Chapter 210

Olivia clenched her jaw, the exhaustion weighing heavy in her limbs. Yet she noted with surprise that Victor hadn't restrained her. Her phone lay untouched within reach.

Victor lounged casually in his chair, radiating smug assurance that escape was impossible for her.

Olivia dismissed any thought of calling authorities. The cold calculation in Victor's eyes told her any cry for help would be pointless.

Her fingers flew across the screen. "What do you want? Why target me and my baby?"

Victor's lips curled as he read the message. He shifted closer, the couch dipping under his weight.

Olivia's breath hitched when his thigh brushed against hers.

"Didn't I say?" Victor's hand landed on her shoulder, making her skin crawl. "You're family now. Why would I hurt my dear sister-in-law?"

Olivia dug her nails into her palm, the sharp pain grounding her. She typed with trembling fingers. "Get to the point."

Victor's fingers traced her jawline.

"My brothers live like kings with their perfect wives." His breath smelled of mint and something darker. "A mute with fire in her eyes - we're two of a kind, you and I. Join me. Together we'll make them pay."

Olivia recoiled. The Winslows had raised her. Even after everything, she owed them that much.

Shirley and Catherine had crossed lines, but vengeance wasn't in Olivia's nature. Everyone walked their own path. If they came for her after she left, she'd defend herself - but she wouldn't hunt them.

Her head shook in firm refusal.

Victor's pleasant mask shattered. "After everything they've done?" He slammed his fist on the table. "No wonder they walk all over you. Pathetic."

Olivia's fingers moved with determination. "My choices are mine. If you won't harm me, let me go. Using me against Liam won't work - I mean nothing to him."

Victor's gaze dropped to her swollen belly. "Maybe. But that child carries Blackwood blood. When I end Liam, do you think I'll let his spawn live?"

Olivia's throat closed. Her fingers became a blur on the screen. "Liam doesn't want this baby! The child is innocent! Kill us both and Evelyn will just give him more heirs. Your quarrel isn't with me. I'll disappear - take the baby overseas forever if that's what it takes."

The door burst open.

A woman in a lab coat strode in. Miranda Graves' beauty couldn't mask the cruelty in her ice-chip eyes. Her stare made Olivia's skin prickle.

Seeing Victor so close to Olivia, Miranda's lips twisted. "Mr. Blackwood, why waste time? The injection's ready. One dose and not even God could save that bastard's child. Liam's men are closing in - we need to move."

Victor ignored her, his attention fixed on Olivia.

Miranda's jealousy flared at his focus on the trembling mute. She crossed the room in three strides and backhanded Olivia across the face. "Stop your pathetic simpering, you scheming little-"

Victor was on his feet in an instant. "What the hell?"

Miranda pouted. "She's playing you with those doe eyes. Don't fall for it."

Victor snatched the syringe from her hand.

Olivia's blood turned to ice as brown liquid dribbled from the needle.

Her fingers closed around a loose brick behind her back. For her baby, she'd fight.

Then Victor tossed the syringe aside. "Change of plans. The pregnancy continues."

Miranda's protest died at Victor's glare. He'd never raised his voice to her before. This mute bitch had bewitched him.

Olivia exhaled slowly, meeting Victor's gaze with wary hope.

Victor's smile turned serpentine. "Let's make it interesting. Message Liam. Tell him you're with me. If he comes, you walk free. If not..." His fingers brushed her cheek. "You're mine. Don't worry - I'll keep you safe. Just insurance against Liam. When he fails, you and the baby can go."

Olivia didn't believe a word. The thought of contacting Liam made her stomach churn. Today was his awards gala with Evelyn.

Her message was brief: "Kidnapped. Mountain villa. Liam, please come."

Victor watched her hit send, satisfaction oozing from every pore as he settled back to wait.

Meanwhile, Liam paused mid-stride up the mountain path when his phone buzzed.

Sebastian peeked over his shoulder. "Sir! We have Mrs. Blackwood's location! I'll dispatch a team immediately!"

Liam's hand shot out. "No. That message wasn't voluntary. This is a test - they want to see how much I value her."

Sebastian hesitated. "The extraction team, sir?"

Liam's eyes glittered like Arctic frost. "Naturally. Let's see who dares play games in my territory."

Back in the villa, Olivia stared at her silent phone. Ten minutes. No response. Her nails bit bloody crescents into her palms.