Chapter 134

Olivia Sinclair stood frozen as Richard Winslow's words struck her like a physical blow. His face twisted in righteous anger, his voice dripping with indignation. "What exactly are you implying? That I'd cowardly shift blame onto the Whitmore family? Olivia, you can't just throw around baseless accusations."

Her brows furrowed in confusion as she studied Richard's earnest expression. If he wasn't responsible, then who had orchestrated this entire mess?

Catherine Winslow let out a mocking laugh, arms crossed over her chest. "How amusing that you're so quick to judge without knowing the full story. What would a mute possibly understand about business dealings?" Her lips curled into a sneer. "With the longstanding feud between the Whitmores and Blackwoods, why are you defending them? Rumor has it you've grown rather... close to them. Planning to marry into the Whitmore family after divorcing Liam, are we?"

The venom in Catherine's words made Olivia's blood run cold. Her fingers curled into fists at her sides.

Sebastian Montgomery stepped forward, his expression darkening. "Madam Winslow, I'd advise you to choose your words more carefully."

Catherine rose abruptly, addressing her husband. "Why are we even wasting our time here? It's obvious Olivia has already made up her mind about us. We should leave before we're falsely accused of something."

Richard stood, his face an unreadable mask as he prepared to exit.

But as he passed Olivia, he stopped dead in his tracks. "I see your game now. You're trying to pin everything on me. Did my brother put you up to this?" His laugh held no humor. "I hadn't even considered the Whitmores' involvement until you brought it up. But now you've given me something to think about. Why should their problems become my responsibility?"

With a derisive snort, Richard stormed out.

Catherine shoved past Olivia with enough force to make her stumble, barely catching herself on the edge of a chair.

Olivia's mind reeled with regret and confusion. Had she been wrong about Richard? If not him, then who? Could it have been Liam all along? Had Liam deliberately sent her into this confrontation as some sort of twisted test?

"Richard!" A deep voice cut through the tension like a knife.

Liam Blackwood appeared in the doorway, his towering frame casting a long shadow. His expression remained infuriatingly unreadable.

Richard whirled around, his face contorted with rage as he jabbed an accusing finger at his brother. "You and your wife set this whole thing up, didn't you? Just because grandfather left you in charge doesn't give you the right to manipulate me like this. Forget it!"

Liam merely smiled, the picture of calm. "Such hostility. I anticipated there might be some confusion, so I returned to clear things up."

"Fine," Richard spat, retaking his seat with barely contained fury. "Let's hear your explanation then."

Catherine, visibly displeased by Liam's arrival, snatched her child from the maid's arms. "The baby's fussy. I'll take her home so she doesn't disturb your little chat."

As she turned to leave, Liam gave a subtle signal. Immediately, several bodyguards blocked her exit. "Leaving so soon?" His smile didn't reach his eyes. "I haven't seen my niece in ages. Stay awhile."

Catherine's face paled. "She's crying. This isn't a good time-"

Before she could finish, the bodyguards closed in, forcing her back into the room with the wailing infant.

Olivia watched the exchange with growing dismay. She made to leave, but Liam caught her wrist in an iron grip.

She struggled against him, her furious glare meeting his impassive one. With her petite frame and tear-filled eyes, she looked more like an angry kitten than a threatening opponent.

Something in Liam's expression softened momentarily before hardening again. "If you truly want to help the Whitmores, you'll stay."

Defeated, Olivia yanked her arm free and retreated to the farthest chair from Liam.

Richard massaged his temples, his patience wearing thin. "Liam, you'd better start explaining what's happening today. I know you hold considerable power, but that doesn't give you license to do as you please."

Liam appeared remarkably at ease despite the tension. He poured a glass of wine and offered it to Richard with an enigmatic smile. "What an interesting choice of words, considering we're family. Blood is thicker than water, after all. Who would harm their own flesh and blood?"

The subtle mockery in his tone made Richard's ears burn with humiliation. Their childhood had been anything but brotherly - Dean had set countless traps for Liam when no adults were watching.

In the Winslow family, sentimental notions of sibling love were naive fantasies. If anything, Richard regretted not being more ruthless in his youth. He often fantasized about having crippled Liam, rendering him as powerless as Olivia.

Liam arched a brow, his voice deceptively light. "We've always had such a wonderful relationship, haven't we? I'd hate to see you get into trouble."

The sarcasm in his emphasis on "wonderful relationship" was unmistakable.

Before Richard could retort, Liam continued. "Consider this a friendly warning. The Whitmores aren't like other families. If you decide to cross them, you'd better be certain you can finish them completely. Otherwise, you're inviting disaster."

Richard's face flushed crimson. "Liam! What nonsense are you spouting? I already told you I knew nothing about this! It could have been a subordinate's mistake. I never intended to provoke the Whitmores!"