Chapter 207

The moment Richard Winslow left, a woman dressed in nurse's scrubs slipped into the stairwell. She approached the man with practiced deference. "Mr. Blackwood, everything is prepared."

Victor Blackwood gave a curt nod. "I never trusted Richard to handle anything competently. If not for needing him to infiltrate the Blackwood family, I wouldn't have associated with such mediocrity."

The woman smirked. "Richard still struts around giving orders like he's in charge. Does he truly believe anyone would follow a man like him? Mr. Blackwood, your intellect eclipses even Liam's. Why should someone of your caliber remain in the shadows? The injustices you've endured are unforgivable."

Victor's lips curved into a smile that didn't reach his cold eyes. "Precisely. Why? We're all heirs to the Blackwood legacy. Does my birth status make me unworthy? The humiliations Margaret inflicted upon my mother and me will never be forgotten. Having clawed my way this far, I intend to claim everything that's rightfully mine."

His scarred hand lifted to caress the woman's cheek tenderly. "You had a brilliant medical career ahead of you. Do you regret throwing it away for me?"

The woman gazed at him with unwavering devotion, seemingly oblivious to the severe disfigurement marring half his face. "Every sacrifice is worth it when I'm with you. In this entire world, only we truly understand each other."

A shadow crossed Victor's expression. "Once I secure everything, I'll make you my wife. For now, focus on perfecting the drug. Liam won't go down easily. The last batch showed some effect, but he's still too... resilient. If direct confrontation proves difficult, target the woman he cherishes most. She's our leverage."

"Understood." The woman traced his fingers with her own. "I'm with you until the end."

A sharp knock at the door shattered their moment.

Victor immediately pushed her aside. "We have company."

The door swung open to reveal Catherine Winslow.

The female doctor eyed Catherine with a mixture of disdain and wariness.

Victor cleared his throat. "Leave us."

After a lingering glance, the woman exited, closing the door softly behind her.

Catherine crossed her arms. "Next time, don't exclude me from your discussions. You wouldn't have connected with Richard without my help. When our plans succeed, remember who paved your way."

Victor's smile didn't reach his eyes. "Your contributions won't be forgotten."

"Don't patronize me." Catherine's voice turned icy. "If Richard weren't such a despicable man, I'd have divorced him years ago."

After catching Richard's infidelity, he'd only grown bolder, even bringing mistresses into their home. When Catherine confronted Margaret, the older woman had scoffed, "Why bother me? You're the one who failed to produce a son. No wonder my son seeks companionship elsewhere."

Catherine's divorce demands were met with Richard's ultimatum: leave without a cent since she'd borne no male heir. With her family's support waning, Catherine realized her survival depended on outside alliances.

Many were plotting against Liam. If he fell, Richard would inherit the Blackwood fortune. This needed to happen before Richard's mistresses bore children. Catherine planned to use this as leverage to claim half the family assets in her divorce.

Her unlikely ally? A long-forgotten illegitimate Blackwood heir. United by shared grievances, they formed an uneasy pact.

Though Victor's appearance repulsed her, Catherine would endure anything to achieve her goals. The fates of Richard and Margaret meant nothing to her.

"I didn't come to discuss that." Catherine's voice dropped as her expression darkened. "I conspired with a doctor to deceive Liam. The child Olivia carries is his. He remains unaware. I don't know why Liam keeps Olivia close, but given time, he'll discover the truth. If Liam has an heir, our plans become infinitely more complicated."

Her gaze locked onto Victor.

After a weighted silence, Victor chuckled darkly. "You want me to handle it?"

Catherine's tone turned glacial. "Even if Liam discovers my deception, he'll merely reprimand me. I can flee overseas with my daughter. But for you... the consequences would be far more severe."

Victor maintained his smile though his eyes turned arctic. He knew Catherine's warning held truth. Once Liam uncovered their schemes, controlling the situation would become impossible.

"Simple. We'll arrange an 'accident.' For someone as active as Olivia, mishaps are hardly unexpected."

Relief washed over Catherine's features. "Then I'll await your success."

Tomorrow marked the anniversary of Henry Winslow's death. The thought sent a pang through Olivia. In previous years, she and Liam had always visited the gravesite together to pay respects.

Lost in thought, Olivia eventually made her way to Liam's study and knocked.

Liam, usually at Blackwood Enterprises, was home today.

Olivia believed maintaining their tradition was important. Her intentions were pure—Henry had been a revered figure for them both.

Hearing no response, Olivia gently pushed the door open.

Her gaze swept the room before landing on Liam asleep on the study's single bed, still dressed in his now-wrinkled suit. One arm was flung over his eyes, the very picture of exhaustion.