Chapter 252

Liam's fingers trembled around the pen, the weight of his actions pressing down on him like an iron cloak. The unspoken accusation cut deeper than any blade - that to most, including perhaps Olivia, he'd become nothing more than an absent, indifferent husband.

Standing beside another woman, his moral compass had shattered beyond repair. He no longer felt deserving of Olivia's presence, nor did he possess the courage to meet her gaze after everything that had transpired.

When their eyes finally locked for the first time in what felt like lifetimes, Liam's gaze burned with a turbulent storm of remorse, yearning, and utter bewilderment. That fleeting moment crackled with unspoken electricity before he schooled his features into practiced indifference.

Olivia caught the briefest glimpse of his inner torment before he masked it. She turned away sharply, teeth sinking into her lower lip hard enough to draw blood, questioning whether she'd imagined the raw emotion in his eyes.

Now she understood with painful clarity how others had manipulated the space between them. There had been moments she'd considered explaining, laying bare her truth. But realization struck like lightning - as the wronged party, the burden of justification shouldn't rest on her shoulders.

Liam's opinions, once her guiding stars, now meant less than dust. As this truth settled in her bones, Olivia felt the last fragile threads of their connection unraveling.

His expression glacial, Liam signed the documents with quick, sharp strokes before passing them to Donovan. As he did, his voice dropped to a dangerous murmur. "I want to know exactly how Olivia ended up in your care."

Donovan accepted the papers with a frown that spoke volumes. "My cousin overstepped, but rest assured she'll face consequences. I located your wife days ago, but dealing with Seraphina requires... delicacy. She's both reckless and paranoid." A ghost of admiration flickered across his face. "Truthfully, it was Olivia's own brilliance that secured her freedom."

Liam nodded, eyes suspiciously bright before he mastered himself. That word - brilliance - echoed like a condemnation. His negligence had forced her to become resourceful.

Emotions churning, Liam spoke again, voice thick with unvoiced regrets. "Regardless... you have my gratitude."

Initially, Donovan had pitied the man before him, recognizing the impossible tangle of his circumstances. But as he considered the broader web involving Liam, Evelyn, and Seraphina, his sympathy evaporated.

"Mr. Blackwood," Donovan said with quiet intensity, "while I've no right to comment on personal matters, hear this - hesitation causes more damage than decisive action. Once you choose, commit without looking back." His gaze sharpened. "No one waits forever."

Liam's fists clenched, frustration and resignation warring across his features. Finally, a weary sigh escaped him, carrying the weight of his impossible position.

"Noted," Liam replied, tone edged with finality. "I'll... consider your words carefully. If nothing changes within five days, I'll release Olivia completely." His next words landed like stones. "But you should know - there's strong evidence Olivia might actually be your cousin."

Memories surfaced of crucial information Henry had shared years prior - that the stature and influence of Olivia's maternal grandfather's family dwarfed even the mighty Blackwood dynasty.