Chapter 342

The silence stretched between them until Mr. Jack finally broke it. "Returning to Eldermere? I have some business there that requires attention. Would you assist me with it?" His voice carried that familiar commanding tone. "While I'd prefer to handle it personally, my current obligations prevent me. As per our agreement, you should have delivered the restored artifact by now. Given your circumstances, I'm willing to extend the deadline. But don't mistake this for unlimited patience."

Olivia's brow furrowed. "Business management isn't exactly my expertise."

She couldn't comprehend why he'd entrust this to her instead of someone from his inner circle. Her experience consisted solely of overseeing a few auction houses - she'd never built a company from scratch.

Mr. Jack's lips curved into a knowing smile. "Olivia, while others remain oblivious, I'm well acquainted with those specialized training programs you've completed. Those million-dollar management courses must have imparted some valuable skills."

Her eyes widened in alarm. "How could you possibly know about that?" Her voice trembled with barely contained shock.

Those were her carefully guarded secrets - information she'd withheld even from Donovan and Alistair. Yet Mr. Jack knew every detail.

He rose gracefully and approached her bedside.

"Haven't I told you I know everything worth knowing in this world?" His gaze bore into hers. "I recognize your ambition and potential, Olivia. But you must exercise greater caution. Instead of panicking, use this as an opportunity for reflection. Consider yourself fortunate I'm not your enemy - you wouldn't be breathing otherwise."

Olivia found herself speechless. Studying Mr. Jack's composed demeanor, her suspicions intensified. The way he issued warnings mirrored Liam's distinctive style uncannily.

As she studied his masked face, Olivia burned with the desire to tear it away and confirm his identity. After a prolonged silence, she finally spoke. "If you're willing to place your trust in me, I'll give this my absolute best."

Mr. Jack responded with a rare, genuine smile. "Don't get ahead of yourself. There are conditions, and failure carries consequences. Though I have every confidence in your capabilities."

Olivia bit back the question burning on her tongue. Part of her desperately wanted to demand whether he was Liam in disguise. Yet another part recognized it no longer mattered.

If this was Liam choosing to conceal his identity, it signaled he'd moved beyond their shared history. Dwelling on it would only chain her to the past.

After Mr. Jack departed, the medical staff finally relented to Olivia's persistent requests to visit Isabelle.

Isabelle had regained consciousness but sat motionless in bed, surrounded by caretakers attempting to coax her into eating. The child remained silent and unresponsive until Olivia's wheelchair entered the room.

"Let me try," Olivia said, accepting the bowl from the frustrated caretakers.

Only at the sound of Olivia's voice did Isabelle stir. Recognition flashed in her eyes as she attempted to rise, only to be gently restrained by the attendants.

"Isabelle, darling, you mustn't move," Olivia cautioned softly. "The doctors were very clear - any sudden movements mean another injection."