Chapter 212

Olivia pressed her lips together, the resistance to Victor's words written clearly across her face. Somewhere in her heart, she recognized the cold logic behind his reasoning.

When Victor had first involved Catherine in his schemes, Olivia had merely felt mild irritation.

But this time, his unexpected tenderness toward Olivia Sinclair stirred something darker within her.

Victor was known for his ruthless demeanor. Yet the way he softened around Olivia spoke volumes. His interest was undeniable.

Unaware of the storm brewing in Olivia's eyes, Victor simply waved her off. "Take her back first," he ordered.

Olivia's brows shot up. "You're not coming with us?"

Victor's smirk was razor-sharp. "When Liam regains his senses, he'll realize the truth in Olivia's messages. Liam Blackwood, raised to value control above all as the Winslow heir, might pretend indifference toward his wife, but their marriage bond remains. Someone daring to snatch his wife? That's a direct challenge. He'll come for me. We'll split our forces—you take Olivia discreetly. That should throw him off track."

Understanding dawned on Olivia as she nodded, anxiety tightening her throat. "Liam isn't someone to underestimate."

Victor's smile was reassuring. "Don't worry about me. Just keep Olivia safe. Nothing can happen to her."

"You care too much about her," Olivia muttered, unable to mask her displeasure.

Victor closed his eyes and remained silent.

Victor's prediction proved correct sooner than expected.

Though he'd blocked one route intentionally, multiple winding paths remained open.

Victor's men chose the widest trail down the mountain—only to be ambushed within minutes.

Sebastian and his team overpowered Victor's men effortlessly, but a thorough search of every vehicle yielded no trace of Olivia.

Meanwhile, Olivia was leading Olivia Sinclair through dense woodland.

There was actually a drivable road on this side, but Olivia deliberately chose the harder path.

Olivia Sinclair, already weakened from earlier shocks, grew paler with each stumbling step.

Seeing her fragility only fueled Olivia's resentment.

"Who are you performing for?" Olivia sneered. "Always playing the victim. Pathetic!"

Olivia Sinclair ignored the venom in her voice. She pulled free from Olivia's grip and found a moss-covered rock to sit on.

She knew Victor had no intention of killing her. As his subordinate, Olivia wouldn't dare disobey.

This realization made Olivia flush with anger. "Don't forget, I'm a doctor. I won't harm you or your baby, but I can make this very unpleasant."

Olivia Sinclair studied her with quiet curiosity before typing on her phone: "You love him, don't you? Why? He's clearly using you."

Olivia's smile froze. Rage flashed in her eyes. "Shut your mouth! You have no right—"

Olivia Sinclair typed faster: "No need for anger. His manipulation is obvious. I'm just saying—don't sacrifice everything for a man's fleeting attention. You're brilliant. Why waste yourself on someone who'll never love you?"

"ENOUGH!" Olivia screamed.

She snatched the phone and smashed it against a tree. "You pathetic mute! Just because you couldn't keep a man doesn't mean all women fail like you!"

Watching Olivia unravel, Olivia Sinclair felt a pang of sorrow. Why chain yourself to hollow affection?

In another life, Olivia could've been remarkable—beautiful, brilliant, with that magnetic confidence. Without Victor's shadow, her future might have shone bright.

But some paths, once chosen, resist redirection.

Setting aside these thoughts, Olivia Sinclair felt a flicker of relief. Her provocation had worked.

She stole a glance at the shattered phone in the undergrowth. Even if Liam seemed indifferent, his pride wouldn't tolerate someone stealing his wife.

She was certain Liam would notice her absence soon. That broken phone might lead him here.

Olivia, now visibly agitated, yanked her upright. "Move! Now!" she barked, shoving her forward.

Olivia Sinclair bit her lip and complied, wary of Olivia's unstable temper.

When Sebastian reported the failed interception, Liam's expression turned glacial. Their adversary was shrewder than expected.

"Should we comb the mountain?" Sebastian asked.

"Unnecessary." Liam exhaled sharply. "If I've shown no concern for Olivia, sudden action would raise suspicion. Besides, if they wanted her dead, they'd have killed her already. This is a game. She's safe for now."

Sebastian saw the logic but hesitated. "Then why are you still heading up the mountain?"

Liam had reached the coordinates from Olivia's call. He stared at the unassuming cabin, his gaze turning lethal. "The puppet master wants an audience. How could I refuse?"

He kicked open the door to find a man murmuring prayers over a photograph of Henry Winslow, head bowed in apparent reverence.

Liam's voice cut like ice. "Drop the act. Who are you?"

Victor turned, feigning surprise. His mask was off. "Liam Blackwood in the flesh. Do I frighten you that much?"

Liam studied the scarred face—unfamiliar, yet somehow significant. "Do we know each other?"

Victor's smile vanished. He straightened slowly, eyes glinting dangerously. "Mr. Winslow, do I look like a demon crawled from hell? Ever consider how a careless remark years ago could destroy two innocent lives?"

Liam's confusion deepened. "You've mistaken me for someone else."

Victor lunged, gripping Liam's collar. "NO MISTAKE! I remember EVERY WORD!"

Seeing the madness in his eyes, Liam reacted instantly—his fist connecting with Victor's jaw.

Victor staggered back, panting like a cornered beast, his gaze burning with primal hatred.