Chapter 213

Crimson droplets slid down Victor Blackwood's chin.

With deliberate precision, he wiped the blood away, his expression eerily calm despite the injury.

Liam Blackwood's obsidian eyes darkened. This madman was testing his limits.

"You're obsessed with some imagined past," Liam stated coldly. "But I'll ask once - are you truly foolish enough to challenge me while aligning with Richard? That's a death wish."

Victor's lips curled into a bone-chilling smile. "Richard may be incompetent, but you're the one who deserves annihilation. I'll use any means necessary to ensure your destruction."

Liam's temper flared, his voice dropping to dangerous levels. "You've mistaken my restraint for weakness. Take one step beyond that threshold, and I'll personally demonstrate how painfully you can die."

Victor remained unfazed, taunting, "Then show me this legendary Blackwood ruthlessness I've heard so much about."

In a flash of movement, Liam seized Victor by the collar, his superior height amplifying the threat.

Their gazes locked, and Liam saw the familiar resentment burning in Victor's eyes - the same envy he'd witnessed countless times from those coveting the Blackwood legacy.

Victor remembered watching Liam's televised speeches years ago. The media darling, blessed with everything - looks, intelligence, privilege.

Now facing him, Victor realized no camera could capture the raw commanding presence Liam exuded naturally.

Unlike Richard's forced arrogance, Liam carried himself with effortless authority.

The injustice burned through Victor's veins. Why must he scrape for survival while this man had everything handed to him?

Liam tightened his grip effortlessly, his cold eyes reflecting Victor's pathetic existence. "Final warning. Whatever grudge you carry, don't test me on my territory. Hand over Olivia now, or this becomes your last day breathing."

To Liam's surprise, Victor laughed - genuinely amused. "Underestimating me again, Mr. Blackwood? You've already ingested my special cocktail. Care to discover what else I've prepared?"

A sharp sting pierced Liam's finger. He glanced down to see a concealed needle protruding from Victor's collar.

Releasing his hold, Liam staggered back as sudden dizziness overwhelmed him.

The last thing he saw before darkness claimed him was Victor's triumphant smirk.

When consciousness returned, night had fallen. Sebastian Montgomery hovered nearby, relief washing over his features.

"Mr. Blackwood, going in alone was reckless," Sebastian fretted. "I couldn't risk moving you without medical clearance. We need full toxicology screening - who knows what he injected you with?"

Liam massaged his throbbing temples. "His location?"

Sebastian's expression darkened. "He vanished. My apologies."

Liam waved off the apology. "He's cunning. This hatred runs deeper than I realized. It changes the equation."

"I'll launch a full background investigation immediately," Sebastian vowed.

Liam shook his head. "Standard procedures won't suffice. Anyone willing to go this far won't be deterred easily. Start with Richard's connections - there's a thread there."

A knock interrupted them.

Security approached with tracking dogs, presenting a phone sealed in evidence plastic. "Found this on the western ridge, sir."

Liam recognized Olivia's device instantly. "Process it for prints and data recovery."

Meanwhile, Olivia stumbled down the mountain trail, her legs threatening to buckle.

A black sedan materialized before them. The window lowered to reveal Victor's assessing gaze - first evaluating Olivia's exhaustion, then flashing Miranda Graves a warning glare.

Miranda initially shrank under his disapproval, then defiantly shoved Olivia forward. "Get in."

Too drained to resist, Olivia complied.

When Miranda moved to follow, Victor commanded, "You ride separately."

Miranda's jaw clenched. "Then she comes with me."

Victor ignored her, offering Olivia water instead. "My apologies for the ordeal. Your husband proved... problematic. But handled."

Olivia's hands trembled slightly. What did "handled" mean? Had they fought? Was Liam injured?

She maintained her composure, nodding slightly.

Victor noted her microexpressions with satisfaction.

Suddenly, he reached toward her.

Olivia flinched, trapped in the confined space.

But Victor merely brushed a droplet from her lip. "You should take better care carrying my child."

Olivia's skin crawled. She turned away, avoiding his gaze.

Outside, Miranda seethed, fists clenching before storming off.

To Olivia's surprise, they arrived at an opulent gated compound far from the city.

As they passed through heavily armed checkpoints, a chilling realization settled over her - this fortress might become her permanent prison.

Victor honored his word regarding accommodations - a private villa within the complex, undisturbed except for one condition: Miranda would reside with her.

As Olivia's physician, Miranda could monitor her condition.

Before Olivia could object, Miranda protested, "I refuse. I'm not some nursemaid for spoiled heiresses."

Olivia typed rapidly, "I prefer solitude."

Victor observed their exchange silently, his glacial stare silencing further argument.