Chapter 156

Liam's words died in his throat.

Olivia shot up from her chair with such suddenness that every head turned in her direction.

He'd expected this reaction. The corners of Liam's mouth curled upward, but his gaze turned glacial.

Alexander, visibly distressed, reached for Olivia's arm. "This doesn't involve you," he urged. "Sit down."

Olivia brushed past him without acknowledgment, striding toward Liam with purposeful steps.

Liam watched her approach, each footfall resonating with unshakable resolve.

The transformation was startling. Those same eyes that once held such warmth now glittered with Arctic frost.

Memories flooded Liam's mind - of a softer Olivia who absorbed his cruelty with quiet endurance. How she'd always responded to his harshness with that infuriatingly gentle smile. Never before had she leveled such an icy stare at him.

He'd often wished she'd grow a spine. Now that she had, her newfound strength was directed entirely against him.

So lost in thought, Liam barely registered when Olivia stopped mere inches away.

Drawing a steadying breath, Olivia's hands began moving with precise gestures. She'd go with him tonight, but he must honor his promise to explain the client situation to Alexander. Her cooperation came with strict terms - one night only.

The faint tremor in her fingers didn't escape Liam's notice, his brow furrowing.

Was she afraid of him? Or was this about something deeper?

Right now, Alexander seemed to dominate Olivia's thoughts, leaving Liam grasping for clarity.

Did she truly view him as some uncontrollable beast?

A humorless smile twisted Liam's lips as he spoke, each word dripping with venom. "You're in no position to negotiate terms, Olivia. Do you understand your situation at all?"

Olivia flinched as if struck.

Before she could respond, Liam was already moving, his hand closing like a manacle around her wrist. He propelled her toward the exit.

"Olivia!" The twin cries of Isabella and Alexander rang out, laced with alarm as they scrambled after them.

They reached the doorway only to find Sebastian Montgomery blocking their path, flanked by security.

Sebastian maintained a polite smile. "They're still married. Mr. Blackwood means her no harm."

Alexander's hands clenched into white-knuckled fists. "He'd better remember that."

Liam practically shoved Olivia into the passenger seat. "Buckle up," he commanded before firing the engine.

With shaking fingers, Olivia secured her seatbelt, casting anxious glances at Liam.

The car launched forward like a bullet, tearing through city streets with terrifying speed.

As skyscrapers gave way to open countryside, the traffic thinned until they raced alone through the darkness.

Liam's foot pressed the accelerator to the floor, transforming the vehicle into a projectile hurtling down deserted roads.

Tears streamed down Olivia's face as the car became a metal missile. Was he trying to kill them both? To endanger their unborn child?

Miraculously, Liam's driving remained controlled despite the reckless speed.

When the car finally screeched to a halt, Olivia tumbled out, her legs buckling beneath her. She caught herself on the door frame, gasping for air.

Before she could steady herself, Liam was there, his fingers digging into her jaw with bruising force.

Tears welled in Olivia's eyes from the pain, but Liam seemed not to notice.

Something raw and wounded flashed in Liam's eyes. "Why?" His voice cracked. "Do you really think I'm that monstrous?"

Olivia stared in confusion. He'd just endangered their child, yet he stood there looking like the wounded party?

Her hands flew in desperate signs - if he let her go now, she'd vanish from his life forever.

Liam recoiled as if struck, his grip slackening. For a moment, he seemed lost.

Turning away, Liam's voice turned arctic. "Fine. But on one condition." His next words landed like a physical blow. "Terminate the pregnancy, and you're free to go."

The pain lanced through Olivia so sharply she nearly doubled over.

She'd expected this demand, but hearing it aloud shattered her.

Olivia reached for him instinctively - to demand what she'd done to deserve this, to ask why their child didn't deserve life.

But her hand froze midair. She couldn't bear whatever cruel response might follow.

Wiping her tears, Olivia squared her shoulders. Her signs were firm - she would keep this child. She wasn't his property to command.

Her protective hand cradled her stomach, reinforcing her stance.

Liam's answering smile held no warmth. "Do you know what happened to the last person who defied me like this?"

Though his tone promised violence, Olivia didn't flinch.

Seeing her resolve, Liam's expression shifted. "Fine," he conceded. "But here are my terms. You'll stay with me until delivery. I need household management. Don't worry - I won't harm the child intentionally. But refuse, and I can't guarantee the safety of anyone who helps you. And don't think of running. We both know I'll find you. After birth, you're free to go."

Olivia's eyes widened in disbelief. Her hands moved angrily - how could he expect a pregnant woman to serve as domestic staff? Had he no conscience?

Liam's laugh was bitter. "Conscience? You're lecturing me on morality? Compared to you, I'm practically a saint."

Olivia staggered under the accusation, wounded and confused. What imagined crimes was he punishing her for?

The injustice left her speechless, defenseless against his twisted narrative.