Chapter 319

Olivia had noticed an intense focus in Liam's work ethic lately, and for reasons she couldn't quite explain, she found her thoughts drifting to him more frequently these days.

"Papa... Papa." Suddenly, little Isabelle beside her began speaking.

The toddler's words came out slightly garbled but utterly charming as she practiced her new vocabulary, and Olivia understood her perfectly.

Olivia turned to Isabelle with wide eyes. "Sweetheart, who taught you to say that?"

After a brief pause that seemed too serious for a child, Isabelle answered simply, "Mama."

Olivia couldn't suppress her smile as she gently squeezed Isabelle's rosy cheek. "You're absolutely brilliant, my love."

With Donovan absent, Olivia left the gift in his study before preparing to leave.

Olivia had business commitments that evening, and bringing Isabelle along might complicate matters.

Lately, Alistair was rarely sober. In this household, aside from Donovan and Alistair, there truly was no one else Olivia could rely on. Isabelle was her everything, her most precious bond.

Left with no choice, Olivia decided to take Isabelle along. Fortunately, the little girl was remarkably well-behaved for her age, full of bright energy but never causing trouble.

Their luxury car pulled up before an imposing neoclassical building.

Carrying Isabelle, Olivia entered through the discreet service entrance. Few knew that the entire building belonged to Olivia. It was one of the most prestigious auction houses in the city.

Over recent years, Olivia's passion for antique restoration had blossomed from casual interest to professional expertise. What began as a hobby had evolved into a trained eye capable of spotting treasures.

She'd discovered countless valuable pieces in markets across the globe, all destined for the auction block at her exclusive venue.

Initially operating in obscurity, Olivia's reputation grew as the quality of her acquisitions became known, drawing increasingly elite clientele through word of mouth alone.

Eventually, Olivia assembled a team of trained specialists to source rare finds on her behalf.

The journey hadn't been smooth. She'd suffered financial losses, faced moments of doubt, and even endured betrayal from those she trusted.

Yet Olivia persevered, initially funding her venture with a forgotten credit card Liam had given her years ago, tucked away in an old keepsake box. Despite having access to his accounts, she never touched the regular checks he sent.

Olivia understood she might never see Liam again, and if that were their fate, she was determined never to use his money.

Now her auction house stood among the most respected in the industry.

Prospective bidders required advance reservations and thorough financial vetting. Olivia had even expanded her operations internationally.

She dedicated thirty percent of all profits to charitable causes.

The once-silent girl who endured bullying had transformed into a formidable businesswoman.

Understanding the struggles of the disabled firsthand, Olivia tasked Donovan with directing a portion of their donations to an Eldermere-based charity supporting disabled children in remote, impoverished regions.