Chapter 152

Liam's eyes burned crimson, his gaze predatory. "Say that again. Exactly how far along is she?"

The chief physician trembled visibly, refusing to meet his stare. "Approximately four weeks."

The world seemed to fracture around Liam, the deafening crash of his hopes collapsing into dust. White-hot rage pulsed through his veins, demanding he hunt down Olivia and force the truth from her lips.

Yet suddenly, the fury evaporated.

An overwhelming exhaustion consumed him instead.

The physician dared a sideways glance at Liam, who now resembled a wounded beast stripped of its fight.

Sebastian recognized the dangerous shift in atmosphere. "Thank you for your report, Doctor. You're dismissed. This matter no longer requires your involvement."

The physician nodded, casting one final assessing look at Liam before retreating.

Sebastian exhaled sharply before approaching. "Mr. Blackwood, perhaps we should consider—"

"Out." Liam's voice sliced through the air. "Everyone. I won't tolerate any disturbances unless I permit it."

With a curt nod, Sebastian ushered the staff from the room.

Meanwhile, the physician located Catherine in the hospital corridors.

Catherine had been unraveling since Richard's affair surfaced, her mental state deteriorating rapidly.

Under the pretense of visiting Margaret, she frequented Mercy Hospital with dual purposes: monitoring Olivia and Liam's situation while secretly obtaining psychiatric medication.

Her illness remained her darkest secret—especially from Richard, whose resentment toward her would only deepen if he discovered her weakness.

Spotting the physician, Catherine yanked him into an alcove. "Well?" Her whisper carried the desperation of a woman clinging to sanity. Dark circles shadowed her hollowed eyes.

Normally composed with icy detachment, now a spark of manic hope animated her features—like a demon tasting freedom after centuries in hell.

The physician recoiled slightly before whispering, "As requested, I've informed Liam. While he may not suspect deception, his rage is palpable. He undoubtedly believes the child isn't his."

A grotesque smile twisted Catherine's lips—the first genuine expression she'd worn in months. "Perfect. If I'm denied happiness, neither shall they."

The physician frowned. "This carries significant risk. Liam's been scouring the city for Olivia. If they reunite—"

"What would you know?" Catherine sneered. "Liam now believes she betrayed him. Disgust will replace any affection. Divorce papers are likely being drafted as we speak." Her nails dug into his arm. "Now tell me—do you have access to fertility drugs?"

Shock widened the physician's eyes. "Given your medical history, pregnancy could be fatal—"

"Just procure it!" Catherine hissed. "Your future with the Blackwoods depends on cooperation."

With a resigned sigh, the physician nodded.

Unseen above them, Sebastian observed the exchange through the balcony windows. "Since when has Catherine confided so intimately with that doctor?"

A nearby guard explained, "Mrs. Winslow's been unwell. Likely discussing Lady Margaret's medication. Mr. Blackwood's aware of their consultations."

Sebastian nodded, though unease prickled his instincts.

Meanwhile, after days of confinement, Olivia craved fresh air.

Isabella didn't object.

Though Isabella never mentioned Alexander or Liam, Olivia deduced from her relaxed demeanor that the danger had passed. Liam had apparently abandoned his pursuit, leaving Alexander unharmed.

This was the outcome Olivia had prayed for—yet contentment eluded her.

When Olivia proposed an outing today, Isabella offered an apologetic smile. "Darling, I'd adore accompanying you, but Whitmore Holdings requires my attention. Perhaps tomorrow?"

Olivia gestured that she could assist with company matters.

Isabella hesitated.

Olivia's next signs conveyed her growing guilt over being a burden. She needed purpose beyond four walls.

Finally, Isabella relented. "Very well. Let me fetch the car keys."

They arrived at a coastal warehouse far from Whitmore Holdings' usual territory.

There, Olivia spotted Alexander conversing with familiar associates—and one unexpected face: Julian.

Confusion knitted Olivia's brow. Recent news hadn't clarified their relationship, but tension between them was evident.

Isabella leaned close. "Following the hospital incident, with William still comatose, Julian and Eleanor have been stirring dissent under the guise of seeking justice."

Olivia's lips parted in disbelief at their audacity.

Isabella sighed. "We're powerless. As William's blood relatives, they're untouchable without his intervention. Now Julian shadows Alexander everywhere—supposedly as part of some mentorship."

The salt-tinged wind carried the weight of unspoken complications as Olivia watched the uneasy alliance unfold.