Chapter 148

Olivia enlarged the photos on her phone screen.

The images showed Liam and Evelyn sharing an intimate dinner by the seaside, illuminated by flickering candlelight.

They hadn’t chosen a private room. Instead, they sat in full view of the restaurant, as if they had nothing to hide.

In one photo, Evelyn was feeding Liam with a playful smile, while in another, he carefully peeled shrimp for her.

They looked like a couple deeply in love—so picture-perfect it could make anyone envious.

Olivia wanted to tell Alexander this wasn’t why she hesitated, but her gaze lingered on Liam’s face in the photos. She traced his features with her eyes, memorizing them, knowing she might never see him again.

She had made her decision. She would leave. Far away from the Blackwood family, where she wouldn’t be a disturbance. Even if tragedy struck her unborn child, she would face it alone.

With resolve hardening in her chest, she texted Alexander. "I’ll go with you."

Alexander’s lips curved into a triumphant smile as he read the message.

Half an hour later, Olivia was safely seated in the car outside Mercy Hospital.

When the engine roared to life, a surreal sensation washed over her. She was finally escaping her nightmare.

Meanwhile, Catherine received word that Liam had gone to the hospital to see Olivia.

Too restless to sleep, Catherine rushed to Mercy Hospital, her mind racing with suspicion.

Though she knew Olivia was pregnant, she had kept it to herself—even coercing the attending physician to pressure Olivia into an abortion. Her motives were personal, tangled with vengeance and self-preservation.

Catherine’s actions were partly for Richard’s sake. Margaret had been furious at Liam’s protectiveness over Olivia, shifting her favor toward Richard.

But after speaking with the doctor, Catherine’s unease deepened. The physician hinted that Olivia’s baby was likely a boy.

The revelation sent a chill down her spine. If Olivia bore the first son of the Blackwood family, where would that leave her?

Margaret would undoubtedly refocus her attention on Liam. And Richard, knowing Catherine could no longer conceive, might discard her without hesitation.

Olivia’s child had to be eliminated.

A cold determination settled in Catherine’s eyes. She stormed into the doctor’s office and rapped sharply on the door.

The physician was about to leave when he saw her icy expression. His stomach dropped. "We must be careful," he warned. "If we rush this, suspicions will rise."

Catherine’s patience snapped. "I can’t wait any longer. Liam visited her today. If he finds out she’s pregnant, we’re finished. I want the abortion done now."

The doctor paled. "You’re risking my career—my life. If Mr. Blackwood discovers this, he’ll destroy me."

Catherine’s voice turned razor-sharp. "I’ve arranged your escape. But if you refuse, you won’t be the only one suffering."

Regret gnawed at the doctor. He never should have taken Olivia as a patient.

Too many wanted her gone—and complicating matters further, she was Liam’s wife.

With a resigned sigh, he relented. "I’ll handle it immediately. But performing an abortion at this hour will raise alarms. Have you considered how you’ll explain this to Liam?"

Catherine smirked. "Why should I explain? Olivia signed the consent form. It’s her choice to terminate the pregnancy, not ours."

Then, her eyes darkened with malice. "And here’s a better idea. Ensure she never wakes up after the procedure. She’s already mute—why not make her silence permanent?"

The doctor recoiled at her ruthlessness. But the more he thought about it, the more the plan appealed to him. His own survival was all that mattered now.

He rushed toward Olivia’s ward with a nurse in tow.

But when they opened the door, the room was empty.

Catherine’s face twisted in fury. "What’s going on? Where is she?"

The doctor’s hands trembled. "She’s gone."

Catherine nearly staggered. She whirled around and slapped him hard. "Find her! Now!"

The doctor scurried off to check the security footage.

Soon, news of Olivia’s disappearance reached Liam, leaving him stunned. "How does someone vanish from a guarded hospital?"

Sebastian wiped sweat from his brow. "It’s as if she disappeared into thin air, sir. I don’t think she could have done this alone. I fear—"

He didn’t finish, but Liam understood.

Liam’s expression turned deadly. "Are you saying someone took her? One of my enemies?"

Sebastian nodded cautiously. "It’s possible. But we don’t know who yet."

Liam’s jaw tightened. "Spread the word. Whoever took Olivia has one hour to return her—or I will burn everything they hold dear to the ground."

He turned sharply. "Come with me to the hospital."

When they arrived, the doctor was waiting, claiming he had urgent information.

But as Liam and Sebastian entered the room, they found Catherine there instead.

Liam’s face darkened. "When did she get here? Why wasn’t I informed?"

Catherine forced a guilty smile. "Margaret wasn’t feeling well, so I came to get her medication. That’s when I heard about Olivia’s disappearance." She feigned concern. "Liam, did something happen between you two? Why would she leave?"

Liam sank into a chair, his aura radiating authority. He didn’t look at her as he spoke. "What happens between Olivia and me is none of your concern. Or have you forgotten why I’m even here?"

Catherine’s smile faltered.

Liam waved a dismissive hand. "Get her out of here. I don’t have time for this."