Chapter 158

Olivia Sinclair hesitated before reaching out to steady Liam Blackwood. His icy glare stopped her mid-motion.

Sebastian Montgomery caught the silent exchange and opened the car doors without comment.

Dripping wet and exhausted, Olivia struggled to help Liam into the vehicle. Every movement felt like lifting weights.

Just as she moved to enter herself, Liam slammed the door shut right in her face.

Olivia knocked sharply on the tinted window, her eyebrows raised in silent question.

Liam ignored her completely. "Get her another car," he ordered Sebastian.

The assistant gave Olivia an apologetic glance before starting the engine.

Within minutes, a second luxury sedan pulled up.

The new driver handed Olivia a plush towel and adjusted the heating. "There's medication in the compartment if you need it," he offered.

Olivia shook her head. Another of Liam's calculated moves - cruelty tempered with consideration. She couldn't decipher his endgame. Leaning back, she let exhaustion pull her into restless sleep.

Meanwhile, Liam's sober-up pills began working. His flushed complexion faded slightly.

Sebastian finally broke the tense silence. "Mr. Blackwood, I understand your anger about Olivia's pregnancy, but this confrontation solves nothing. You need to either talk it out or walk away permanently."

Liam's gaze could have frozen hell. "Since when do you counsel me on personal matters?"

Sebastian wisely fell silent.

A heavy sigh escaped Liam. "I can't let this go. Yet the truth might destroy me more than my suspicions."

His voice turned arctic. "And who leaked Olivia's pregnancy? I explicitly ordered confidentiality."

"We're investigating," Sebastian assured. "We'll have answers soon."

Liam's eyes narrowed dangerously. "That primary physician - Adrian Mueller?"

Sebastian considered. "Possible, but he's hospital royalty. Why risk his career?"

"Find the traitor," Liam commanded, rubbing his temples.

After a pause, Sebastian ventured carefully, "Sir, when the pregnancy news inevitably breaks, and given the child's parentage..."

Opponents would target Olivia regardless of distractions. If paternity rumors spread, both their reputations would shatter.

Margaret Winslow would seize the opportunity. Her hatred for Olivia was legendary.

Liam could easily walk away unscathed. Yet he stayed trapped.

"Why do you think I keep her close?" Liam's glacial stare held unspoken warnings.

Sebastian finally understood. Liam was truly cornered. He wondered what thoughts haunted Olivia.

Having witnessed their history, Sebastian believed Olivia still carried a torch for Liam. Now it was a standoff - who'd break first?

Arriving at the mansion, Olivia's stomach twisted. She craved only a hot shower and bed.

Liam had other plans.

She found him sprawled on the sofa, his sculpted jawline and Adam's apple exposed as he reclined.

Olivia quickened her pace, pretending not to see him.

"Running away?" Liam's voice stopped her. "Forgetting our agreement?"

She gestured that she remembered but needed rest.

Liam stood, slightly unsteady from alcohol.

Olivia made no move to assist.

His jaw clenched. "What if I fell and cracked my skull? Would that please you?"

Reluctantly, she approached, taking his arm while signaling she'd help him up but nothing more - the baby came first.

Liam chuckled darkly. "Prioritizing that... thing over me?"

Olivia released him instantly, furious. She signed sharply - this was her child, not some "thing."

Her sudden release sent Liam tumbling onto the couch. His head hit the backrest with a thud.

Panic spiked through Olivia. Had she hurt him? She dropped to her knees, shaking him urgently.

When he didn't respond, her trembling hands reached for her phone to call Sebastian.

A low laugh stopped her. Mocking. Cruel.

White-hot rage flooded Olivia. She shot him a venomous look, stormed to the guest room, and locked the door with finality.

Her phone buzzed - Alexander Hayes. "Status? Is Liam harassing you? Your location?"

Isabella Rossi had also messaged, both clearly worried.

Olivia forced a smile for a selfie. "Fine now. Boundaries set with Liam. Daily check-ins promised."

Alexander's relieved reply came instantly.

Yet as he typed, his expression hardened. "Where's Julian Hawthorne? Still not apprehended?"