Chapter 127

Olivia froze when she heard Liam's unexpected offer. Her pulse quickened as she scrambled to her feet, waving her hands in protest. "Just something simple would be fine," she typed hastily on her phone.

Liam's irritation melted at her flustered response. He strode into the pristine kitchen and dialed Sebastian's number without hesitation.

When his phone buzzed with Liam's caller ID, Sebastian nearly dropped it. He checked twice to confirm it wasn't a prank. Even hearing Liam's distinctive voice didn't quell his disbelief.

"Mr. Blackwood, you want me to arrange grocery delivery... for cooking?" Sebastian's lips twitched with suppressed amusement.

A low growl came through the line. "Do you have a problem with that?"

"None whatsoever! I'll have everything delivered immediately!" Sebastian snapped to attention, chastising himself for overstepping.

After hanging up, Sebastian barked orders to his team with unusual urgency. "Deliver and leave immediately. Do not disturb Mr. Blackwood under any circumstances."

True to his reputation, Sebastian had everything Liam needed within fifteen minutes. Olivia watched from the doorway as Liam moved with surprising confidence around the kitchen, her emotions in turmoil.

This domestic scene felt surreal. Liam's sudden kindness unsettled her more than his usual coldness. Perhaps he felt guilty about Evelyn's actions, but Olivia no longer needed such gestures.

When Liam presented an impressive spread of dishes, Olivia's eyebrows shot up. The food looked professionally prepared - far beyond her expectations.

Liam sat across from her without serving himself. "Try it," he urged, his voice rough with uncharacteristic vulnerability. His intense gaze tracked her every reaction.

Olivia took a tentative bite. The flavors exploded on her tongue, surpassing anything she'd imagined. She gave an appreciative nod, complimenting his skills while thanking him politely. Her words were gracious, but her eyes remained guarded.

Memories flooded back - all those years she'd spent perfecting recipes to please him, while he'd often refused to eat her cooking. The irony wasn't lost on her.

She remembered one childhood incident when the servants had neglected her. Young Liam had stormed in, fired the staff immediately, then attempted to cook for her. The disastrous scrambled eggs had convinced her to ban him from the kitchen forever.

Now, seeing his culinary mastery, a painful realization struck - he'd simply chosen not to cook for her before. These skills had clearly been developed for Evelyn's benefit.

The silence between them grew oppressive. Liam's unwavering stare made Olivia's skin prickle. Finally setting down her fork, she met his gaze directly. "What is it?"

Liam feigned nonchalance. "So what are your plans? Staying here?"

Olivia nodded cautiously.

His knuckles whitened as he clenched his fists. "Whatever Evelyn did, that wasn't me. I never gave her keys. Had no idea she'd approach the butler." A muscle jumped in his jaw. "I fired him, by the way."

Olivia blinked in surprise. So this was about clearing his conscience. She sighed, telling him it didn't matter now - some things couldn't be undone.

Liam searched her face desperately, but found only detachment. He shifted uncomfortably, crossing his long legs. "I'm taking Evelyn away soon. Too much has happened. If you need anything, Sebastian can help."

Olivia's lashes fluttered briefly before she nodded with practiced indifference.

Frustration bubbled in Liam's chest. The vibrant girl who once followed him everywhere had vanished, replaced by this guarded stranger. Had his possessiveness turned love into resentment? Had she become a caged bird desperate for freedom?

His chair screeched violently as he stood suddenly. Olivia startled at the abrupt movement.

Liam's expression darkened. Why was she so unaffected? Had his attempt at reconciliation meant nothing? Or did she assume this was all for Evelyn's benefit?

Before he could speak, Olivia typed rapidly. "I promise not to interfere with Evelyn if she leaves me alone. What happened was inevitable. I won't disrupt your lives."

Liam's eyes turned glacial. "Is that really how you feel?"

When she didn't respond, he laughed bitterly. "Fine. Remember your words today."

Olivia bit her lip hard enough to draw blood, hiding her anguish.

Without another word, Liam turned on his heel. The door slammed with finality behind him.

Olivia didn't watch him leave. Hot tears spilled over despite her efforts. The lavish meal mocked her - a temporary illusion of domesticity that evaporated with Liam's departure.

Determined to erase this moment, she resolved to throw everything away untouched.

As she gathered her composure, Olivia reminded herself to keep moving forward.

Later, with the repaired dresses carefully packaged, Olivia rushed to meet Victoria, anxiety twisting her stomach. The damage had been extensive - would her efforts be enough?

To her shock, Victoria's eyes welled up the moment she saw the restored garments.

Flustered, Olivia typed an apology. "This was the best I could do. I'm so sorry if it's disappointing."

Victoria suddenly grasped Olivia's hands, tears streaming down her face. "No, you don't understand," she whispered. "These are perfect. Now I see why Gregory chose you. You've worked miracles."

Victoria's unexpected praise left Olivia speechless. For the first time in weeks, a glimmer of hope flickered in her chest. Perhaps this new path held possibilities she'd never imagined.