Chapter 201

Olivia barely caught the name Liam was murmuring when the door burst open.

Sebastian Montgomery rushed in, his breathing ragged. His gaze landed on Liam, unconscious on the bed, and a sharp pain lanced through his temples.

Relief flooded Olivia's veins at the sight of Sebastian.

She stepped aside quickly, pulling out her phone to type. "Something felt off about him. I can't explain it. Knowing Liam's condition had to stay private, I didn't call an ambulance."

Sebastian gave her an appreciative nod. "Ms. Sinclair, your quick thinking saved us today. Thank you. I'll take over from here."

As Sebastian took control, Olivia's fingers flew across her screen again. "Can you at least tell me what's wrong with Liam? Just the basics - is it serious?"

After a beat, she added, "I'm not prying. We're still technically married. It's only natural I'd care about his health."

Sebastian shifted uncomfortably. "I'd love to tell you, but this knowledge could put you in danger."

Olivia offered him a small, understanding smile. "It's alright. If it's classified, I won't press further."

With a heavy sigh, Sebastian motioned for the security team to move Liam out.

Just then, Liam's eyelids fluttered open.

The guards alerted Sebastian, who rushed over, relief evident on his face. "Mr. Blackwood, you're awake. How do you feel? Any pain? Headache?"

Liam's brow furrowed as he scanned the room, his dark eyes clouded with confusion. "What happened? Why am I here? Why am I wearing this?" His questions seemed directed at everyone, but his intense gaze remained locked on Olivia.

She met his stare, baffled by his sudden intensity.

Only Sebastian understood the reason behind Liam's odd behavior. He sighed inwardly.

The doctors had warned that prolonged exposure to the drugs without proper treatment might cause memory lapses or confusion.

Now it appeared Liam had forgotten why he'd come to see Olivia.

In a way, this was fortuitous.

Sebastian knew the child Olivia carried was Liam's, not Alexander's. Letting Liam believe otherwise might be the safest option for now. If the CEO himself was misled, others would follow suit.

Thinking quickly, Sebastian interjected, "Mr. Blackwood, you had a bit too much at Evelyn Hartley's birthday gala and had a minor accident. Let's get you out of here, and I'll brief you properly."

Liam nodded and stood.

Olivia studied him closely. The warmth she'd seen in his eyes moments ago had vanished. The vulnerable man from an hour before might as well have been a stranger.

As Liam's entourage moved toward the exit, they nearly collided with Alexander Hayes, who'd come to check on Olivia.

Dressed casually instead of his usual formal wear, Alexander carried a bag of fresh fruit. "Olivia, Grandfather mentioned you loved these. He sent me to check on you, so I picked some up on the way—" He broke off mid-sentence when he spotted Liam.

Liam stood there in his hospital gown, surrounded by his security team.

The sight made Alexander instantly tense. He stepped protectively in front of Olivia, his gaze sharpening. "What are you doing here?"

Liam's eyes flicked between Olivia and Alexander standing so close. A cold smile twisted his lips. Had he not shown up unexpectedly, they might have been enjoying a cozy domestic moment right now.

The thought sent a surge of anger through him. "Mr. Hayes, that's an interesting question. I'm visiting my wife. You make it sound like I'm trespassing. Shouldn't I be asking you that?"

Alexander's hands clenched into fists. "Liam, remember what you did to Olivia. If you're set on being with Evelyn, then sign the divorce papers and let her go. Why keep her trapped in this misery?"

Liam remained unruffled. "Alexander, has your grandfather's advice slipped your mind?"

Alexander's expression shifted subtly.

Just days ago, William Hayes had summoned him to the study with one request: stay out of Liam and Olivia's marital affairs. While he could support Olivia, meddling in their personal matters was forbidden.

When Alexander protested, citing concern for Olivia's wellbeing, William's response had been cutting. "You know exactly why you're interfering. I won't have another Hayes family scandal. Olivia can make her own decisions - respect that."

The memory still stung.

Alexander lowered his hands and set the fruit aside. "Grandfather would like to see you more often. Perhaps you could join him for dinner when you're free."

Olivia smiled and nodded, promising to visit William soon.

Alexander turned back to Liam. "Mr. Blackwood, since you're leaving, mind if I walk out with you? We can talk on the way."

Liam didn't refuse, gesturing for Alexander to lead.

Once they'd gone, the previously bustling apartment fell silent.

Olivia retreated to her bedroom, closing the door behind her. She replayed Liam's strange behavior until her thoughts became too tangled.

Nothing made sense. The Liam from before the attack seemed like a completely different person. She'd never seen him so vulnerable. A nagging suspicion told her something wasn't right.

Closing her eyes, she heard Liam's voice again, asking about her baby's father. His admission of past mistakes. His desire to make things right.

The more she tried to piece it together, the more confused she became. With a soft exhale, she chalked it up to exhaustion and stress.

Meanwhile, Liam underwent a full medical workup at Mercy Hospital. Once cleared, Sebastian handled his discharge.

Liam studied his wristwatch, deep in thought. Though Sebastian had debriefed him and everything seemed in order, something felt... off.