Chapter 177

Olivia glanced down at her arms, wincing at the angry red mosquito bites covering her skin. She'd explicitly ordered the staff not to disturb her last night, yet morning had arrived without the expected visitor. The garden buzzed with servants going about their duties, their sidelong glances filled with poorly concealed pity.

Last evening, Olivia had made unreasonable demands - forcing off-duty staff to stay late preparing what she'd envisioned as a perfect romantic setting. Now, in the harsh morning light, her solitary vigil was obvious to everyone.

Their judgmental stares made her skin prickle. "Stop staring!" Olivia snapped, voice sharp as shattered glass. "Don't you have work to do?" The servants scattered, but their smirks lingered like poison in her veins.

Storming back toward the mansion, Olivia intended to confront Liam for answers. Yet as she neared his quarters, doubt crept in. Maybe he had a valid reason. Finding Sebastian absent from his post only fueled her frustration.

With no outlet, Olivia's rage erupted. She smashed several crystal decanters against the wall. Then inspiration struck - Natalie would make the perfect target for her fury.

Gathering servants like an avenging army, Olivia marched toward Natalie's room.

Natalie awoke to golden sunlight, momentarily disoriented. Then Liam stirred beside her, and last night's memories crashed over her like icy waves. Horror twisted her stomach - how had she fallen asleep so vulnerably next to him?

She tried rising, but Liam's arm pinned her down. As she debated how to wake him gently, rapid footsteps approached. The door shuddered under violent knocking.

"Olivia! Open this door immediately!" Evelyn's voice sliced through the wood, sharp with fury.

Natalie jabbed Liam urgently. He blinked sleepily before dismissing the disturbance and drifting off again.

Panic threatened until realization steadied her. Why was she panicking? They were still legally married, if only on paper. This wasn't some illicit affair.

Jaw set, Natalie typed a message and held her phone to Liam's ear. The robotic female voice grated: "Evelyn's here. Handle this or I will. Remember - my door cameras show you came here voluntarily last night."

Liam finally opened his eyes, annoyed. "So?" he drawled. "Why the drama?"

Natalie's expression darkened. "Your problems with her aren't mine. I won't be collateral damage."

Liam lazily texted someone while Natalie gritted her teeth, determined to end this farce.

Just as her hand touched the knob, Evelyn's tone changed abruptly. "Forget it. We're leaving." The footsteps retreated.

Natalie turned to find Liam already dressed, his expression icy. He brushed past her without a glance, last night's intimacy erased.

Alone, Natalie pieced things together. Clearly, Liam had fought with Evelyn and used her room to vent. She resolved to keep her door locked henceforth.

Bound by their arrangement, Natalie knew she'd be staying awhile. Her priorities were clear - protect her unborn child and her peace.

Then she remembered - today was Evelyn's birthday gala, and she'd promised to meet Isabella. Hurrying out, she found Isabella anxiously waiting.

"There you are!" Isabella rushed over, scanning Natalie head-to-toe. "I nearly called the police when you didn't answer!"

Natalie smiled reassuringly, gesturing about an unexpected delay. Together, they headed to the gala venue.

"Natalie!" A familiar voice called.

She turned to see her old friend Natalie Bennett rushing over, face alight. "I just got back from abroad! I've missed you so much!"

Delighted, Natalie asked about Natalie's brother Daniel.

Natalie's smile faltered. "He...got married recently. Quite wrapped up in his new wife."

Natalie blinked, then warmly congratulated him, though she'd send belated wedding gifts.

Natalie muttered, "He wouldn't like hearing that." Daniel had married under family pressure - a detail Natalie missed.

Checking her watch, Natalie linked arms with Natalie, heading inside.

"Olivia!" Daniel's voice stopped them. Arm-in-arm with his elegant but sharp-eyed wife, his greeting held complex emotions. "Long time."

Natalie typed quickly, showing her phone: "Wonderful to see you! Congratulations on your marriage!"