Chapter 352

Olivia Sinclair stood by the window, watching the city lights twinkle below when her assistant approached with quiet urgency. "Miss Sinclair, everything has been arranged as you instructed."

She gave a slight nod, her gaze never leaving the skyline.

Before returning to Eldermere, Olivia had deployed her team to infiltrate Blackwood Enterprises. Their mission was twofold - gather intelligence on company operations while discreetly investigating the current power dynamics within the Blackwood family. Her team's efficiency never failed to impress.

The compiled documents revealed troubling patterns. While Blackwood Enterprises maintained a facade of stability, the frequency of operational errors suggested deeper issues. The company was declining rapidly, teetering on the brink of collapse. Without Liam at the helm, the once-mighty corporation had become like a declawed tiger - all show with no real power.

An unexpected pang of sympathy struck Olivia, reserved solely for Henry Winslow. Had he lived to see his family's legacy crumble, it would have shattered him.

"Shall we move against Blackwood Enterprises with this information?" her assistant inquired.

Olivia shook her head, her lips curving into a knowing smile. "Destroying them would be child's play, but that's not my objective. I only want what's rightfully mine. Besides," she added with a dismissive wave, "why waste energy on their downfall?"

As she massaged her temples, a thought occurred to her. "Who's currently leading Blackwood Enterprises?"

"Victor Blackwood. Though once considered an outsider due to his... questionable parentage, he's since been legitimized by the family."

Interest sparked in Olivia's eyes. "Reach out to him. I want dinner tonight."

Her assistant hesitated. "That might prove difficult. Since taking over, he's become quite reclusive - avoids public appearances and rarely grants private audiences."

Unfazed, Olivia's smile turned confident. "Mention my name. That should change his mind."

True to her prediction, Victor responded immediately, even inquiring about her dining preferences.

"Reserve the most exclusive restaurant in Crestwood," Olivia instructed without hesitation.

As twilight descended, Olivia arrived precisely on time, though her entrance carried a hint of difficulty. "My apologies for the delay, Mr. Blackwood," she explained upon entering the private dining room. "Transportation issues, and these heels..." Her apology carried no real remorse, her posture radiating confidence.

Victor hadn't changed much over the years. The same mask covered half his face, revealing only his pale, handsome features. His warm eyes remained as deceptive as ever, capable of making one forget the darkness lurking beneath.

Olivia remembered all too well how those same hands had nearly ended her life. Yet here he stood, extending his hand as if they were old friends. "I've heard so much about your recent endeavors. I'm honored you'd choose to meet with me so soon after your return."

Her smile remained cool. "You flatter yourself, Mr. Blackwood. In Crestwood, your reputation precedes you. I haven't forgotten our... previous encounters."

The air between them crackled with unspoken history as they took their seats, the real game only just beginning.