The plane touched down at Heathrow Airport at exactly 7:00 pm London time, the soft March night already settling over the city. Inside the cabin, Liam stretched his legs as the seatbelt sign blinked off. Despite the long flight, he felt reasonably rested—a credit to the rare uninterrupted sleep he'd managed to get midair.

Next to him, Noah rose from Liam's shoulder as he yawned and ran a hand through his disheveled blond hair. "Well, that was civilized," he said lightly, his accent becoming more pronounced the moment the plane doors opened. "Back in London, where the tea's better, and the sarcasm flows freely."

Liam smirked. "I don't think tea's on tonight's agenda."

"Maybe not for you," Noah countered with a playful grin. "But don't underestimate how quickly I can multitask."

As they moved through customs, Noah's charm was on full display. He made small talk with the officers, effortlessly tossing out quips about jetlag and British weather, earning a chuckle or two along the way. Liam watched, mildly impressed as Noah practically breezed through the process.

"Is there anyone you can't charm?" Liam asked dryly as they stepped into the arrivals hall.

Noah shrugged, the grin still on his face. "It's a gift. I might even start charging for it."

A sleek black cab waited for them outside, and Noah took the lead, giving the driver their hotel's address in a smooth, familiar tone. As they drove through the city, he leaned back, gazing out at the London streets with an air of nostalgia.

"It feels good to be home," Noah murmured, his voice losing some of its playfulness. He gestured at a row of historic buildings, lit up against the night sky. "Every corner here's got a memory. It's comforting, really. Like the city's an old friend who always waits for you to come back."

Liam glanced over at him, noting the rare moment of sincerity in Noah's tone. "You don't miss it enough to stay, though."

Noah gave a soft laugh. "Touché. But London's in my bones. Always will be."

The cab pulled up in front of a towering luxury hotel. The gleaming façade and immaculate entrance spoke of prestige, the kind of place designed to cater to people exactly like them.

Inside, they were greeted with practiced smiles from the staff.

"Good evening, gentlemen," said the receptionist smoothly. "Welcome to The Carlton. You're in a two-bedroom suite on the 12th floor. Shall we have your luggage sent up?"

"Yes, please," Liam replied, handing over his suitcase.

Noah, standing beside him, gave the receptionist a charming smile. "Just be sure to keep my bags away from his room," he joked, motioning toward Liam. "I've dealt with him enough on the flight over."

The receptionist laughed softly, clearly taken with Noah's easy charm. Liam rolled his eyes but said nothing, his expression betraying the faintest hint of amusement.

With their bags taken care of, they stepped back into the cab, the car now directed toward the Greene Innovations London office.

"Do you think we'll run into delays with the team?" Liam asked, checking his watch.

"Doubt it," Noah said, leaning against the seat. "They're efficient, but they're also excited. You'll see—Greene Innovations is the best in the business for a reason." He shot Liam a quick, teasing grin. "And not just because my name's on the building."

The cab turned a corner, and the striking silhouette of Greene Innovations' London headquarters came into view. The sleek glass building gleamed under the streetlights, a testament to modern design.

"Here we are," Noah said, pushing the door open as the cab came to a stop. "Let's give them a show, shall we?"

As they stepped into the lobby, Noah's confidence radiated through every step. The receptionist greeted him warmly, clearly familiar with him. "Good evening, Mr. Greene," she said with a polite smile.

"Evening, Clara," Noah replied with a grin. "Still keeping this place running better than I ever could?"

"Someone has to," Clara quipped, earning a chuckle from him.

Liam trailed behind, watching as Noah moved through his element with ease, chatting with staff like he'd known them forever. It was a stark contrast to the reserved, business-first approach Liam was accustomed to, but there was no denying how effective it was.

By the time they entered the conference room, the Greene Innovations tech team was already assembled, their excitement palpable. Noah clapped his hands together, his energy contagious.

"Alright, team," he said, his tone playful but commanding. "Let's make tonight worth staying late for. Show me what you've got."

As the meeting began, Liam settled into his seat, watching Noah seamlessly bridge the gap between charm and expertise. It was clear they were in good hands.