Chapter 353

A tense silence enveloped the private dining room.

Victor Blackwood's confident facade cracked momentarily, surprise flashing across his features at Olivia Sinclair's blunt approach.

Olivia remained composed, elegantly pouring tea into Victor's cup with steady hands. His fingers trembled slightly as he accepted the delicate china.

"You've... changed," Victor remarked, his voice less assured now. "I hardly recognize the woman before me. Your voice has returned, you've reclaimed your place in the Kensington family. You're far beyond my reach now." He adjusted his cuffs nervously. "Those past misunderstandings were largely due to Liam's interference. At least I came to my senses and let you go. Can't we leave the past behind us?"

Olivia's lips curled in barely concealed contempt. The audacity to frame his cowardice as benevolence! She remembered all too clearly how she'd orchestrated her own escape by manipulating Miranda Graves.

But dwelling on painful memories served no purpose. Olivia steered the conversation to her objective. "Let's be clear, Victor. This isn't a social call. Given your thorough research into my current situation, you must understand how opposing me would damage Blackwood Enterprises." She produced a leather-bound folder, sliding it across the polished mahogany table. "These properties were stolen from me by your family. It's time they were returned to their rightful owner."

Victor glanced at the documents and smirked. "Why come to me? Shouldn't you be demanding this from the Winslow family?"

Olivia's laugh held no warmth. "Aren't you the current head of Blackwood Enterprises now?"

Unfazed by his own contradiction, Victor adjusted his silk tie with deliberate slowness. "Here's the thing - while the Winslows may acknowledge me as family, I don't feel particularly connected to them." His smile turned predatory. "Besides, when your assets were seized, I wasn't even part of the family. Why should I be responsible for returning them?"

Disgust twisted Olivia's features. "If you refuse to cooperate, I'll take what's mine by force. The choice is yours, Victor."

Victor remained impassive. "A word of caution - the Winslow family may be struggling, but they're not to be underestimated. And these so-called assets you claim... do you even have proof of ownership?"

Now Olivia understood the depths of Victor's deceit. Her parents' hard-earned legacy, stolen by the Winslows. As head of Blackwood Enterprises, Victor had certainly reviewed all holdings - distinguishing her inheritance would be simple. His refusal confirmed he never intended to return what was rightfully hers.

With a glance at her assistant, Olivia rose. "We're leaving."

Her assistant blinked in surprise but immediately moved to follow. She trusted Olivia's judgment implicitly.

"Wait!" Victor suddenly called out. He hurried over with two crystal glasses of amber liquor, then did the unthinkable - he dropped to one knee before Olivia, head bowed in apparent contrition. "I understand now. The Winslows wronged you deeply." He extended a glass. "Please accept this toast as my apology. Now that you've returned, let's coexist peacefully. Can't we let bygones be bygones?"

Olivia's expression remained glacial, her silence more telling than any words.