Chapter 34

Liam's intoxicating scent enveloped Olivia, making her knees weaken as he pulled her tighter against his muscular frame. His large hand tore through her blouse, slipping beneath the lace of her bra.

Olivia's heart pounded with indignation. What was Liam playing at? She'd deliberately disobeyed him by coming to the restoration studio after his explicit prohibition. She'd challenged his motives and his perception of her - and now he thought intimacy would magically resolve everything?

A surge of rebellion coursed through her veins. Olivia pushed against Liam's chest with all her strength, but his iron grip effortlessly pinned her wrists above her head. His breath was hot against her ear as he growled, "Behave yourself and do as you're told."

Defiance burned in Olivia's chest. Why should she? When Liam leaned in again, she sank her teeth into his lower lip.

The metallic tang of blood flooded their mouths. Liam jerked back with a pained groan, releasing her immediately.

Olivia scrambled backward, clutching her torn clothing, watching him like a trapped animal.

"You bit me?" Liam touched his bleeding lip, disbelief flashing across his handsome features.

Olivia stood her ground, her entire posture radiating refusal. With sharp, angry gestures, she signed her question - what did he truly think of her?

Liam's expression darkened into something unreadable, his eyes becoming fathomless pools of shadow.

Needing clarity, Olivia signed another question - did he treat Evelyn this way? Would he ever dare manhandle Evelyn like this?

A storm gathered in Liam's stormcloud-gray eyes.

Bracing for impact, Olivia squeezed her eyes shut, expecting violence.

Instead, she heard the rustle of fabric as Liam grabbed his jacket. The door slammed with such force the walls trembled.

Olivia's pulse didn't calm until she saw the taillights of Liam's black Bentley disappear down the street. His lip was bleeding - what excuse would he give Evelyn?

Strangely, the thought of Liam with Evelyn no longer twisted her heart. It felt irrelevant now. Only one thing mattered - excelling in her restoration work.

At dawn, Olivia arrived at Gregory's studio, fueled by last night's confrontation and newfound determination. After brief greetings with colleagues, she settled at her workstation.

Rather than immediately repairing Victoria's bracelet, Olivia meticulously examined each fragment. Several metal pieces puzzled her - were they genuine components or deliberate decoys? If authentic, their placement eluded her. If not, they were surely Victoria's attempt to sabotage her work.

Olivia spent the morning analyzing the fragments until Marcus interrupted with a knock.

"Lunchtime," Marcus announced, holding a takeout bag. He eyed her cluttered workspace. "You forgot to eat again. Come with me."

Olivia nodded and followed Marcus to the lounge. She gestured toward the food, asking the cost so she could transfer payment.

"Just a few dollars," Marcus waved dismissively. "Consider it an apology for being harsh yesterday. My treat."

Olivia smiled gratefully, joking in sign language that he'd actually given her the perfect opportunity to prove herself.

Their conversation halted at the sound of approaching footsteps.

Olivia looked up - and froze. Liam stood in the doorway.

Dressed in a tailored obsidian suit, he exuded authority, his icy gaze locking onto Olivia.

She rose slowly, uncertainty flickering in her eyes.

"The reception area is downstairs," Marcus said, stepping forward with polite firmness.

Though aware of Olivia's domestic situation and recognizing Liam immediately, Marcus feigned ignorance, his tone laced with subtle hostility. He criticized Liam for suppressing Olivia's remarkable talents by confining her to domestic life.

Liam ignored him completely, his predatory gaze never leaving Olivia as he advanced.

Panic rising, Olivia intercepted him, gesturing toward the hallway.

Liam paused, shot Marcus a lethal glare, and followed her out.

By the floor-to-ceiling windows, Liam turned to her. "Does my presence embarrass you?"

Olivia shook her head vehemently.

"Do you truly need to work here?" Liam's voice softened marginally.

Olivia signed passionately about how artifact restoration brought her joy - something she hadn't experienced since their marriage.

She wanted to stay. After a pause, she reminded him of the twenty million required for their divorce.

Liam's expression darkened dangerously.

She explained that the studio would help her earn the money faster than the bookstore, accelerating their separation.

The sum seemed impossible, but it was her only hope.

Liam's gaze turned volcanic. "Fine."

With a mocking smirk, he suddenly yanked her close, kissing her fiercely despite his still-bleeding lip.

Olivia resisted minimally, hyperaware of their public setting. What was Liam thinking, doing this at her workplace?

Thankfully, the kiss ended quickly. Liam pulled away after moments, his hands lingering at her waist before thrusting a small box into her hands and striding off without explanation.

Heart racing, Olivia turned to find Marcus awkwardly hovering in the doorway.

"Food's getting cold," he said, clearing his throat.

Olivia tucked the box away and returned to lunch.

Later, curiosity overpowered her. She opened Liam's mysterious gift - and gasped. Inside lay an antique bracelet nearly identical to the one she was currently restoring.