Chapter 214

Olivia instantly recognized the danger flashing in Victor's piercing gaze.

Her chest tightened with injustice as she boldly stepped forward, grasping Victor's hand. "Mr. Blackwood," she whispered urgently, "For three years, I've devoted myself to you without fail. Not a single day have I—"

"Miranda Graves!" Victor's voice sliced through her words like a blade. "Need I remind you? Olivia Sinclair is vital to my plans. Her safety, and that of her unborn child, takes precedence."

Nearby, Olivia remained silent, understanding the hidden meaning behind Victor's declaration. At least she wasn't in immediate peril. Her shoulders relaxed slightly.

Tears streamed down Miranda's face, her usual composure shattered. Her nails dug crescent moons into her clenched palms.

Victor motioned Miranda closer, pulling her aside. "Must I explain again?" he murmured. "Have you forgotten your true purpose here?"

Miranda's eyes shimmered with unshed tears. "Never. My duty is to protect you—to keep you safe."

A heavy sigh escaped Victor's lips. "By safeguarding Olivia and her child, you're protecting me. Now that Liam knows, it's only a matter of time before he strikes. Olivia is our leverage. And that baby... is essential."

Confusion laced Miranda's voice. "But why must you be so... gentle with her?"

Victor lifted Miranda's hand, pressing a featherlight kiss to her knuckles.

A rosy blush spread across Miranda's cheeks, her lashes fluttering.

"Every kindness I show her is calculated," Victor murmured. "What I give you is genuine. Can't you tell the difference?"

Miranda's heart swelled—Victor always knew how to soothe her with just a few words.

"My apologies." Shame colored her voice. "My feelings for you overwhelm my judgment sometimes. Victor, don't worry. I'll watch over her properly."

Victor stroked her hair gently. "Rest now," he whispered.

As Miranda retreated, Victor's expression turned glacial, his eyes hardening into chips of ice.

A man approached cautiously. "Mr. Blackwood, forgive my intrusion, but Miranda's medical expertise is limited, especially in obstetrics. Her psychological history makes her unreliable. Is it wise to entrust Olivia to her care?"

Victor's smile held no warmth. "I never intended for her to succeed. When Liam discovers the truth, whatever befalls Olivia will be Miranda's doing. The blame will rest solely on her shoulders."

The man suppressed a shudder, though Victor's ruthlessness came as no surprise. He'd always been a master of emotional detachment.

"Sir," the man ventured carefully, "He's returning soon. You should prepare."

For the first time, genuine fear flickered across Victor's normally impassive face.

This was their shared secret—Victor's empire wasn't truly his. Everything belonged to the true monster lurking in the shadows.

Meanwhile, Liam maintained his usual routine, showing no outward concern for the search efforts.

Sebastian made no overt moves either.

Lately, Liam noticed increased surveillance—subtle but persistent. Whether corporate spies or family lackeys, their watchful eyes followed his every move.

One afternoon, Sebastian entered Liam's office with grim news. "Mr. Blackwood."

Exhaustion lined Liam's face as he set aside his documents. By day, he played the dutiful CEO with Evelyn; by night, he coordinated the relentless hunt for Olivia.

Sebastian's expression kindled hope. "Olivia? Have you—"

A strategic cough cut him off.

The door burst open, revealing Alexander Hayes, fury radiating from every pore.

Though they'd clashed before, Liam had never seen Alexander so unhinged—the famously controlled Hayes heir looked ready to murder.

Liam stood slowly, shadows darkening his features.

At the door, Sebastian exchanged worried glances with the alarmed secretaries.

"Leave us," Liam commanded. "I'll call if needed."

With a quiet sigh, Sebastian ushered everyone out, closing the door firmly.

"Liam," Alexander spat, voice trembling with rage. "First you demanded Olivia's return, holding Whitmore Holdings hostage. I tolerated that because of my own failures, and Olivia's misguided guilt. You promised to protect her. Now she's vanished, and you refuse to explain. If anything happens to her, her blood is on your hands. Do her accusing eyes haunt your dreams?"

Liam's fists clenched, then relaxed, frustration evident.

"I've told you—I wasn't there when it happened. We're still investigating." Liam's lie came smoothly. "This is a legal matter. What do you imagine happened? Money motivates everyone. Can't the mighty Whitmores handle a ransom demand?"

Alexander recoiled. "You wouldn't pay to save her? How can you be so heartless?"

Liam almost laughed at the irony. "Why should I? As her husband? Or the father of her child?"

Alexander missed the self-mockery, seeing only cruelty.

With a roar, Alexander grabbed Liam's collar. "When Olivia returns safely, I'll make sure she sees you for what you are! You're unworthy of her love!"

"Her love..." Liam repeated the words like foreign currency.

Instead of anger, curiosity colored Liam's response. "You believe she loves me?"

This only enraged Alexander further.

"What does she even see in you?" Alexander muttered.

Blind with fury, Alexander drew back his fist—