Chapter 205

Margaret Winslow was forcibly escorted out by Sebastian Montgomery and his security team.

At the entrance, Olivia Sinclair spotted her bodyguards—the ones she had sent to retrieve Richard Winslow—standing battered and bruised. Liam Blackwood had made his position crystal clear.

Margaret trembled with fury. "What is Liam thinking? Attacking my men?"

Sebastian maintained a polite yet icy tone. "Madam, you must understand. Mr. Blackwood has been under immense pressure lately. Exhaustion has made him short-tempered. It would be best if you refrained from visiting. His displeasure could easily become yours."

Margaret's rage flared. "I am his mother. Am I to be banned from my own son's home? Is that scheming Olivia turning him against me? I always knew she was bad luck. She's poisoned his mind."

Sebastian's smile thinned. "By the way, Mr. Blackwood asked me to relay a message. If you continue to harass his wife or harm her again, he expects you to return the heirlooms you took from her."

Margaret's anger flickered, though her jaw remained clenched. "What nonsense is this? Those belong to the Blackwood family. Olivia is an outsider. She has no right to them!"

Sebastian cleared his throat. "Those were specifically bequeathed to her by Mr. Henry Winslow in his will, legally witnessed. She never intended them to stay with you permanently. It was merely a temporary arrangement. She retains the right to reclaim them at any time."

Margaret was on the verge of losing her composure. "Everything I've done has been for the Blackwood family—especially for Liam. Will he truly not regret treating me this way?"

Sebastian suppressed a sarcastic retort. "Madam, these aren't Mr. Blackwood's exact words, but as his assistant, I must speak on his behalf. You always favored Richard as the heir. Yet, it was Mr. Henry Winslow who chose Liam as his successor, and you had no choice but to accept. You took valuables from Liam's wife, yet not a single penny went to him. Isn't it hypocritical to claim now that it was all for his benefit?"

He held back sharper words. The disparity in how Margaret treated her sons had always been obvious.

Conventional wisdom said mothers favored their youngest, but Margaret was an exception.

Perhaps her strained relationship with Liam stemmed from complications during his birth, or perhaps deeper reasons were at play.

One thing was certain—Margaret had never genuinely warmed to him.

Raised primarily by Henry, Liam's bond with his mother had only grown colder over time.

Her interest in him seemed purely transactional—his talent and position as heir made him useful.

Richard and Catherine Winslow's wedding had been a lavish affair, despite Margaret's reservations about Catherine. Still, she attended, signaling her approval.

In stark contrast, Olivia and Liam had skipped a formal ceremony entirely, earning nothing but disdain from Margaret.

Outwardly, she blamed Olivia, but everyone knew her resentment ran deeper.

At a loss, Margaret finally spat out, "Liam had better not regret this. I'm still his mother. His actions have truly disappointed me."

With that, she stormed off.

Sebastian only turned back once she was gone.

Inside her car, Margaret muttered under her breath, "An ungrateful son, cutting ties with his own mother over a woman. I should have never given birth to him."

The butler, attempting to soothe her, ventured carefully, "Madam, Mr. Blackwood is simply being immature. He doesn't understand your sacrifices."

"Forget it." Margaret exhaled sharply. "I can't rely on him. He has no patience—not for me, and certainly not for Richard. Given his attitude, I need to reconsider my options."

Glancing out the window, the butler lowered his voice. "Madam, Richard has been by your side since childhood. His loyalty is unwavering. Perhaps it's time to make a decision. If necessary, sever ties with Liam and let Richard take over. Your future would be more secure. From what I've heard, Liam is currently overwhelmed—health issues, business troubles. This might be the perfect opportunity."

Margaret rubbed her temples, hesitating. "But Liam has a gift for making money. Let's delay any decisions for now. I don't want to burden Richard too soon."

"Very well," the butler replied, though his tone carried resignation. He gave her a meaningful look before stepping out at her request.

Meanwhile, Olivia sat trapped in Liam's car, oblivious to the confrontation outside. Anxiety gnawed at her as she waited.

When the door finally opened, she flinched. Seeing Sebastian did little to calm her.

Tears streamed down Olivia's face as she typed frantically on her phone. "Liam promised! He swore he wouldn't harm my baby. I've done everything he asked without complaint. Why is he doing this?"

Sebastian softened at her distress. "Madam, please, calm down. You're pregnant. Mr. Blackwood means no harm. This was all for his mother's benefit."

Olivia remembered Liam's icy glare and shuddered. She shook her head vehemently. "I don't trust him—or you. I need to leave."

Sebastian hesitated. "Madam, I assure you, we would never endanger your child. Mr. Blackwood is dealing with his own struggles. One day, you'll understand."

In the past, Olivia might have relented, trying to see things from Liam's perspective.

But not anymore. She had learned to prioritize herself.

Determination flashed in her eyes as she demanded a lawyer. She wanted a divorce—she refused to stay, no matter Liam's reasons.

Sebastian was taken aback but realized Olivia's ignorance of Liam's circumstances justified her fear.

After repeated assurances, Olivia finally relaxed slightly as they returned to Liam's villa.

Inside, Liam sat at the dining table, eating as if nothing had happened.

When their eyes met, Olivia offered only a cold, dismissive glance before looking away.