Chapter 358

The door clicked shut behind Oliver Hart, his previously rigid posture now relaxed as he offered Olivia Sinclair a deep, apologetic bow. "My sincerest apologies for my earlier words. My master requests your presence for a private conversation."

Olivia gave a silent nod.

Amelia Dawson pushed the wheelchair forward, only to be blocked by Oliver at the threshold.

Clearing his throat, Oliver addressed Amelia directly. "The invitation extends only to Ms. Sinclair, I'm afraid."

Amelia exhaled sharply through her nose before stepping back. "Fine. I wouldn't waste my breath arguing with the likes of you anyway."

While their verbal sparring continued, Olivia expertly maneuvered her wheelchair past them and into the sterile hospital room.

The sight of the masked figure propped up in bed sent an unexpected pang through Olivia's chest. Even gravely injured, he refused to reveal his face.

Mr. Jack's eyes - the only visible feature through the mask's openings - held depths of calm wisdom.

"Olivia," he began, his voice steady as bedrock. "I can see the questions swirling behind your eyes. Today, I intend to answer them all."

Olivia's fingers curled into tight fists as she fought to steady her breathing. "Please," she managed, "I'm listening."

"First, I know you suspect I might be Liam."

His blunt acknowledgment hit like a physical blow. Olivia's eyes widened, her pulse thundering in her ears. Not only had he voiced her deepest suspicion, but he'd done so with unsettling certainty.

"You—" Her voice cracked. "Are you?"

"No." Mr. Jack's response came swift and final. A complex emotion flickered in his gaze as he held hers. "Because Liam Blackwood has been dead for years."

The words struck like a hammer blow. Olivia's vision swam as the room tilted dangerously. Her knuckles turned white gripping the wheelchair arms, her entire body trembling as if she might collapse at any moment.

Her lips moved soundlessly before she finally choked out, "That's impossible! How could Liam be dead?"

Mr. Jack sighed, the sound heavy with unspoken sorrow. "Believe what you will, but this is truth. With your auction houses spanning continents, you have resources I can only imagine. Send your people to investigate the underground markets in Valtierra. The answers await you there."

"Lies!" Olivia's control shattered like glass. Her chest heaved with ragged breaths, her entire body vibrating with denial. "He was fine when I last saw him! This can't be true!"

Mr. Jack winced as he adjusted his position against the pillows. "I understand this is difficult to accept. Perhaps we should continue this conversation after you've had time to process."

Olivia dragged in shuddering breaths, forcing herself to focus through the storm of emotions. Despite the years apart, memories of Liam remained vivid - his laughter, his touch, the way his eyes crinkled when he smiled.

The past refused to stay buried.

The present refused to make sense.

And the future...

The future suddenly seemed unbearably empty.