Chapter 226

Seraphina was just about to deliver a sharp retort when Liam abruptly interrupted. "Sharing my personal contact details isn't exactly appropriate. If you need anything, you can contact my girlfriend directly."

A flicker of irritation crossed Seraphina's features, though she quickly masked it. After all, Liam and Donovan had clearly collaborated before, which meant she'd have plenty of chances to get closer to him. This was merely the opening move in her long game.

She forced a polished smile. "Of course, that works perfectly."

Liam didn't miss the brief flash of annoyance in Seraphina's eyes. Good. Maybe she'd keep Evelyn occupied for a while and give him some much-needed breathing room.

Meanwhile, Evelyn's phone buzzed relentlessly with unanswered calls. A knot of dread tightened in her stomach. Was Liam out searching for Olivia? That didn't add up - the Hayes family had already confronted him, and he'd shown no interest in pursuing her.

Then a new notification appeared - a friend request from an unfamiliar woman's profile.

Evelyn's fingers hesitated over the screen, unease prickling down her spine.

The moment Liam extricated himself from Seraphina, he practically sprinted to his car. As the door slammed shut, his carefully maintained composure shattered. He collapsed against the leather seats, eyes squeezed shut, exhaustion carving deep lines into his face.

Sebastian studied his employer with concern. "Mr. Blackwood, you haven't slept properly since dispatching teams to locate Victor Blackwood's estate. If you continue at this pace, you'll collapse."

Liam ignored the warning, his gaze fixed on the passing cityscape. "Where the hell could Olivia be? Do you think they're hurting her? She can't even call for help." His voice cracked. "I swore to protect her, and now she's vanished again. This is all my fault. My damned arrogance blinded me to the danger."

Sebastian sighed. "With all due respect, sir, your wife lived with the Winslow family for years as their ward. Your grandfather included her in his will. Even without your involvement, she would have been dragged into this mess eventually."

Truthfully, without Liam's protection these past years, Olivia might have suffered far worse at the hands of the Winslow family.

Aside from Henry and Liam, the Winslows weren't exactly known for their kindness. For reasons no one understood, they'd always treated Olivia with particular cruelty.

Liam appreciated Sebastian's attempt to ease his guilt, but the weight of responsibility pressed down on him. He wanted to punch something - preferably his own past self for being so careless.

But losing control now wouldn't help Olivia. With visible effort, Liam straightened, the exhaustion vanishing from his expression. "Did you circulate the news as I instructed?"

Sebastian nodded quickly. "Yes, the story about your overseas treatment is spreading as planned."

"Good," Liam said tersely.

Sebastian hesitated. Previously, Liam had guarded his health condition fiercely. Why suddenly announce this very public trip abroad?