My Ultimate Sign-in System Made Me Invincible

Chapter 128: F•R•I•E•N•D•S (Bonus Chapter 2/5)

The helicopter blades slowed as the chopper settled onto the helipad of the yacht. The sea stretched endlessly around them, glittering under the afternoon sun, waves breaking in gentle rhythm against the hull.

The moment the engine powered down, Mason was already on his feet. He stepped forward, opened the cabin door smoothly, and stood to the side for Liam to exit first.

Liam sighed softly and smiled warmly, as he stepped down onto the deck, the wind carrying the faint scent of saltwater and sea spray.

Nick followed silently, his eyes scanning the open deck before falling into step behind his employer.

Liam’s gaze swept ahead, and his lips curved into a wide smile. There they were — Matt, Kristopher, Harper, Alex, Elise, Kristie, Lana, and Stacy — gathered together at the far end of the helipad, waiting.

It had been weeks since Liam had seen most of them, except for Matt of course. Seeing the others again stirred something warm in his chest.

He walked forward with unhurried, but confident strides.

Kristopher and the boys were the first to move. They broke away from the group and met Liam halfway, their faces lit with broad smiles, as they embraced him one by one.

”It’s been too long,” Kristopher said, pulling back with a grin.

”Way too long,” Harper agreed, clapping Liam on the shoulder.

Liam returned each hug and clasp, his own smile genuine. ”I missed you guys.”

When he turned to the girls, he greeted them with equal warmth. Kristie, as expected, was the most enthusiastic, her smile so wide it looked like it might split her face. She leaned forward as if she might hug him too, but caught herself, settling for an eager wave instead.

”Liam, finally!” she exclaimed, her voice bubbling with energy.

Liam chuckled softly and nodded to her. ”It’s good to see you too, Kristie.”

Stacy and the others smiled politely, and greeted him warmly. Elise gave a graceful nod, Lana a soft smile, while Stacy gave a small composed smile.

With the greetings complete, Liam gestured toward the lower deck. ”Come on. Let’s head inside.”

The group followed him down into the cabin, their footsteps echoing faintly against the polished floors.

The lounge opened wide before them, sunlight pouring through glass windows that framed the sea outside.

The space was immaculate yet inviting. And they settled in easily, laughter breaking out as they made themselves comfortable.

Alex leaned back on one of the sofas, his smile relaxed. ”Man, I’ve missed this yacht. I’ve been looking forward to being here again.”

Liam laughed. ”Then why didn’t you ask me? You know I wouldn’t have minded.”

Alex shook his head, chuckling. ”I would love to board this yacht every day if I could. But I’ve been busy. College, work... and my dad’s been pushing me harder than ever. Especially after he found out I know you.”

Liam’s brow lifted slightly, caught off guard. ”Because of me?”

Alex nodded without hesitation. ”Yeah. He thinks I should make the most of the connection. Network harder. Position myself better. You know how it is.”

Liam wanted to say something, an apology perhaps, but the words seemed to be stuck in his throat. He had no idea what to say to that.

Noticing his expression, Alex waved a hand dismissively. ”Don’t apologize. It’s not your fault. It’s just what comes with being born into families like ours. We don’t really get to choose.”

Liam fell silent, more speechless than before. He glanced around the lounge and saw the others nodding, their expressions a mix of agreement and resignation.

Even Matt spoke up, his tone gentler this time. ”Remember what I told you in the car about the party being the last night of freedom for most of us? The monthly meet-up is the same. It’s the only day we can breathe. The only day we’re free. Don’t blame yourself. It’s been like this long before we met you.”

Liam nodded slowly, though his chest felt heavy.

Kristopher leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. His voice was quiet but steady. ”You don’t know how much I envy you, Liam. How much I admire you. You have time to be bored. I don’t even remember what that feels like. I’m buried with work almost every day. And when I’m not, I’m dragged into some function I can’t refuse.”