Chapter 182

Olivia knew Liam wouldn't tolerate anyone ruining Evelyn's birthday celebration. The man had clearly picked the worst possible person to provoke.

She turned her attention away from the confrontation, helping the trembling woman and her child stand up.

Then, shockingly, the man tried shifting blame. "Mr. Blackwood, this wasn't my fault. That woman approached me first. I told her to behave with dignity, but she ignored me and caused this scene. She's the problem here."

"Is that so?" Liam's piercing gaze swung toward Olivia.

Olivia didn't even glance his way, remaining focused on the distressed mother and child.

After steadying them, Olivia gave the woman a reassuring smile. Her fingers flew across her phone screen: "Take your child somewhere quiet to rest. We'll handle this."

The woman nodded gratefully but shook her head. "I can't leave. My husband may be flawed, but he's still my husband. Could you please watch my child for ten minutes? Here, take this as thanks." She pressed a jade bracelet into Olivia's hand.

Olivia's eyes widened in refusal, shaking her head vehemently.

"Please, miss. It's nothing valuable. Just promise you'll care for my baby," the woman begged.

Olivia typed rapidly: "I'll gladly watch your child, but I can't accept this. Helping costs me nothing. This gift is too much."

Their polite struggle nearly sent the bracelet tumbling to the floor. To prevent damage, Olivia reluctantly pocketed it, resolving to return it later.

The child's whimpers tugged at Olivia's heart. With her own pregnancy making her more sensitive, she felt overwhelming protectiveness.

She gently stroked the boy's hair, soothing him before leading him toward a private lounge.

Liam's mocking voice followed them. "Playing the saint now? Never took you for the charitable type."

Olivia froze, her expression turning glacial. She pointed out this was Evelyn's event and she was merely cleaning up their mess - they should be thanking her, not mocking.

Liam's laugh was razor-sharp. "Just warning you not to trust so easily." His icy stare at the child made the boy clutch Olivia tighter, sobs escalating.

Olivia shot Liam a venomous glare. How could he intimidate a child? She whisked the boy away without another word.

Liam refocused on the bruised man, his darkening gaze promising further interrogation.

A waiter rushed up. "Mr. Blackwood, Miss Hartley needs you urgently."

With a final glance at the restrained man and weeping woman, Liam ordered his guards, "Watch him," before striding off.

The lounge contained a television and computer. Hoping cartoons would distract the child, Olivia guided him inside.

The boy settled in a corner, his earlier distress replaced by eerie calmness.

Suspecting he worried about his parents, Olivia typed: "Adults can handle their problems. What cartoons do you like?"

Suddenly, the boy spun and flung water in Olivia's face.

Stunned, Olivia leapt up. The child now wore a chilling smile that didn't belong on a child's face.

Her vision blurred. Weakness flooded her limbs. Not low blood sugar - she'd been drugged.

As she staggered toward the door, the world tilted. The last thing she saw was the boy's sinister grin before darkness claimed her.

Meanwhile, Liam found Evelyn waiting impatiently. "You forgot my birthday gift," she pouted.

His lips quirked. "It's special. You'll get it tonight."

"Now," Evelyn insisted. "I want everyone to see how much you cherish me."

"Where then?" Liam indulged.

Evelyn pointed outside. "The garden. Let's gather everyone."

As guests flooded the garden, Liam discreetly texted Sebastian.

Natalie and Isabella noticed Olivia's absence, growing anxious.

Natalie moved to search, but Isabella stopped her. "Announcing Olivia's disappearance plays into Evelyn's hands. Do you really think Liam would side with Olivia?"

Grudgingly, Natalie agreed. "It's sickening watching Evelyn parade around like she owns Liam. Everyone ignores they're still married."

Isabella sighed. "We're powerless now. But Olivia's nearly free. Mr. Montgomery says Liam's been stalling the divorce. We're gathering evidence to force it through."