Chapter 163

The rain poured relentlessly outside, turning the world into a blur of gray. Olivia Sinclair had been avoiding Liam Blackwood for days, though they still lived under the same roof. Their paths crossed less frequently now, but when they did, Olivia's expression remained frozen in perfect indifference.

A bitter wind howled through the hallway as they met by chance that afternoon. The chill seeped through Olivia's clothes, but it was nothing compared to the ice in her veins. She maintained her composed facade, though Liam's detached gaze sent sharp pains through her chest.

Liam's eyes flickered toward her. "Need something?" His tone was casual, as if speaking to a stranger.

In truth, Olivia had sought him out deliberately. Drawing a steadying breath, she gestured her growing restlessness - the walls of the mansion felt like they were closing in. She needed to leave, even if just temporarily.

Liam's lips thinned into a line. Silence stretched between them.

Olivia's fingers moved more urgently now. She promised to remain within city limits. If he distrusted her, she wouldn't object to having a minder accompany her.

"Surveillance?" Liam's laugh held no warmth. "I only kept you here to keep Alexander Hayes in check. Run if you want. There's nowhere you could hide that I wouldn't find you."

The threat hung heavy in the air between them. Olivia knew he meant every word.

Her hands stilled. Slowly, she raised questioning eyes to his face.

A smirk twisted Liam's lips. "You can go. On one condition." His voice dropped to a dangerous purr. "First, you'll do something for me."

Olivia hesitated. Was this sudden permission just a whim? After a moment, she nodded cautiously - provided his demand wasn't unreasonable.

Liam turned on his heel, motioning for her to follow.

They were leaving just as Catherine Winslow arrived, hoping to intercept Liam. From her car, Catherine watched Olivia climb into Liam's vehicle, her manicured nails digging into the steering wheel.

This wasn't part of the plan. The doctor should have already informed Liam about Olivia's pregnancy - barely a month along. Given Liam's notorious temper, he should have thrown Olivia out by now.

Unless... unless he was starting to believe the child might be his.

Catherine's blood ran cold. Once the pregnancy progressed, the timeline would expose her lies. Liam would trace everything back to her.

She couldn't let that happen.

An icy determination settled over Catherine. That child couldn't be allowed to survive. Without proof, Olivia's accusations would mean nothing.

Composing herself, Catherine stepped out of the car - only to startle when a voice called out behind her.

"Can I help you?"

Turning, Catherine found herself face-to-face with Evelyn Hartley. The woman was stunning, but her sharp eyes betrayed a calculating nature. Birds of a feather, Catherine thought.

A plan formed instantly. "You must be Evelyn," Catherine said warmly. "I'm Catherine, Liam's sister-in-law. His mother hasn't been well, and I came to persuade him to visit."

Evelyn's demeanor softened immediately. "His sister-in-law? Please, come inside."

As Evelyn played hostess, Catherine hid her contempt. Mistresses were beneath her, but she needed Evelyn's cooperation now.

Once seated, Evelyn leaned forward eagerly. "We've never met, yet you recognized me. Does Liam... speak of me often?"

Catherine feigned hesitation. "Well... yes. The family always wished you and Liam had married." She sighed dramatically. "But Olivia... well, she throws such fits whenever your name comes up."

Evelyn's smile faltered. "Fits?"

"Tantrums, really." Catherine lowered her voice conspiratorially. "She may be mute, but her temper is legendary. Before their marriage, she threatened any woman who came near Liam. As the adopted Reeves daughter, she had leverage. We were powerless."

"That bitch!" Evelyn slammed her hand on the table, her face contorted with rage.

Catherine hid her satisfaction behind a sympathetic mask. "After talking with you, I feel we understand each other. But I fear you may never have a future with Liam now."

Evelyn's eyes flashed with panic. "Why not? Liam loves me! It's only because he hasn't divorced her yet!"

"It's not that," Catherine said gravely. "Liam's keeping Olivia here for reasons you might find... difficult to accept."

Evelyn's breath hitched. "Is she... pregnant?"

Catherine simply nodded.

After Catherine left, Evelyn's scream of rage echoed through the mansion. Glass shattered as she hurled a vase against the wall. In her mind's eye, she saw herself wrapping her hands around Olivia's throat, watching the life drain from those traitorous eyes.

Pregnant. That explained everything. That was why Olivia refused to leave.

The thought burned through Evelyn like acid. She wouldn't allow it. She couldn't.

Not while she still drew breath.