Chapter 215

"Stop!" The command sliced through the air, sharp and authoritative, coming from the doorway.

Alexander recognized the voice instantly. His anger flared, but he forced himself to release Liam, though his grip loosened with visible reluctance.

William staggered inside, each cough shaking his frail frame, the sound cutting through the heavy silence like a blade. His distress was palpable.

Without hesitation, Liam dialed Sebastian, instructing him to attend to William immediately—a gesture of concern that Alexander met with a cold sneer.

"Pathetic hypocrisy," Alexander muttered under his breath.

William fixed him with a piercing stare. "I've spent years teaching you restraint, yet here you are, still as reckless as ever," he admonished, disappointment lacing his tone.

Alexander shot back, defiance burning in his eyes. "This isn't recklessness. It's justice. How can he treat Olivia like this? She's missing, for God's sake! I haven't slept in days, worrying myself sick. You feel the same, don't you, Grandfather? But him?" He jerked his chin toward Liam. "He's still her husband! He should be tearing the city apart looking for her, but he acts like she doesn't even matter!"

"Enough!" William's voice cracked like a whip, silencing the room.

Alexander clenched his jaw, turned sharply, and stormed out of Liam's office, slamming the door behind him.

Liam straightened his disheveled collar and met William's gaze with quiet respect. "William, I'm sorry you had to see that."

William stepped closer, lowering his voice. "Is Olivia safe?"

Liam exhaled heavily. "I don't know yet. But I can promise she's not in immediate danger."

William's shoulders sagged slightly, though his eyes remained sharp. "I understand you have your reasons for secrecy. I still believe you're a good man, Liam. But Olivia shouldn't suffer for your choices. Once she's found, the Whitmore family will ensure her protection. You need to let go."

Liam opened his mouth to argue, then hesitated. William was right. The danger Olivia faced was because of him. What right did he have to demand she stay?

Finally, he nodded. "I promise, William. I'll do everything I can to bring her back safely. This is my fault."

William gave his shoulder a firm squeeze. "Visit your mother at Mercy Hospital when you can. Whatever happened that night, it's weighing on you. Let me handle Olivia's situation. Brent—Alexander—will help. If you focus too much on this, you'll leave yourself vulnerable."

Liam understood the warning. Reluctantly, he nodded. "Thank you."

As William turned to leave, Liam called after him. "When Olivia is safe... ask her when she wants to finalize the divorce. She’s made her choice clear. I won’t hold her back any longer."

William didn’t respond, only sighed deeply before walking away.

Outside, Alexander was brushing off Sebastian’s attempts at diplomacy. "Your boss has time to send you to placate me but not to search for Olivia?"

Sebastian offered a polite smile. "Mr. Blackwood is overwhelmed, but I assure you, Mr. Hayes, the search hasn’t stopped. We will find her."

"When?" Alexander’s voice rose dangerously. "A year from now? Two?"

His frustration boiled over. "I can’t believe I ever trusted Liam! Even if their marriage is over, they grew up together. How can he just ignore her like this? It shows exactly what kind of man he is!"

Nearby employees glanced over, whispering.

Sebastian cleared his throat. "Mr. Hayes, perhaps we should discuss this privately—"

"Save it, Sebastian."

Evelyn’s voice cut through the tension. She strode forward, heels clicking, her smile triumphant. Since Olivia’s disappearance, she’d been practically glowing.

Alexander’s expression darkened at the sight of her.

Evelyn handed her purse to Sebastian like a queen dismissing a servant. "Reserve my usual table for dinner with Liam tonight. And check his schedule—I’m planning a trip to Montecarlo next week."

Sebastian nodded, retreating quickly.

Alexander scoffed. "This is the urgent work keeping Liam busy?"

Evelyn crossed her arms, blocking his path. "Mr. Hayes, I get that you’re upset, but blaming Liam is unfair. Olivia insisted on visiting that cemetery alone. What happened is her fault."

Alexander’s jaw tightened. "And what exactly is your role in this, Miss Hartley? As Liam’s friend? Or something more?"

Evelyn’s face twisted with fury. "If Olivia hadn’t refused to sign the divorce papers, Liam and I would be together by now! Who’s really interfering here?"

Alexander smirked coldly. "Oh, it’s very clear to everyone."

Evelyn’s hand flew up to strike him—but Alexander caught her wrist mid-air, his grip unyielding.

"I don’t hit women," he said icily. "But I’ll make an exception if you insist."

She yanked her arm back, seething. Then, abruptly, her anger melted into a venomous smile. "You’re one to talk, Alexander. Olivia’s still married, yet you couldn’t keep your hands off her. And let’s not forget—she got pregnant with your child and tried to pass it off as Liam’s. How noble of you both."

Alexander’s knuckles whitened.

Evelyn leaned in, whispering, "Who’s the real villain here?"

Then she turned and walked away, leaving him standing there, fists clenched in silent fury.

(To be continued...)