Chapter 144

The murmurs in the physician's office gradually faded. It seemed Liam would be stepping out soon.

Olivia abruptly tensed, gesturing to her nurse that she felt unwell and needed to return to her private suite immediately.

The pallor of Olivia's complexion made her claim believable.

The caregiver hesitated briefly. His primary directive was safeguarding Olivia's wellbeing above all else. "Very well, let's get you back," he conceded, extending his arm to guide her forward.

When Liam finally emerged from his consultation, the hallway stood deserted. His brow furrowed as he turned to Sebastian. "Find out what occurred."

Sebastian returned swiftly with answers. "The staff reported your wife became suddenly ill and retired to her quarters. She's requested postponing your meeting."

Liam chuckled darkly. "First desperate to see me, now suddenly indisposed."

"Perhaps she's genuinely unwell," Sebastian ventured cautiously. "Since we're here, shall we pay her a visit?"

Liam's expression hardened. "What purpose would that serve? It's obvious she's avoiding me."

Rubbing his temples, Liam abruptly changed subjects. "Handle that personnel matter we discussed earlier. I was too occupied during the medical consultation. Inform the employee I understand her deception regarding her pregnancy to secure employment. However, if she insists on remaining, I'll have no choice but to explore alternatives."

"Understood," Sebastian acknowledged with a nod.

The crisis had erupted days prior when a department head unexpectedly resigned. The position's critical nature demanded immediate filling.

In their haste, HR neglected thorough background verification.

Now, as a crucial initiative launched, the new hire—a woman—revealed her three-month pregnancy, demanding medical leave despite having joined barely a week earlier.

While Blackwood Enterprises maintained strict policies against pregnancy discrimination, this situation presented unique complications.

During interviews, HR had explicitly outlined the project's demands and directly inquired about pregnancy status, receiving firm denials.

The employee now stubbornly clung to her role while threatening legal action if terminated.

The responsible HR officer already faced disciplinary measures.

Navigating this precarious situation required delicate handling.

Liam sensed resolution wouldn't come easily.

The timing couldn't have been worse.

When Sebastian received updates from his team, his face darkened. Approaching Liam urgently, he reported, "Sir, complications have arisen. The woman has miscarried."

Liam's demeanor turned grave. Without hesitation, he quickened his pace toward the exit.

The physician, having finalized his notes, emerged to find Liam already departed. He sighed quietly. He'd intended to discuss Olivia's pregnancy with Liam.

Mercy Hospital served primarily the Blackwood family, employing him specifically for their needs.

The physician understood the implications of Olivia's condition and had deliberately withheld the information, intending to inform Liam first. Now, he'd have to await Liam's next visit.

"Excuse me." A feminine voice interrupted his thoughts.

Turning, he saw Catherine wearing a practiced smile.

"Is Olivia receiving treatment here?" Catherine inquired.

Recognizing Catherine but recalling Liam's explicit orders—no visitors except himself—the physician adjusted his spectacles. "She is indeed here, but currently not accepting visitors. You'll need Mr. Blackwood's authorization."

Catherine's smile faltered. Seek Liam's permission? She knew that avenue was closed.

"Liam's preoccupied with business," Catherine persisted. "As his sister-in-law, I'm practically family. Surely checking on an ailing relative is appropriate? May I at least observe from outside her door?"

The physician remained impassive. "She's hospitalized due to injuries you inflicted. While I won't involve myself in family disputes, my duty is protecting my patient from further harm."

Catherine's eyes widened. She hadn't anticipated Liam sharing those details. What would people think now?

Color drained from her face before angry crimson replaced it, her pleasant facade crumbling as she threatened, "You realize Liam doesn't yet control the entire Blackwood empire. Are you certain you wish to make an enemy of me?"

The physician dismissed her with a wave. "Unless there's medical necessity, I must ask you to leave. My surgical schedule demands my attention."

Gritting her teeth, Catherine stormed away reluctantly.

Yet surrender wasn't in her nature. Something was amiss with Olivia—why else would Liam enforce such secrecy?

Exiting the hospital, Catherine issued sharp instructions: "Investigate that physician's personal vulnerabilities. I refuse to be thwarted by some hired medic."

Olivia spent the day consumed by dread, paradoxically relieved by Liam's absence.

Yet as hours passed without his appearance, her anxiety intensified.

She found herself almost wishing he'd materialize so she could confront him directly.

Growing suspicious of the medications administered, Olivia began resisting openly. When offered sedatives, she feigned compliance before rushing to vomit them up.

After agonizing deliberation, Olivia seized a moment of inattention to contact Alexander.

Alexander, having just managed online rumors, grew instantly alarmed at Olivia's distressed message.

"What's happening? Where are you? Are you safe? Send coordinates—I'll alert authorities immediately," he responded urgently.

Olivia typed hastily: "No police. That would only warn them."

Still legally married to Liam, Olivia knew he'd circumvent any official intervention.