditions, so your profile stands out.
Would you be available for an interview?” Liam paused briefly.
“Now?” “If possible, yes.” “I’ll be there shortly.” He ended the call.
Emily blinked.
“Was that… Pacific Coast Broadcasting?” “Yeah.
Just an interview.” “That’s huge,” she said, stunned.
“That’s a stable, long-term job.
You’d be set.” From the gate, Hayes turned back sharply.
“What broadcasting company?” Emily answered before Liam could.
“Pacific Coast Broadcasting invited him for an interview.
They don’t call just anyone.” Hayes stood there, momentarily speechless.
He had just said no one would take Liam.
And seconds later… Reality disagreed.
The timing couldn’t have been worse.
Emily stepped forward eagerly.
“I’m driving your taxi back anyway.
Want a ride into the city?” Liam shook his head.
“No need.
I’ve got a car.” “A car?” she repeated, confused.
“You barely make anything, and your family has expenses.
Since when do you have a car?” Liam didn’t answer.
He walked over to the carport.
Gripped the black cover.
And pulled.
The fabric slid off in one clean motion.
The Dodge Charger stood revealed.
Black.
Sleek.
Muscular.
Even at rest, it looked dangerous.
Hayes stared, then hurried over, disbelief written all over his face.
“This… this is yours?” He leaned in, scanning the interior.
Papers sat neatly in the center console.
Registration.
Ownership.
All under Liam’s name.
Hayes straightened slowly, stunned.
“Where did you even get this?” “That’s not your concern,” Liam replied.
He got in, shut the door, and started the engine.
The Charger roared to life.
Deep.
Aggressive.
Powerful.
A completely different class of machine.
Liam pressed the accelerator.
The car surged forward, tearing onto the road like a unleashed beast, kicking up dust as it disappeared into the distance.
Hayes stood frozen at the gate.
Emily blinked, still processing.
“It… looks kind of old though.” Hayes snapped out of it.
“You have no idea what you’re talking about.
That’s a legend.” “A legend?” “That model alone can go for hundreds of thousands.
Sometimes more.
Collectors love it.” Emily’s eyes widened.
“Seriously?” …
Liam parked in an underground garage across from the broadcasting building.
He didn’t drive straight in.
No need to make a show of it.
As he crossed the street and approached the entrance— The system activated again.
[Ding.
New request detected.] [A client requests collection from Jurassic World (2015).] [Objective: Obtain one tooth from the Indominus rex and experience its raw ferocity.] [Difficulty: Hard.] [Accept or decline.
No penalty for declining.
However, repeated refusals will reduce task frequency.] [Decision required.
Countdown: 10… 9… 8…]