Chapter 113

"Liam, where did you get this?" Evelyn gasped.

Liam gave Evelyn a bone-chilling stare. "I've warned you before—when I decide to uncover the truth, there are endless ways to do it. This shouldn't surprise you, should it?"

Evelyn's throat tightened. She bit her lip hard enough to draw blood, frustration boiling inside her.

Nothing stayed hidden from Liam when he went digging. She had foolishly believed he trusted her enough not to investigate. Yet here he stood, having uncovered everything without her even noticing.

Clutching at straws, Evelyn confessed, "The fact that you're telling me this instead of exposing me publicly means you don't want to hurt me. Yes, I framed Olivia deliberately. I loathe her! Why does she get to stand by your side? It should be me!"

Liam slid his phone back into his pocket, his voice glacial. "Regardless, my relationship with Olivia is none of your concern. I don't know what delusion made you think you ever stood a chance. Let me make this clear—no one forces me into anything against my will."

The realization hit Evelyn like a physical blow, draining the color from her face. His marriage to Olivia had been his choice alone. But how could this be?

To Evelyn, Olivia was just a worthless mute—completely unworthy of Liam. Yet now she had to face the unbearable truth: Liam had genuine feelings for Olivia. The mere thought made her vision swim with rage.

Liam's cutting words continued to echo. "I'm keeping this quiet out of respect for the Hartley family's reputation. Do you understand?"

The sound of the door slamming shattered Evelyn's composure. Her legs gave way as she collapsed against the table, bitter despair flooding through her. Despite biting her lip until it bled, hot tears streamed down her face uncontrollably.

"No..." Evelyn rasped, her nails digging into the table's edge. "I won't accept this!"

Reconciliation was impossible. Liam belonged to her. She refused to surrender him. If his affections had strayed, she'd simply reel him back in.

Outside, the storm intensified, lightning splitting the sky.

Sebastian arrived with an umbrella to collect Liam.

As icy wind lashed at them, Liam was seized by a violent coughing fit.

"Mr. Blackwood," Sebastian fretted, "you must take better care of yourself. Pushing your limits like this—"

Liam waved him off, catching his breath. Settling into the car, he leaned back with a weary sigh, swallowing with visible difficulty. "Most problems are handled now. There's little left to worry about."

Sebastian sighed. "You're still concerned about your wife, even if she doesn't realize it. Perhaps it's time you spoke honestly with her."

Liam gave a bitter chuckle. "What's there to discuss? She wants a divorce. Everything I've done wasn't just for her. As the adopted daughter of the Blackwoods, she's been family for years. My actions were merely... compassionate."

Sebastian remained silent, contemplating the stubbornness both Liam and Olivia shared.

After a pause, Sebastian ventured, "With this evidence, why not dismantle the Hartleys? They manipulated you, turned you against your wife. Their behavior is despicable."

Liam smirked. "Did I ever say I believed them? As for holding back..." His voice trailed off meaningfully.

Sebastian's eyes widened in understanding. "You're worried pushing them too far might endanger Olivia."

"Actually, no," Liam corrected lightly. "I'm avoiding unnecessary complications. I'll resolve this cleanly, then step away. Olivia can handle her own affairs from then on. I'm done."

Though Sebastian doubted Liam's resolve, he chose not to argue. Starting the car, he drove in silence.

Meanwhile, Olivia jolted awake as thunder shook the manor. She tossed restlessly, pulling the covers over her head. No matter how old she grew, thunderstorms still terrified her—a fear tied to some half-remembered trauma that brought splitting headaches whenever she tried recalling it.

As the storm raged, Olivia curled into a tight ball, squeezing her eyes shut as fragmented memories surfaced.

She remembered trailing after Liam as a child. During storms, she'd sneak into his room despite his feigned annoyance. He'd call her shameless for clinging to him so tightly, but never actually pushed her away.

Olivia couldn't pinpoint when her feelings for Liam had changed. Maybe when she noticed how even the strongest Reeves child could look so lonely. Maybe it was the kindness hidden beneath his stern exterior. Or perhaps all those times he'd stood up for her.

Whatever the reason, their relationship was doomed to remain platonic—bound by kinship or friendship. Yet her treacherous heart had led her to cross lines.

Now that they were practically strangers, perhaps this distance was for the best.

Olivia opened her eyes, startled by the wetness on her cheeks. She hadn't realized she was crying. Struggling upright, she froze when the door suddenly opened.

Her breath caught at the shadowed figure in the doorway. Even in darkness, she'd recognize Liam anywhere. They remained motionless, the air between them charged with unspoken words.

Time stretched as neither moved.

Almost against her will, Olivia's hand lifted—only to freeze when Evelyn's saccharine voice called out.

"Liam..." Evelyn's voice dripped with a honeyed charm Olivia could never mimic.

Liam turned immediately, leaving without a backward glance.

Once he disappeared, Olivia slipped from bed, padding barefoot to where he'd stood. There, she found earplugs. Her heart leapt—had he left them for her?

On impulse, she yanked the door open to thank him—only to freeze at the sight before her.

Liam and Evelyn stood dangerously close, their bodies angled in unmistakable intimacy.

A wave of crushing disappointment washed over Olivia. Silently chastising her foolish hope, she shut the door quietly, leaving the earplugs untouched—as if ignoring them could erase what she'd seen.

Evelyn clung to Liam's hand pleadingly. "I know framing Olivia was wrong, but I've paid dearly. See?" She pushed her bangs aside, revealing an ugly scar. "This permanent reminder..."