Chapter 157

Olivia inhaled sharply, her chest tightening with the realization that compliance was her only viable choice against Liam's demands.

Tears pricked at her eyelids as she gave a reluctant nod, her sole stipulation being Alexander's immediate release.

Liam's smirk transformed into a predatory grin as he yanked the car door open. "Good girl. Get in - we're taking a little trip," he commanded with icy precision.

The moment Olivia slid into the leather seat, her phone vibrated with Alexander's concerned message.

His text inquired about her safety, questioned Liam's actions, and suggested police intervention if necessary.

Her fingers hovered over the screen when Liam's glacial warning cut through the silence. "Reply to him and I'll reconsider my generosity instantly."

Jaw clenched, Olivia shoved the device into her purse, earning a self-satisfied chuckle from Liam.

The luxury sedan glided to a stop outside Midnight, an establishment radiating exclusivity with its gilded entrance.

Staff members bowed deeply as Liam passed, their obsequious greetings confirming his elite status.

Olivia's stomach churned as she wondered how often Liam frequented this place - perhaps with Evelyn on his arm.

The nauseating thought coincided with a sudden wave of morning sickness, her pregnancy asserting itself at the worst possible moment.

She froze, pressing a hand to her mouth as bile rose in her throat.

Liam's hawk-like gaze missed nothing.

His expression darkened as he studied her. The doctor had confirmed she was merely four weeks along - too early for such symptoms unless... unless her revulsion stemmed from his mere presence.

"Changed your mind already?" Liam's voice dripped venom as he crossed his arms, the fabric straining over his biceps. "Or just remembering happier times with Alexander?"

Olivia gestured weakly toward the overpowering scent of whiskey and cigars permeating the air.

Liam's scoff held no sympathy. "Funny how alcohol never bothered you during your cozy dinners with Alexander."

White-hot anger surged through Olivia. The insinuation in Liam's tone was unmistakable.

The realization struck like lightning - he genuinely believed she'd betrayed him with Alexander. The hypocrisy burned when he'd been publicly parading Evelyn for months. Was this his twisted way of justifying his own infidelity?

Fury propelled her forward. Ignoring Liam's outstretched hand, she stormed past him into the dim interior, her stiletto heels striking the marble like gunshots.

Liam's eyes tracked her furious stride, his own temper simmering beneath the surface.

Inside the private lounge, he attacked the whiskey bottle with single-minded intensity, draining glass after glass.

Despite her anger, Olivia's fingers twitched with concern. Before she could stop herself, she snatched the crystal decanter from his grasp.

Liam's eyebrow arched in sardonic amusement. "Playing nurse now? Or just worried I'll make a scene?"

Olivia shook her head sharply, miming that his potential alcohol poisoning would inevitably become her problem.

The temperature in the room seemed to drop ten degrees as Liam's eyes turned arctic.

Olivia stumbled backward, caught off guard by the sudden shift in atmosphere.

Strong hands steadied her before yanking her down onto the velvet couch with controlled violence. The momentary vulnerability in his gaze vanished as quickly as it appeared.

"Stop hovering. Pour," he ordered, nudging the bottle toward her.

When she hesitated, Liam captured her wrist in an unbreakable grip, his smile not reaching his eyes. "I didn't ask for your concern. Just your obedience."

Reluctantly, Olivia complied, watching the amber liquid rise in his glass with growing unease.

Alcohol painted Liam's usually pale complexion with a dangerous flush, yet his hold on her never slackened - if anything, it intensified.

Olivia bit back a whimper as his fingers dug into her tender flesh. Resisting would only provoke him further, though she cursed herself for caring about his wellbeing at all.

Abruptly, Liam set down his drink. Even inebriated, his gaze remained unsettlingly clear - the perpetual vigilance of a man who trusted no one.

Olivia remembered countless nights spent trying to ease his tension during their marriage, only to watch him withdraw further into darkness.

His sudden accusation sliced through her memories. "Tell me, Olivia - all that effort to please me. Was it guilt? Or just excellent acting?"

She shook her head frantically, desperate to explain she'd only wanted to reclaim their lost happiness.

But Liam was already turning away, her unspoken words dissolving into the charged air between them.

The past crashed over Olivia with startling clarity when Liam's forehead dropped heavily onto her shoulder.

Every muscle in her body locked. This proximity - once so familiar - now felt foreign yet achingly recognizable.

Liam's whiskey-laced whisper burned against her ear. "Just one reason. Is it me you hate? Or the Blackwood name? What terrifies you enough to keep running?"

Olivia's face contorted with unspoken answers. When she tried to gesture, Liam's grip on her wrist tightened painfully.

His bitter laugh sent chills down her spine. "My touch repulses you now? When exactly did that start?"

A shadow of genuine pain flickered across his features, gone before Olivia could process it.

Assuming his erratic behavior stemmed from intoxication, frustration bubbled within her. She'd warned him about overindulging, but when had Liam ever listened?

With a sharp twist, she freed her wrist, revealing angry red marks against her fair skin. Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears, amplifying her wounded expression.

Liam glanced away abruptly. "Help me up," he muttered gruffly.

Olivia hauled him upright with unnecessary force, struggling under his dead weight. Liam seemed to lean into her deliberately, making each step a battle.

By the time they reached the exit, her breath came in ragged gasps.

As if orchestrated by some cruel deity, rain began sheeting down outside. Liam turned with feigned innocence. "You wouldn't want your drunk husband catching pneumonia, would you?"

Olivia nearly growled in frustration. Knowing his vindictive nature, she reluctantly shrugged off her blazer and draped it over his head like a makeshift hood.

Sebastian arrived with the car at that precise moment. The assistant's eyes widened comically at the sight of his boss being tended to like a child. "Mr. Blackwood, I..." he stammered, clearly at a loss.