Chapter 204

"On your knees," Margaret commanded sharply as they entered the dimly lit room.

The matriarch of the Winslow family settled gracefully into an armchair, crossing her legs with deliberate arrogance as she stared down at Olivia with undisguised contempt.

Olivia's jaw clenched, her body refusing to submit.

"Do you require a demonstration of proper etiquette, or shall I have someone assist you?" Margaret's voice dripped with mockery as she examined her manicured nails.

Standing tall, Olivia met the older woman's gaze with equal frostiness. Her hands moved in sharp, deliberate signs. "I won't kneel. Whatever grievance you have today, remember we're bound by law now."

Margaret's lips twisted into a cruel smile. "You stubbornly refuse to divorce Liam, which means you remain my daughter-in-law. That gives me every right to discipline you. Tell me, which law does that violate?"

With a careless flick of her wrist, Margaret signaled her guards.

A towering security officer immediately stepped forward, forcing Olivia to her knees with brutal efficiency. The sharp impact of bone against marble drew a pained gasp from Olivia's lips.

Margaret observed the scene with detached amusement, convinced Olivia was exaggerating her discomfort.

"How fragile you've become," Margaret sneered. "Does pregnancy suddenly make you think you're above following orders?"

Olivia's face paled visibly. Her hands trembled as realization dawned - they knew about the baby.

Memories of her first pregnancy came flooding back.

When Margaret had discovered Olivia's previous pregnancy, she'd demanded an immediate termination, claiming someone of Olivia's background couldn't possibly produce a healthy Winslow heir.

But this time was different. This child was everything to Olivia.

Overcome with desperation, Olivia's hands flew in frantic signs. She promised to leave Liam, to take the child far away, to sign any document Margaret required. She'd accept any punishment if she ever broke her word.

"Still performing?" Margaret's voice turned venomous. "That bastard you're carrying isn't even Liam's. We both know who the real father is."

A bitter smile touched Olivia's lips at the blatant lie. Margaret would say anything to destroy her own grandchild.

Protectively cradling her stomach, Olivia silently vowed to shield her baby at all costs.

Margaret continued coldly, "Everything's arranged at Mercy Hospital. The procedure happens tonight. Tomorrow you'll sign divorce papers. The day after, I'll put you on a plane to anywhere you choose - with one condition. You never return to this city."

Olivia's nails dug into her palms. Who gave them the right to control her life? To dictate her future?

Seeing Olivia's defiant expression, Margaret scoffed. "Don't look at me like that. The Winslows have supported you for years. This is the least you can do in return. Remember, only Henry ever wanted you in this family. The rest of us tolerated you as an outsider. Stop playing the victim."

Turning to her security team, Margaret ordered, "Get moving. I want confirmation of the procedure's completion by nine tonight. If she resists, use whatever force necessary - just keep her breathing."

As the bodyguards advanced, Olivia fought like a wildcat, but their grip was unbreakable. Tears of helpless rage streaked her face as they dragged her toward the door.

Then suddenly, the guards froze.

"Mr. Blackwood," they acknowledged respectfully.

Hope flared in Olivia's chest as Liam strode into the room. But it died just as quickly when he walked right past her without a glance.

"Put her in the car," Liam said tonelessly. "I need to speak with my mother."

Olivia's struggles intensified. Was this all Liam's doing? Had he sent Margaret to do his dirty work?

The betrayal cut deep. They'd made a promise about the baby. Now she saw him for the liar he was, hot tears burning down her cheeks.

Meanwhile, Margaret massaged her temples wearily. "What's this about? Weren't you supposed to be having dinner with Evelyn tonight?"

Liam's jaw tightened. "I should be asking you the same question. What are you doing here?"

Margaret lifted her chin defiantly. "A mother can't visit her son? If I hadn't been tipped off, I wouldn't have known about this madness. What's your plan? Keep Olivia close until she delivers, then raise another man's child as your own?"

"The baby is Alexander's," Liam snapped. "I have no interest in raising Hayes' bastard."

Margaret saw through him instantly. "It doesn't matter whose child it is. It's your intentions that concern me. If she'd truly betrayed you, you'd have discarded her already. You can't let her go, can you?"

With a violent crash, Liam shattered a vase against the wall. "Don't you dare speak about her that way!"

Margaret rose, disappointment etching her features. "Look at you. Defying your own mother for a woman. After everything I've done for you."

Liam's gaze turned glacial. "Grandfather was the one who raised me. You only taught me cruelty and deception in your pursuit of power. I refuse to become you."

The venom in his voice made Margaret recoil.

"Liam, what's happened to you?" she asked, genuinely shaken. "You've always obeyed me. Is Olivia really worth this?"

Rubbing his temples, Liam exhaled sharply. "Don't rewrite history. You know exactly why things are this way. Olivia's safety isn't negotiable. That's my final word. If you can't accept that, then perhaps you shouldn't consider yourself my mother anymore."

Margaret gasped, hand flying to her mouth. "You'd disown your own mother for that woman?"

"Sebastian," Liam called coldly. "Escort them out."

Margaret's eyes hardened. "You'll regret this, Liam."