Chapter 181

Olivia Sinclair had nothing left to hide. Those painful chapters of her past were closed forever. She felt no lingering affection for Daniel and only wished Victoria would learn to trust her own husband. Though Daniel couldn't abandon Victoria immediately, his heart clearly wasn't in their marriage.

Love couldn't be manufactured. Even without Olivia's presence, Daniel's feelings for Victoria might never deepen—he could easily fall for someone else entirely.

Victoria struggled to form a rebuttal. Her lips twisted into a bitter smile as she snapped, "So you're saying my husband still pines for you, and I should just... forgive this betrayal?"

Olivia shook her head, fingers flying across her phone screen. "I'm saying you deserve better than clinging to a loveless marriage. Daniel needs to face this truth—and so do you."

Victoria's eyes narrowed. "Is that all?" she demanded sharply.

Olivia hesitated, then placed a protective hand over her abdomen with a faint smile. Her thumbs moved across the screen again. "Perhaps I've overstepped, but as a pregnant woman, I understand why you'd see me as a threat. If you and Daniel are truly meant to be, I sincerely hope you find happiness together."

Victoria's mouth pressed into a thin line. "Our time's up," she said icily, turning away.

Olivia stepped aside with a nod. Whether her words had any impact remained uncertain, but she'd spoken her truth. The choice to believe her now rested with Victoria.

Outside the hotel, Victoria scanned the bustling street. "He still hasn't come after me?" she muttered to herself.

She'd texted Daniel the moment she decided to leave—half hoping to provoke some reaction, some proof he cared.

Logically, Victoria knew her abrupt departure should have raised questions. The ideal scenario would have involved Daniel rushing out to demand an explanation. Even an argument would have been preferable to this... nothingness.

But Daniel remained utterly indifferent, as though they were mere acquaintances rather than spouses. The sharp sting of rejection caught Victoria off guard despite her bravado. Her fists clenched at her sides.

"Madam," her attendant whispered, "shall I call and say you've taken ill?"

Victoria straightened her shoulders. "Don't bother," she said frostily. "I won't beg for scraps of affection."

The attendant hesitated. "Perhaps an honest conversation—"

"Are you taking her side now?" Victoria cut in with a glare.

"Never!" The attendant shook her head vigorously. "But holding onto past pain only hurts you more."

Victoria exhaled sharply, lips trembling before she regained composure. "She made some fair points, I'll admit. But I've met enough wolves in sheep's clothing to know better than to trust appearances. Have you forgotten the rumors about her? That woman could win an Oscar."

She adjusted her gloves with finality. "Have the car brought around. You stay and watch Daniel. If he so much as glances in Olivia's direction, notify me immediately."

As Olivia made her way back through the lobby, a drunken man staggered into her path. She stumbled, barely catching herself as he crashed to the floor with a groan.

Instinctively, she reached to help him up, typing quickly on her phone: "Are you hurt?"

The middle-aged man squinted up at her. "I was walking just fine until you plowed into me," he slurred. "Now you're playing concerned citizen? Don't make me laugh!"

Olivia's brows drew together. She'd been the one wronged here, yet had extended courtesy. Clearly, it was wasted on this brute.

Turning away, she decided not to engage—until his bellow stopped her cold.

"Don't you walk away from me!"

A woman clutching a toddler came rushing over, positioning herself between them. "Darling, you're drunk," she pleaded, helping him up. "Let's just go home—"

The man backhanded her across the face without hesitation. The child's terrified wail split the air.

Olivia moved before she could think, shielding mother and child. Her fingers flew across her phone: "This is a celebration, not your personal punching bag. Touch her again, and security will remove you."

The drunkard sneered. "Call them then, sweetheart. I'm right here."

As Olivia reached for the emergency alert button, the man knocked her phone to the ground with a vicious swipe.

He advanced on her, reeking of alcohol and malice. Behind her, the cowering woman's terrified expression spoke volumes about the abuse she endured.

Olivia stood her ground, chin lifted defiantly.

"Playing hero?" The man's grin turned feral. "Let's see how brave you are when—"

A boot connected with his spine, sending him sprawling.

Liam Blackwood stepped forward without breaking stride, delivering a brutal right hook to the man's jaw. "You picked the wrong place to start trouble," he said, voice like winter frost.

The drunkard's bravado evaporated instantly. He cowered on the ground, clutching his bleeding mouth.

Olivia hadn't expected to see Liam again so soon—not after his abrupt departure earlier. Memories of last night flashed through her mind, making her pulse stutter.

But Liam didn't so much as glance her way, his aloof demeanor cutting deeper than any words. Perhaps last night had been nothing more than alcohol-fueled impulse. His intervention now likely stemmed from protecting Evelyn's event's reputation rather than any concern for her.

The realization settled like lead in her stomach.