Chapter 209

Victor Blackwood stood frozen for a heartbeat before his piercing gaze locked onto Olivia Sinclair.

Though he remained silent and motionless, Olivia felt an icy sweat break out across her skin under his intense scrutiny.

"Something wrong? Don't I remind you of anyone from the Blackwood family?" Victor's voice was deceptively calm as he stepped closer.

Olivia met his stare. She blinked, uncertain if her mind was playing tricks - she suddenly saw a startling resemblance to Liam in his features. The likeness would have been even more pronounced if not for the scars marring half of Victor's face.

Thinking she'd accidentally offended him, Olivia hastily typed out an explanation. "Though I've been with the Blackwoods since childhood, I mostly stayed with Henry and rarely socialized. I don't know much about you. My apologies if I've caused offense."

But Victor's smile twisted strangely. "No need. It's understandable. After all, I'm just the hidden bastard son. My existence is an embarrassment, unwelcome in the grand halls of the Blackwood estate."

Olivia's eyes widened in shock. A secret illegitimate child? Since when did the Blackwoods have one?

Victor watched her reaction with dark amusement. "Surprised, Olivia? Your husband Liam has known about me for years. Yet he's always looked down on me. Technically, you're my sister-in-law." He leaned closer. "I know you're having... difficulties with Liam right now. Why not work together? Give me what I need, and I'll help you settle scores with Liam and Evelyn. What do you say?"

With each word, Olivia's unease grew. She instinctively stepped back, putting distance between them. Everything about Victor screamed danger.

A chill had run down her spine the moment she'd first seen him.

Earlier confusion suddenly crystallized into terrifying clarity.

Shaking her head, Olivia typed firmly: "There's no bad blood between Liam and me. You've mistaken me for someone else."

She turned to leave.

But before she could take three steps, Victor seized her wrist. "Oh, you're exactly who I've been searching for. And you're not going anywhere."

His words sent ice through her veins. She turned back to see a sinister grin spreading across his scarred face.

By the time Liam reached the mountain's base, the rain had intensified into a pounding deluge.

Worry for Olivia gnawed at him, making his pulse race. If Richard hadn't unexpectedly cornered him this morning to discuss Margaret's situation, he wouldn't have been delayed. Now he had no idea what danger Olivia might be facing.

Even though this was Blackwood property, Liam's anxiety spiked with every moment Olivia remained out of sight.

The car jerked to an abrupt stop.

Sebastian, their driver, leapt into the downpour to assess the road ahead.

Five minutes later, he returned with a troubled expression. "Unfamiliar vehicles blocking the path ahead. Definitely not Blackwood cars," he reported.

Liam's scowl deepened. "Not ours? What's happening? I made it clear all visitors needed prior approval."

Equally confused, Sebastian said, "I'll contact the owners to move them immediately."

Impatience burning through him, Liam threw open the car door to continue on foot.

Still on the phone, Sebastian grew alarmed. "Mr. Blackwood, please! The doctors stressed you must conserve your strength before surgery."

Liam's voice turned glacial. "Can't you see this is no coincidence, Sebastian?"

Sebastian fell silent.

The timing was too perfect.

With Henry's death anniversary approaching, Liam had noticed increasing surveillance on his movements.

That's why he'd sent extra guards with Olivia instead of accompanying her himself. Guards who had mysteriously vanished.

As Liam pushed forward, another blocked road confirmed his suspicions. Who would dare this on Blackwood land?

Suddenly, realization struck Sebastian. His face paled.

Liam's lips curled into a mirthless smile. "Richard. I always knew he envied my position, but I never thought he'd go this far. Olivia's innocent in this. My fault for not seeing his hand sooner."

Yet even as suspicion pointed to Richard, unease prickled Liam's neck.

Richard was ambitious but lacked the sophistication for this. Someone far more cunning was pulling strings behind the scenes.

Dread rising, Liam shook off Sebastian's restraining hand. "I'm going up that mountain now. Olivia's in danger."

Reluctantly, Sebastian followed.

The strategically placed vehicles confirmed this was a deliberate obstruction. Normally, security patrols would be everywhere on Blackwood land. Their absence suggested they'd been neutralized.

The realization made Liam's blood run cold.

Meanwhile, Olivia slowly regained consciousness in a rustic cabin, the crackling fire the only sound. Her eyelids felt leaden as she struggled to open them, her body weak and disoriented.

Memories slipped through her fingers like smoke.

"Awake?" A male voice startled her.

Olivia's gaze focused on Victor's menacing face, and everything came rushing back.

After his shocking revelation, Victor had attacked. Despite her struggles, he'd overpowered her and brought her here.

Terror gripped Olivia as realization dawned. Her hands instinctively cradled her stomach.

Victor's gaze dropped to her abdomen, his smile unsettling. "Don't fear. I know about the baby. I won't harm you. Stay calm."

His gentle tone only heightened her dread.