Chapter 105
Olivia's breath hitched as she watched Liam's car disappear around the corner. The threatening figures had vanished like shadows at dawn.
Her pulse pounded in her ears as she followed the grim-faced security team into Mercy Hospital. The sterile white walls closed around her like a cage.
The private ward was empty except for unfamiliar faces. At its center stood an aristocratic couple radiating icy disdain - Evelyn's parents, the Hartleys.
Olivia squared her shoulders, refusing to let her trembling hands betray her fear.
Without warning, a rough shove sent her sprawling. The polished floor burned against her skin as mocking laughter echoed above her.
Beatrice Hartley's lip curled. "Look at this pitiful creature who dared hurt my daughter. Such a delicate face hiding such cruelty!"
Olivia's palms stung where they'd scraped against the tile. She typed with shaking fingers: "I didn't cause Evelyn's accident. Call the police if you believe I'm guilty, but this harassment is illegal."
Frederick Hartley's chuckle sent chills down her spine. "Police? Who do you think controls this city's law enforcement, little mouse?"
Olivia's nails bit into her palms. The Hartleys' reputation for ruthlessness was legendary. She typed faster: "What do you want? An apology? The truth is Evelyn fell alone. We should be finding what really happened."
Beatrice made a sharp gesture. A guard's slap cracked across Olivia's face, sending her reeling.
Frederick held up a hand. "Our terms are simple. First, you'll nurse Evelyn back to health. Second, you'll divorce Liam. Finally, you'll publicly admit you stole him from Evelyn."
Olivia's blood ran cold. She typed: "I'm still Liam's wife. Do you really want to make an enemy of the Blackwoods?"
Beatrice smirked, swiping through her phone. The screen showed Liam keeping vigil at Evelyn's bedside, Margaret Winslow feeding Evelyn fruit like a doting mother.
The message was clear - the Blackwoods had already chosen sides.
"Call Liam," Olivia typed desperately. "I can't decide this alone."
Beatrice laughed. "Still clinging to hope? Westfield University's Vice Principal Ellington confirms witnesses saw you push Evelyn. What say you now?"
Olivia's stomach twisted. The stairwell had been empty - this was a blatant lie.
"Kneel," Frederick commanded.
Strong hands forced Olivia to the ground. Beatrice recorded with glee. "This will cheer Evelyn up. Justice for my baby."
"Evelyn might scar," Frederick mused. "Shall we give the mute the same mark?"
They debated her punishment like she was livestock at auction.
A sharp pain lanced through Olivia's abdomen. She pressed a protective hand over her stomach, typing frantically: "I'm pregnant!"
Beatrice's eyes gleamed. "Even better. Liam's heir will be raised by its proper mother - Evelyn."
Dark spots danced in Olivia's vision as a guard ground her face into the floor. She managed one last defiant glare at the camera before darkness threatened to consume her.
A single thought echoed as consciousness faded - her baby. She'd failed them both.
The door burst open with a crash.
"WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON HERE?"
Olivia's fading vision caught a familiar silhouette in the doorway. Could it be...?