Chapter 107

Olivia watched Liam's retreating figure disappear down the sterile hospital corridor. The moment he turned the corner, Sebastian rushed to catch up with him.

"Mr. Blackwood, this situation remains highly uncertain. There's no concrete evidence that your wife pushed Miss Hartley. Why agree to their demands? It's completely—"

Sebastian's words died in his throat.

Though Olivia appeared delicate, she had an iron will that contradicted her fragile exterior. Learning about Liam's concession would undoubtedly ignite another explosive confrontation between them.

Liam turned, his glacial stare freezing Sebastian mid-step. "Do you have a superior alternative?"

Sebastian pressed his lips together, silent.

The crisis escalated daily. While the Hartleys lacked the influence to truly threaten Liam, their persistent agitation created complications.

Without definitive proof of Olivia's innocence, allowing the Hartley family's resentment to fester invited unpredictable consequences.

At the corridor's end, Liam paused to light a cigarette. The ember glowed as he inhaled, his expression turning arctic. "If alternatives existed, Olivia eliminated them herself. She's determined to protect Daniel at all costs. Her choice is made," he murmured, more to the night air than to Sebastian.

Sebastian opened his mouth, then reconsidered. His gaze followed Liam's departing silhouette before he swallowed his words.

In her hospital room, Olivia jolted awake in the witching hour.

Daniel remained vigil at her bedside, his sleep light. At her slightest movement, his eyes flew open.

"How are you feeling?" Concern laced Daniel's voice as he noticed Olivia's discomfort. He reached to assist her upright.

Olivia shook her head slightly, evading his touch.

She gestured that she felt improved, though exhaustion lingered. She expressed gratitude for his timely intervention but didn't wish to involve him further. Then, she insisted he return home—it was late, and she could manage alone.

Daniel's headshake was decisive. "Leaving you unprotected isn't an option. The Hartleys could return. What if they harass you after I depart?"

Olivia shook her head more vehemently, signing she could defend herself.

Anxiety twisted Olivia's features as Daniel hesitated. She nearly rose to physically usher him out.

Daniel noted her resistance, a pang of sorrow flashing across his face. "I understand your reluctance to burden others, but you must know—you're never a burden to me. I'll stand by you, always," he vowed.

Olivia's gaze flickered before she looked away.

The chair scraped. Footsteps receded.

When the door clicked shut, Olivia exhaled shakily. Guilt gnawed at her, but she saw no alternative. She recognized Daniel's feelings and cherished his kindness.

Yet reciprocation was impossible. His affection had become pressure. Knowing she couldn't give him what he wanted, the least she could do was spare him further pain.

Olivia drifted into uneasy sleep, only to startle awake when a nurse entered to adjust her IV.

She struggled upright, the IV hindering her movements. Fumbling one-handed on her phone, she made multiple errors before managing to ask about her baby's condition.

The nurse waited patiently, interpreting Olivia's distress. "Your baby's fine," she soothed. "You need rest—you're still weak. Your doctor wishes to speak when you're stronger. Visit his office when ready."

Relief flooded Olivia at her baby's safety, but the nurse's final words reignited anxiety. She nodded meekly, cradling her abdomen as emotions warred within.

After her final IV, Olivia forced down some food to regain strength.

When steadier, she followed the nurse's directions to the physician.

"Miss Sinclair?" The doctor gestured to a chair. "Please sit."

Nervous, Olivia sat and immediately typed: "Is my baby in danger?"

The doctor sighed. "You sense something's amiss."

Olivia's pulse spiked. Her phone nearly slipped as she typed frantically: "What's wrong? Please be direct!"

The physician retrieved her chart. "Your physical fragility, compounded by stress, affects the baby. Chances of a healthy birth are slim—even if the baby survives, significant weakness is likely." He paused. "You've miscarried before?"

Olivia stiffened, then nodded.

The doctor's expression sobered. "Your uterine wall is abnormally thin. Additionally..." He hesitated. "Terminating this pregnancy may prevent future conceptions given your condition."

Olivia's nails bit into her palms. Anguish and helplessness crashed over her.

Noting her pallor, the doctor softened his tone. "Discuss this thoroughly with family. This decision carries profound physical consequences."

Olivia shook her head, bitter resignation in her eyes. Her phone's mechanical voice stated: "I have no family."

The doctor blinked. "Your husband?"

Olivia's lips pressed together, too weary for explanations.

Comprehension dawned on the physician's face. "Consider carefully. I recommend hospitalization for treatment and monitoring. If agreeable, I'll arrange immediate admission."

Olivia shook her head vehemently, panic flashing. Her phone declared: "I can't stay."

The Hartleys—and Liam—haunted these halls. Remaining here was unbearable.

Recognizing her resolve, the doctor relented, prescribing medication and directing her to the pharmacy.

Heart heavy, Olivia approached the payment counter. Movement caught her eye—a familiar silhouette.

Footsteps approached. Olivia glanced up to see Liam advancing.

Her heart leapt into her throat. The prescription crumpled in her tightening grip.

He hadn't spotted her yet.

Among the hospital's bustle, Liam's commanding presence stood out.

As he neared, Olivia clenched her jaw and ducked into the emergency stairwell, descending rapidly to avoid detection.

Unseen by her, Liam witnessed the entire evasion. His mouth thinned. "Fleeing me like I'm contagion," he remarked coldly to the empty corridor.