Chapter 356

Olivia gasped, her hands shaking violently as she clutched at Liam's shoulders. "Mr. Blackwood? Mr. Blackwood?" Her voice cracked with desperation.

The wail of approaching ambulance sirens pierced the air, growing louder with each passing second. Despite knowing help was near, Olivia's panic only intensified. Her breath hitched when her gaze landed on the gaping wound in his chest—a grotesque mess of torn flesh and dark, congealing blood. This was clearly the source of the crimson stains covering his body.

Tears blurred her vision, hot and unstoppable. Why had he thrown himself in harm's way for her? The question burned through her mind like acid.

In her frantic attempts to rouse him, Liam's mask had shifted, revealing the sharp line of his pale jaw. One more nudge and she'd see his entire face. A desperate curiosity clawed at her—she needed to know if her suspicions were correct.

But as her fingers hovered near the mask's edge, they trembled violently, as if repelled by some invisible force. She couldn't bring herself to do it.

Suddenly, paramedics swarmed around them, efficiently loading both Olivia and Liam onto separate stretchers. As they wheeled her away, the world spun violently, and darkness swallowed her whole.

When consciousness returned, Olivia was met with the sound of muffled sobs. Amelia Dawson, her assistant, sat hunched in a chair, tears streaming down her face. The moment she noticed Olivia stirring, she sprang forward. "Olivia! Thank God you're awake! I was so—so scared."

Though still weak, Olivia managed a small smile and found her strength returning faster than expected. "Even if I'd been in a coma, your crying would've woken me," she teased gently.

Amelia sniffled, wiping at her red-rimmed eyes. "I'm sorry. I just—I can't stop thinking about what could've happened."

Olivia reached out to squeeze her hand. "But it didn't. I'm here. That's what matters."

Amelia's story had always tugged at Olivia's heartstrings. They'd met overseas when Amelia was a brilliant but struggling student. After losing both parents in a tragic construction accident, the substantial compensation money had been stolen by her uncle's family.

Forced to live under their roof and rules, Amelia had fought tooth and nail for her education. Even after acing her college entrance exams, her relatives had planned to marry her off rather than pay tuition. So she'd stolen back what was rightfully hers and fled abroad, working multiple jobs while studying.

Olivia had first hired her as temporary holiday help at the auction house, but quickly recognized her potential. Soon, Amelia became her permanent assistant and, in many ways, the little sister Olivia never had—though one prone to emotional outbursts.

"It's all my fault," Amelia choked out suddenly. "I knew Victor was trouble, but I got careless. I didn't watch the car closely enough, and he sabotaged the brakes. You should fire me—I deserve it! If that stranger hadn't stepped in..." Her voice broke. "I've already called the police. Victor won't get away with this."

Olivia shook her head slowly. "The police won't help."

The unspoken truth hung heavy between them. Some battles couldn't be fought through legal channels. Not when dealing with the Blackwoods.