Chapter 321

Emerging from the shadows wasn't Olivia's typical style. Everyone at Newport knew Olivia Sinclair preferred operating behind the scenes, which made this sudden shift in strategy perplex Lucas. With a smile that held more calculation than warmth, Olivia responded, "This client's motives are transparent as glass. Delegating this matter would only invite greater complications. A direct confrontation is necessary."

Lucas nodded in reluctant agreement, turning to lead the way. As they prepared to move forward, a small but insistent tug at Olivia's leg stopped them. Looking down, Olivia found Isabelle gazing up with wide, anxious eyes.

"Stay," Isabelle pleaded, her single word heavy with unspoken fear.

Olivia knelt to meet her daughter's gaze. "Darling, Mommy needs to handle something important. Be good for Lucas, okay?"

Isabelle shook her head stubbornly, her tiny hands clutching Olivia's skirt.

Lucas attempted to distract her. "Isabelle, what if we visit the play area? They have those rocking horses you love."

But Isabelle remained unmoved, shaking her head vigorously before declaring, "Bad! Bad man!"

Olivia couldn't suppress a chuckle at her daughter's intensity. "Who's been teaching you such words? We shouldn't judge people before knowing them properly. But alright, you can come if you promise to stay right beside me."

Isabelle nodded enthusiastically, her decision final.

Lucas voiced his concern. "Miss Sinclair, I'm not certain this is wise."

Olivia lifted Isabelle into her arms with practiced ease. "She'll be fine. If she inherits even half my spirit, a little boldness won't hurt. I'll keep her safe."

With Isabelle secure in her arms, Olivia approached Suite No.1. Rather than barging in, she knocked politely.

"Enter," came a surprisingly youthful voice from within.

The tone suggested its owner couldn't be more than sixteen or seventeen.

Olivia's brow furrowed. Could their problematic client truly be this young?

Holding Isabelle closer, Olivia stepped forward, her mind racing with questions.

Upon entering, her gaze immediately found the two occupants - one clearly the teenager she'd heard, the other...

The second man lounged on the sofa with effortless elegance, his very posture radiating power and nobility. His legs were crossed casually, hands resting lightly on his abdomen. A sleek black mask concealed his features, leaving only his piercing eyes visible. Those eyes locked onto Olivia with such intensity she felt exposed, as if he could see straight through her carefully constructed defenses.

Olivia's composure wavered for just a heartbeat before she steadied herself. Setting Isabelle down gently, she addressed the room with professional poise. "Good afternoon. I'm the proprietor of this establishment. I understand there's been an issue with a previous transaction. I'd appreciate details so we might resolve this matter satisfactorily."

The masked man responded not with words, but with a subtle gesture of his fingers.