Chapter 164

Olivia's turbulent emotions gradually settled, her initial rage cooling into something more calculated. She understood the child Evelyn carried needed to be addressed, but direct confrontation might play right into her rival's hands.

It was common knowledge that while love might fade, guilt could forge unbreakable chains between people.

With this realization, Olivia decided to leave strategic gaps in her defenses, inviting Evelyn to make her move.

Meanwhile, in the backseat of the luxury car, Olivia Sinclair was convinced Liam Blackwood was taking her to some disreputable location. Fear coiled in her stomach throughout the entire ride.

To her astonishment, they pulled up at Newport's most exclusive shopping center - the crown jewel of Blackwood Enterprises' retail empire, housing only the most prestigious designer boutiques.

During their marriage, Liam had given Olivia a black card with unlimited spending privileges here, the ultimate status symbol.

Though their union lacked warmth, Liam had never stinted on material comforts.

Now Olivia bitterly regretted not using that card to its full potential during their marriage.

As they entered the gleaming marble lobby, Olivia remained suspicious of Liam's motives. She followed him to the third floor, where haute couture boutiques lined the corridors.

Liam strode into a jewelry salon where a sales associate immediately approached. "Good afternoon, sir. Shopping for something special today?"

His response was glacial. "Is the entire staff incompetent? I don't require your assistance. Send someone qualified."

The associate froze, bewildered by his hostility.

The manager, recognizing Liam, swiftly intervened. "Attend to other clients and don't disturb Mr. Blackwood."

Ushering them into the private VIP lounge, the manager presented a velvet case. "Our latest collection, Mr. Blackwood. Please take your time."

Liam pushed the case toward Olivia. "Choose."

Confused, Olivia gestured questioningly.

"Stop that," Liam snapped. "I don't want to see your hands moving."

Olivia exhaled sharply and pulled out her phone. [What do you mean?]

His response was deceptively calm. "Isn't it obvious? I'm selecting a gift. Since you might have better taste than me."

The implication stung. Was this for Evelyn? Knowing their history, Liam was deliberately humiliating her by making her choose gifts for her rival.

Olivia's fingers flew across her screen. [I'm hardly familiar with Miss Hartley's tastes. You'd know better than I would.]

Liam's smile didn't reach his eyes. "Then I suppose you've lost interest in visiting Alexander?"

Olivia's breath caught. How had he known about her plans to see Alexander?

Her shocked expression seemed to amuse him. "Jerome's condition has improved remarkably. Walking already. Naturally, you'd want to visit your dear friends."

At this news, genuine joy lit Olivia's face. She nearly leapt up before forcing herself back down, struggling to contain her excitement.

She'd visit Alexander first, then check on Jerome at Mercy Hospital. Discussing it with Liam would only invite cruel mockery.

Liam studied her reactions like a scientist observing lab rats. "Not the real reason then," he mused. "You're eager to see Alexander. How transparent."

Olivia typed furiously. [What concern is it of yours who I visit?]

Liam's jaw tightened. "I'm your husband. Everything about you concerns me."

Her response was immediate and defiant. [In name only. We both want this farce ended. And for the record, there's nothing between Alexander and me, despite your twisted imagination.]

Liam's eyes darkened dangerously. He gestured to the jewelry. "Choose quickly if you want to leave. If I dislike your selections, we start over."

Olivia understood his game - he was stalling to prevent her meeting. No time to analyze his motives.

Select gifts for Evelyn? Hardly.

Instead, Olivia chose pieces that appealed to her own taste, making swift decisions on the tablet. Within minutes, she'd finished and handed it back.

Liam barely glanced at her selections before signaling a bodyguard to process the purchases.

They repeated this pattern at a shoe boutique and designer store, with Olivia consistently selecting items completely unlike Evelyn's style.

Liam showed no reaction, casually approving each extravagant purchase.

His behavior puzzled Olivia. Was this some elaborate mind game? It seemed juvenile.

When they finished, Liam didn't immediately leave. "How do I know you didn't just pick randomly? Try them on."

Olivia shook her head, typing rapidly. [No. This is a setup. If Evelyn sees me wearing these, you'll claim I stole them.]

Liam's laugh was cold. "Do you really think I'd waste my time on such pettiness?"

At his signal, bodyguards nudged Olivia and her shopping bags toward the dressing room.

Trapped, Olivia changed into each outfit under their watchful eyes.

When she finally emerged, a full-length mirror confronted her.

Olivia froze, startled by her reflection. The emerald green dress complemented her complexion perfectly, the gold jewelry adding just the right accent. The ensemble looked... stunning.

The realization unsettled her more than anything else that day.