Chapter 208

Olivia rarely saw Liam in such a state. The man who always carried himself with icy elegance now appeared utterly drained.

Though she told herself not to care, her hands moved instinctively when she saw him slumped over his desk.

Spotting a cashmere throw on the nearby sofa, Olivia draped it carefully over Liam's shoulders.

Her fingers barely brushed his jacket when an iron grip seized her wrist.

Olivia gasped as she met piercing blue eyes that burned with unexpected intensity.

Liam blinked in recognition before releasing her. "What are you doing here?" His voice sounded raw.

Rubbing her wrist, Olivia reached for her phone. [Evelyn isn't available. You seemed unwell. Should I call her?]

A bitter smile twisted Liam's lips. "How thoughtful of my wife to arrange meetings with my mistress. When did you become so accommodating?"

Olivia ignored the barb, attributing it to his exhaustion.

She moved to an armchair and sat with perfect posture, her expression carefully blank.

Liam's tone softened. "What is it?"

Olivia typed quickly. [Tomorrow is Henry's anniversary. We should visit as usual.]

Liam studied her face but remained silent.

[If you'd prefer to go separately, I understand,] she added.

Rubbing his temples, Liam sighed. "I can't go tomorrow. Make whatever arrangements you need with Sebastian. I need to rest."

Olivia stood reluctantly. At the door, she hesitated. [You've never missed this before. Why this year?]

Liam's gaze didn't waver. "Evelyn has an awards ceremony."

Olivia's chest tightened. She wanted to scream - was some trophy presentation more important than honoring his grandfather?

But she swallowed the words. Liam's choices were no longer her concern. She only hoped he wouldn't regret them.

The disappointment in Olivia's eyes didn't escape Liam. As she walked away, he opened his mouth, then closed it. The moment for explanations had passed. She probably thought him heartless.

With a humorless chuckle, Liam called Sebastian.

"Tell Evelyn an urgent meeting came up. I'll make dinner tomorrow night, but can't attend her ceremony." He paused. "And Sebastian? Don't mention the cemetery visit. I need time alone."

Sebastian sounded surprised. "Your wife already said she expected to go alone. She only needed logistical help."

"Just handle it," Liam snapped, his headache worsening.

"Of course, Mr. Blackwood. Though the forecast predicts heavy rain tomorrow. Perhaps postpone? The mountain roads become dangerous when wet. I've warned your wife."

Liam's grip tightened on the phone. "What did she say?"

"She insists on going. Promises to make it quick."

A long silence. "Ensure her safety."

The next morning, Olivia left early to beat the storm.

But the rain arrived ahead of schedule.

As her car climbed the winding road, fat drops began splattering the windshield. The private cemetery Liam had chosen for Henry sat isolated on this remote mountainside.

Olivia watched the rain streak the glass. Soon, she might be the only one visiting Henry's grave. The thought twisted her heart. If something happened to her, who would remember him?

"Madam," the driver cautioned as she stepped out, "the storm will worsen. Please hurry."

Olivia nodded, typing: [I won't be long.]

Umbrella in hand, she walked into the downpour.

As she neared the grave, a figure in black caught her attention. The man stood unnaturally still, clearly not a mourner. Who besides family would visit Henry's resting place?

Distracted, Olivia slipped on the wet grass.

Strong arms caught her before she fell, as if the stranger had anticipated her misstep.

[Thank you,] Olivia typed, breathless.

"You're welcome," came the calm reply.

When Olivia looked up, she couldn't hide her shock. The right side of the man's face bore terrible scarring.

Noticing her reaction, Olivia quickly averted her gaze.

Victor only smiled. "Don't apologize. Everyone reacts that way at first."

Feeling ashamed, Olivia typed: [Outer appearances mean nothing. Your kindness speaks volumes.]

Victor's smile deepened, his good eye glinting strangely. "You're too kind."

Curiosity overcame Olivia. Though the unscarred side of his face looked vaguely familiar, she couldn't place him.

"I'm Victor Blackwood," he said smoothly. "A... distant relative. It's natural you wouldn't recognize me."

Olivia's fingers flew across her phone. [From the other branch of the family?]

Victor's smile didn't reach his eyes as the rain fell harder around them.