Chapter 202

Liam couldn't shake the unsettling feeling that something wasn't adding up. Why had he suddenly appeared at Olivia's place without any memory of going there? The gaps in his recollection were growing more concerning by the day.

A cold dread crept down his spine. The forgotten events seemed trivial compared to the real danger - the mysterious medication causing more than just debilitating headaches. The terrifying possibility that it might be erasing his memories and compromising his need for control made his blood run cold.

"Sebastian!" Liam's voice cut through the silence like a whip.

Sebastian rushed in immediately, concern etched on his features. "Mr. Blackwood, is everything alright?"

Liam's expression was granite. "Exactly how much time have I lost?"

"At least seventy-two hours, sir," Sebastian answered carefully.

Liam's fist slammed against the railing, his knuckles turning white from the force. Taking a measured breath, he knew drastic changes were necessary.

"Bring Olivia back. Assign our best security detail to watch her every move. If the situation escalates, relocate her to an undisclosed location - somewhere even I can't find." Liam's voice was steel. "Contact the top neurological specialists worldwide. We're ending this medical mystery now."

Sebastian exhaled heavily. Liam had originally intended to play the long game. They'd been gathering evidence meticulously. Yet despite their efforts, the puppet master remained frustratingly out of reach.

Recognizing he'd lost control of the situation, Liam made his decisive move.

As Olivia stepped out of Whitmore Holdings after work, she immediately noticed the familiar black sedan in the parking lot, flanked by Liam's unmistakable security team.

The car idled quietly near Olivia, as if afraid she might overlook it and walk away. Drawing a steadying breath, she approached and rapped sharply on the tinted window.

The glass lowered to reveal Sebastian's apologetic face. "Mrs. Blackwood, please come with us."

Olivia inhaled deeply before pulling out her phone. "I believe Liam and I had an agreement about my independence. I've just settled into Whitmore Holdings, and with William's improving health, this is exactly when I should be establishing my own routine."

Sebastian cleared his throat formally. "The situation has changed. Mr. Blackwood insists you return to the estate. You'll have complete privacy - neither he nor Miss Hartley will be present. As for your movements, simply inform Mr. Blackwood of your plans in advance. Our staff will ensure your safety at all times."

Olivia's laugh was sharp with irony. "And how exactly is this different from being under constant surveillance?"

Unable to argue, Sebastian simply opened the car door. "Mrs. Blackwood, my hands are tied. Please understand my position."

Olivia considered her limited options. She'd made promises to Liam before. Clearly, he still viewed her as leverage against Alexander.

With the immediate Hayes family crisis resolved, Olivia reasoned that if her cooperation could prevent further trouble for them, she could tolerate Liam's demands a while longer. Without Evelyn around, at least the complications would be fewer.

With reluctant resignation, Olivia stepped into the vehicle.

At Blackwood Enterprises, Liam had just concluded a board meeting when he spotted Evelyn waiting by his office door.

She looked weary from waiting, but her face lit up at the sight of him.

"Liam, I've been trying to reach you all day! I'm exhausted. Can we go home now?" Evelyn asked with hopeful eyes.

Liam withdrew his arm from her grasp, his expression unreadable. "Not tonight. The company requires my full attention."

Evelyn's smile froze, then shattered. This cold detachment from Liam was new - and terrifying.

A wave of panic rising, she ventured carefully, "Liam... are you still angry about what happened with Olivia?"

For the first time, Liam turned fully to face her, his gaze glacial. "What do you think?"

Evelyn's voice trembled. "But you must understand - I love you. Everything I did was because of that love. If I didn't care, would I be so upset about another woman carrying your child?"

Suddenly, realization dawned on her. She stepped closer, voice tight. "You still have feelings for Olivia, don't you? That's the real reason you're so furious."

She searched Liam's face desperately for any reaction. Found nothing but impenetrable ice.

As Evelyn voiced her accusation, Liam merely smirked. "If that's your conclusion, we have nothing more to discuss. Since we clearly can't communicate effectively, perhaps separation would be best. Return to the Hartley estate. Don't contact me. Don't come to the Blackwood residence. I'll be staying at corporate headquarters."

Brushing past Evelyn, he walked away without a backward glance.

"Liam!" she cried desperately, moving to follow. Sebastian blocked her path.

Overcome with rage, Evelyn slapped Sebastian without thinking. "Get out of my way!"

The blow startled Sebastian, fury flashing in his eyes. But remembering his orders, he restrained himself.

"Miss Hartley, I understand your distress, but you're misinterpreting the situation," he said carefully.

Hatred burned in Evelyn's gaze as she hissed, "Then explain it to me! That scheming bitch Olivia - why won't she let go? Liam doesn't love her anymore! Can't she see that? Using her pregnancy to trap him - does she really think I'm powerless against her?"

The venom in her voice was palpable.

Sebastian felt a headache coming on. He guided her aside. "Miss Hartley, you should know - the child isn't Mr. Blackwood's."

"What?" Evelyn blinked, thrown off balance.

Sebastian continued, "The father is actually Alexander Hayes. Mr. Blackwood has been keeping Olivia close as insurance against the Hayes family. With all the corporate threats and his declining health, he saw no other option."

"The hospital staff and Catherine know the truth. I'm not sure why Catherine told you otherwise. Mr. Blackwood is upset because your lack of trust has wounded him deeply. I'm only sharing this confidential information because he authorized me to do so."