Chapter 174

Margaret Winslow kept her tone measured, though her eyes remained icy. "But now Liam's relationship with Olivia is strained, and he still treats me poorly."

Evelyn Hartley was quick to shift blame. "Such deep-seated resentment doesn't disappear overnight. But don't worry. Liam and I have grown close recently. He values my opinion. I'll speak with him, and he'll apologize to you."

As Evelyn spoke, Margaret's expression softened. She grasped Evelyn's hand, her smile radiating satisfaction. "You know, I've always considered you the ideal daughter-in-law. Not only are you stunning, but you're also brilliant—far superior to that mute woman."

A delicate blush colored Evelyn's cheeks. "Liam and I aren't even engaged yet."

Margaret waved dismissively. "I can't fathom what tricks that silent woman has used to prevent Liam from divorcing her. But ultimately, I'm his mother, and I'll resolve this. Evelyn, stay close to Liam. Once I handle this matter, I'm planning your wedding for next month."

Evelyn's face lit up with joy, her hand flying to cover her gasp. "That's wonderful, Margaret! Thank you!"

Margaret chuckled softly. "No need for formalities—we'll be family soon."

Nearby, Catherine Winslow burned with jealousy as she witnessed their intimate exchange.

Richard Winslow's expression darkened abruptly before he stood up violently.

His sudden movement startled Catherine.

Fortunately, Margaret hadn't noticed Richard. Catherine hurried after him.

"What are you doing? Trying to humiliate us?" Catherine hissed in displeasure.

Richard was seething. "Still worried about your pathetic reputation? You've been scheming to pair Evelyn with Liam, haven't you?"

Catherine looked genuinely confused. "What if I have? Removing Olivia benefits us. Don't forget, before Henry passed, he left substantial assets to Olivia. Though your mother seized some, others remain with her. Once she's gone, those assets rightfully return to the Blackwood family—to us."

Richard's fury intensified. He paced like a caged animal, his agitation palpable, leaving Catherine speechless.

Finally, Richard stopped directly before Catherine, jabbing a finger at her face. "Can't you see beyond your petty concerns? Henry always favored Liam. But he knew leaving everything to Liam would cause chaos. So he set one condition—the heir to the Blackwood fortune would be whoever gives him his first grandson."

"Previously, Liam and Olivia's relationship was unstable. After forcing Olivia to abort, my mother claimed she couldn't conceive again. Though you've been useless and only produced a daughter, it bought me time to strategize. But now you rush to divorce Liam from Olivia and push him toward Evelyn? They're both young and healthy—what happens when they start having children? You idiot!"

Richard's shouts echoed in Catherine's skull, making her dizzy. Her knees gave way, nearly collapsing.

Richard looked at her with utter contempt. "Don't you dare touch my mistress, especially now that she's carrying my child. You've been nothing but dead weight, always creating problems. Push me too far, and I'll replace you."

With that final threat, Richard stormed away, his rage trailing behind him.

Catherine crumpled to the floor, tears streaming. She wondered if this was some cruel cosmic joke.

So this rule had existed all along. Yet Catherine had remained oblivious for years. Clearly, Richard and Margaret had been planning this backup strategy since learning of her infertility after their daughter's birth.

Richard had likely been cheating for years.

This realization hardened Catherine's resolve. Olivia and Liam could never reconcile. Unknown to Richard, Olivia was pregnant. And if it was a boy...

Catherine shuddered, refusing to complete the thought.

After finding herself locked in the room, Olivia video-called Isabella Rossi.

Isabella was livid. "Liam's lost his mind! He can't distinguish truth from lies anymore. He actually believes Evelyn's ridiculous claim that you attacked her. Can you believe it?"

Olivia remained composed, gesturing that the truth no longer mattered.

Isabella grew more concerned. "Is he planning to keep you imprisoned there? Should I call the police?"

Olivia gave a soft laugh, reminding Isabella of Evelyn's insistence on her presence at the birthday party. If Olivia didn't appear, Evelyn would have no one to torment.

Olivia reassured her that even if Liam didn't release her, Evelyn's anxiety would likely force her to ensure Olivia attended the party.

Olivia was absolutely right.

At that moment, Evelyn stood outside Liam's study holding a soup tray. She whispered, "Liam, still working? May I come in?"

Silence.

Evelyn's tone turned pleading. "I just need to discuss a few things, then I'll leave. Unless...you think I talk too much?"

Finally, the door opened. Liam appeared in a crisp shirt and relaxed trousers—simple yet radiating aristocratic elegance.

His glacial gaze briefly met Evelyn's, sending shivers down her spine.

"Liam..." A blush colored Evelyn's cheeks. "I'm worried you're overworking. Besides, tomorrow's my birthday party. I wanted to talk."

Liam stepped aside to let her enter.

Once inside, Evelyn set down the tray and immediately threw herself against Liam, clinging to his lean waist, inhaling his distinctive scent. Her heart raced—he felt like hers.

Unseen by her, profound disgust flickered across Liam's face.

Liam subtly retreated, avoiding contact.

Evelyn noticed his withdrawal, studying him with wounded eyes. "Liam, are you upset with me? Why won't you hold me?"

A cold smile touched Liam's lips. "Just exhausted lately. Not in the mood."

He calmly extricated himself from her grasp.

Undeterred, Evelyn hesitated before saying, "There's something I wanted to ask. Despite Olivia's behavior today...I feel sorry for her. Would you mind if I invited her to my party tomorrow?"

Liam settled into his chair, eyes fixed on his computer screen, voice detached. "Why invite her? To ruin your celebration? If you don't want to see her, ignore her. Don't worry about her causing scenes—I'll have her monitored."

Evelyn's smile widened as she draped her arms around his neck. "You always take such good care of me, anticipating everything."

Liam responded with a soft chuckle.