Chapter 294

The room fell silent for a long moment before Liam finally spoke, his voice unwavering. "Olivia will be perfectly safe as long as she remains here."

Sebastian, standing nearby, tilted his head curiously. "I wonder if she's even opened your present, considering all the drama between you two..."

Liam gave a tired smile. "It's the least I can do for her now. Keeping her out of harm's way is my only priority."

His phone suddenly vibrated with an incoming call. Richard.

When Liam answered, mocking laughter immediately filled the air.

"Well well, little brother. How's life in the gutter treating you? Found any good cardboard boxes to sleep under tonight?"

Before Liam could respond, Richard continued his taunts. "Oh wait - the great Liam Blackwood would never stoop so low. Tell you what, I could get you a job at one of our factories. Assembly line work pays $2,500 a month - might help you afford some ramen noodles!"

Liam's voice turned icy. "Enjoy your laughter while it lasts. The game isn't over yet."

Richard snorted dismissively. "Give it up already. Survival of the fittest, and you lost. Get out of Crestwood unless you want me to make your pathetic existence even worse."

"Survival of the fittest," Liam repeated softly. "But the final winner hasn't been decided."

"Still delusional?" Richard snapped. "Face reality. You killed our mother. I was merciful enough not to press charges, but the family has disowned you. You'll get nothing from Blackwood Enterprises, and you're drowning in debt. You'll die a beggar."

Liam ended the call without another word, his expression unreadable.

On the other end, Richard smirked, convinced he'd finally broken his brother's spirit.

A sharp knock at his door interrupted Richard's moment of triumph.

"Can't you see I'm busy?" he snapped irritably.

"It's me," came the reply from the hallway.

Recognizing the voice, Richard didn't bother getting up. Instead, he directed a sneer toward the closed door.

"Victor, still lurking around like a stray dog? I paid you two hundred grand to take care of Liam. Transaction complete. Don't think sharing a last name makes us equals. I'm feeling generous today, but push me and I'll have security remove you permanently."

He leaned back with a self-satisfied smirk, waiting for the intruder to leave.

The momentary silence made Richard think he'd won.

Then came the laughter - cold, humorless, and utterly chilling. It sent an involuntary shiver down Richard's spine.