Chapter 217

Liam gave a curt nod, immediately understanding Richard's game plan. The younger Winslow brother was clearly waiting for Dominic and that other man to turn on each other.

The car rolled to a stop. "Mr. Blackwood, we've arrived at Mercy Hospital," Sebastian announced.

Liam acknowledged with a slight tilt of his head before snapping his leather-bound planner shut.

Outside the ICU doors, Richard and Catherine were engaged in a vicious shouting match.

A stunning young woman clung to Richard's arm, shooting triumphant smirks at Catherine.

Catherine's face flushed crimson with rage. "Richard, have you no shame? Flaunting your mistress in public is bad enough, but bringing her here? You're making a spectacle of yourself."

Richard rolled his eyes dramatically. "Beatrice was worried about me. She didn't want me exhausting myself with all these hospital visits. Meanwhile, my own wife shows no concern for my wellbeing. Shouldn't I appreciate someone who actually cares?"

Catherine's hands trembled with suppressed fury. "I've been begging you to go home for days! You're the one obsessed with maintaining appearances. Just remember - when the press catches you canoodling in hospital corridors, don't come crying to me for damage control."

Richard's expression turned icy. "You've failed to give me an heir. What's wrong with seeking company elsewhere? I've nothing to fear from scandal. If anything, you should be the embarrassed one when this gets out."

Contempt flashed in Catherine's eyes, her gaze turning arctic with undisguised revulsion.

"Richard, Catherine's concern is valid," a new voice interjected. "With our mother still in critical condition, media spotting you with other women would ruin your carefully crafted image as the devoted son." Both Winslows turned to see Liam approaching.

Richard's lips curled into a sneer. "Even if they call me unfaithful, it's nothing compared to your heartlessness. The accident happened near your estate when Mother was coming to see you. Makes one wonder about your involvement."

Seizing the opportunity, Catherine shifted focus from the mistress to add, "Recently, during her lucid moments, Margaret keeps calling your name. Whatever issues you had over Olivia's situation, she's still your mother."

It was remarkable how quickly the estranged couple could unite against a common enemy.

Liam remained unruffled by their accusations, even managing an amused smile. "Richard, you know exactly why I couldn't come earlier. Isn't this what you wanted?"

Richard's composure cracked. "What are you implying? I contacted you immediately after the accident! If you truly wanted to see Mother, who could have stopped you?"

A cold laugh escaped Liam's lips. "You were too busy causing problems at Grandfather's gravesite. Had I tried visiting then, you'd have found some excuse to turn me away, wouldn't you?"

Liam had suspected Richard's involvement, and Richard had anticipated these suspicions.

The younger Winslow remained calm, confident Liam lacked concrete evidence.

But Richard hadn't expected such direct confrontation. Liam's bluntness left him momentarily speechless, all prepared rebuttals evaporating.

Noting Richard's reaction, Liam chuckled darkly, clapping a hand on his brother's shoulder. "Richard, I know you're not the brightest, but next time? Clean up your messes properly. Before conspiring with someone, investigate whether they have ulterior motives. That man betrayed you the moment I confronted him. Your partnership wasn't as solid as you imagined."

Richard's face darkened instantly. He shrugged off Liam's hand. "What nonsense are you spouting? I've been buried in Mother's medical paperwork! I haven't had time for anything else!"

Yet the flicker of panic in his eyes betrayed his guilt.

Liam pressed on mercilessly. "There seems to be a misunderstanding. That man thought the child Olivia carried was mine. But that baby has nothing to do with me. You schemed to whisk her away, thinking her pregnancy could be used against me. Didn't see that coming, did you?"

Richard's expression cycled through rage, shame, and frustration like a bad stage performance.

Catherine mentally cursed her husband before stepping between the brothers. "Liam, you're clearly stressed and imagining things. I don't follow your logic. Let's drop this. You should see your mother. Even unconscious, she'd want to hear your voice. It might help her recovery."

Liam glanced at the ICU doors but made no move to enter. His voice turned glacial. "Don't insult my intelligence. I see through your schemes perfectly. I came today to confront you openly. Richard, we share blood. If you have grievances, face me directly. These underhanded tactics prove your weakness."

All traces of humor vanished from Liam's face, his gaze turning arctic. "This is your final warning, Richard. Stop now, and I'll pretend none of this happened."

Richard clenched his jaw, choosing stubborn silence.

Without another word, Liam turned on his heel and strode away.

Sebastian hurried to catch up. "Mr. Blackwood, why didn't you visit your mother?"

Liam's expression hardened. "Now that I'm certain Richard's plotting against me, I won't walk blindly into his traps. He may lack intelligence, but his ruthlessness knows no bounds. Who knows what extremes he'll resort to next?"

Sebastian paled at the implication. "But she's his mother. Margaret's always been his staunchest supporter. It's unthinkable he'd go that far."

Liam's laugh held no mirth. "Perhaps Margaret's 'accident' wasn't so accidental after all."

Sebastian recoiled, struggling to process this. He'd always viewed Richard as merely petty - engaging in childish rivalries with Liam, lacking proper elder brother qualities.

The idea that Richard could be capable of such malice was beyond Sebastian's comprehension.

As Liam departed, Richard and Catherine's expressions darkened with impotent rage.

"Useless!" Richard spat venomously.

Beatrice, still clinging to his arm, simpered, "Richard darling, you're frightening me."

Before Catherine could react, Richard whirled and struck Beatrice across the face. "Get out!"

Clutching her cheek, the humiliated woman scrambled to collect her belongings and fled.

A perverse satisfaction warmed Catherine's heart. However strained their marriage, they were undeniably bound together now. Richard would find it impossible to discard her.