Chapter 196

William understood Liam's pointed glance and cleared his throat toward Alexander. "Dismiss the officers. Inform them there's no issue here. We'll be leaving now."

Alexander's anxiety spiked. "Grandfather, Olivia's injured like this. Aren't we going to act?"

William studied Olivia with remorse-laden concern. "It's not that we won't act. The timing isn't right. We'll discuss this later."

Olivia offered William a reassuring smile, silently conveying her trust in his judgment. William was no fool. Clearly, Liam had presented something advantageous to the Whitmore family—something William couldn't easily refuse. Or perhaps Liam had uncovered a threat against Alexander.

Involving the Whitmores in her troubles already weighed heavily on Olivia.

She tugged gently at Alexander's sleeve, soothing his simmering fury. With subtle gestures, she implied William must have his reasons and expressed her exhaustion from the day's chaos. Grateful for their defense, she suggested Alexander escort William for a medical checkup, noting his pallor.

Alexander fell silent under Olivia's insistence, swallowing further protests.

Before departing, he shot Evelyn a withering glare. Leaning close to Olivia, he murmured, "Evelyn's schemes have backfired twice now. She's desperate—watch your back."

Olivia smiled faintly, touched by his protectiveness.

As the Whitmores left with Olivia, Liam's gaze tracked them intently.

Beside him, Evelyn seethed. "Liam, why let her go so easily? Look what she did to me!" She thrust out her wrist, displaying faint red marks, voice thick with indignation.

Liam finally turned to her, patience fraying. "You caused this mess. I convinced them not to hold you accountable. What more do you want?"

Evelyn stiffened, tears welling theatrically. "I told you—this wasn't my fault! Olivia offended Julian, not me. People spread rumors at my event. What was I supposed to do?"

Liam's lips curled into a sneer as he dismantled her lies. "Nothing to do with you? Stop lying. I know you've been conspiring with Julian. I tolerated it as long as you kept things contained. Yet even now, you lie to my face?"

Evelyn's mask slipped momentarily, but she recovered swiftly. If Liam had intervened, it meant he still cared. Emboldened, she pivoted to vilify Olivia. "It's all Olivia's fault! She clung to you using her pregnancy as leverage. When you weren't around, she insulted me and accused me of meddling. I was furious, so I allied with Julian. I never expected him to frame Olivia and William like this. I only agreed to involve him."

Liam ignored her fresh lies, piercing her with a glacial stare. "Who told you about the pregnancy? I explicitly forbade the household from revealing it. How did you find out?"

A chill slithered down Evelyn's spine—she'd slipped.

She scrambled for an excuse. "I could tell by Olivia's appearance."

Though Liam's expression remained neutral, his eyes frosted over. "You've disappointed me. I trusted you, yet you conspired behind my back."

Abruptly, he seized her wrist. "Still lying. What's next? Plotting to kill me?"

Evelyn recoiled, pulse hammering. Liam was right—he'd always treated her well, yet her insecurities had driven her to betrayal.

She weighed her options. Revealing the truth wouldn't harm her. Melinda was expendable. Protecting her wasn't worth Liam's wrath.

With a shaky breath, Evelyn confessed. "It was Catherine. When you took Olivia out, I ran into her. She mentioned you kept Olivia close because she's pregnant. I assumed it was yours. Liam, I know you care for me, but if Olivia uses that child to reclaim you, what happens to me?"

Liam barely registered her words as dizziness crashed over him, the familiar headache spiking. The world warped grotesquely around him. Knowing Evelyn's treachery, her feigned concern now revolted him.

Shoving her aside, he staggered through the crowd, desperate to find Olivia.

But he'd been the one to push her away. Why would she return?

Meanwhile, Olivia settled into the car beside William.

As the engine purred to life, distant ambulance sirens pierced the air.

Olivia frowned, gaze drifting toward the sound.

William sighed softly. "You've always borne your burdens silently. I know about your situation with Liam."

Olivia startled, gesturing—Did Liam tell you?

William evaded the question. "I also stopped Alexander from interfering, thinking he could force a divorce for you. This is between you and your husband. Alexander shouldn't meddle."

Olivia nodded. When she'd first heard Isabella's plan, she'd objected subtly but relented to avoid humiliating Alexander.

William's guilt deepened seeing her vulnerability. "Don't worry. I owe Henry my life, and he owed you his. The Whitmores will always protect you. While I live, no one will harm you."

Tears pricked Olivia's eyes. She signed her gratitude, urging him to prioritize his health.

William smiled warmly. "I'm fine. I suspected my daughter's treachery and took precautions. The doctor says I'll recover with rest."

Relief washed over Olivia.

Elsewhere, Evelyn frantically arranged Liam's hospitalization. Turning, she spotted suited men approaching.

Realization struck—Liam's collapse was no accident.

When no one noticed, she slipped to the hotel's penthouse.

Storming inside, she hurled her bag down. "You promised those drugs wouldn't harm Liam!"

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