Chapter 141

Margaret gestured sharply to the security team. "Proceed. But avoid her face. Focus on her legs. Since she's already handicapped, let's make sure she won't be a burden to society."

Olivia's tears streamed down her face, her body trembling with raw terror.

Pinned against the cold marble floor, the sharp cramps in her abdomen made her complexion turn ghostly white.

With desperate hand motions, Olivia tried to convey her pregnancy to Margaret. This wasn't just assault - it was premeditated murder.

But Margaret only frowned in confusion at the frantic gestures.

Catherine leaned in with a venomous whisper. "Look at that defiance. She's probably cursing you with every breath."

This ignited Margaret's fury. She strode forward in her designer heels, grabbing fistfuls of Olivia's hair and yanking violently.

Olivia gasped in pain, lifting her head to glare at her mother-in-law with fiery determination.

Margaret sneered. "Curse me all you want. You're getting what you deserve. You never belonged in the Blackwood family. If you hadn't manipulated Henry to force Liam into marrying you—"

She tightened her grip. "My son had far better options than a mute. Do you know the humiliation he endures? And you repay him by shamelessly flaunting yourself with other men? You're disgusting!"

Olivia's lips parted but only produced strange, guttural sounds.

With a disgusted shove, Margaret released her. "Beat her!" she commanded coldly.

The first blow from the baton nearly made Olivia black out from the agony.

Through the haze of pain, one thought crystallized - she had to protect her baby at all costs.

Curling into a protective ball, Olivia shielded her abdomen with both arms.

Catherine's eyes narrowed with sudden understanding. Her voice turned icy. "Forget the legs. Aim for her stomach!"

Margaret blinked at Catherine's sudden cruelty but didn't intervene.

Terror seized Olivia as she met Catherine's malicious gaze. How could another mother be so heartless?

As the baton raised for the killing strike, a voice like thunder cracked through the room. "Enough!"

Margaret spun to see Liam striding in, his expression murderous. She forced a smile, guilt flashing in her eyes. "Liam! What brings you home so early?"

His gaze locked onto Olivia's battered form. "If I hadn't returned, you'd be facing murder charges."

"Murder?" Margaret scoffed. "Don't be dramatic. Olivia caused trouble again. She nearly destroyed Richard and Catherine's marriage!"

"I know," Liam said coldly.

Margaret recoiled. "You knew? Then why didn't you stop her?"

Ignoring her, Liam turned his scorching glare on Catherine, who paled visibly.

"Because I was the one who informed Richard about Catherine sabotaging his international shipments. Drunk driving on the highway? One mistake could've meant prison."

Margaret's face drained of color as the truth sank in.

Catherine had lied. This wasn't some petty dispute - it was criminal negligence that could've ruined them all.

Margaret swayed on her feet before whirling on Catherine. "You deceitful viper!"

Tears sprang to Catherine's eyes. "I never meant to lie! It's all Olivia's fault! If she hadn't interfered—"

"Enough!" Liam cut her off. "By that logic, I'm equally guilty since I exposed your crimes. Should I kneel for punishment too?"

Catherine shook her head frantically. "No! That's not what I—"

Margaret grasped Liam's arm pleadingly. "I only wanted to protect you. I know you're considering divorce. Olivia keeps causing trouble. Why not end this farce now?"

Liam shook her off violently. "Protect me? Or your precious reputation? You've always hated Olivia. This was never about me."

Margaret's mouth fell open, wounded. "After everything I've done for you—"

"You've done nothing but interfere," Liam said coldly as he gently lifted Olivia. Without another glance at his mother, he turned to leave.

His final words hung in the air like a death sentence. "My life would be better if you stopped 'caring' altogether."