Chapter 39

Olivia quickly locked her phone screen. She turned to Liam with a guilty expression, explaining she was just requesting time off from the studio.

"You said it wasn't a real job. So why ask for leave?" Liam's voice dripped with sarcasm.

Olivia clarified it was technically an apprenticeship, but she still had to follow studio protocols.

"And since it's just an apprenticeship, how's the pay? How much will Gregory contribute to Victoria's half-million repair bill?" Liam pressed further.

Olivia's throat tightened. She hadn't discussed finances with Gregory yet. Though eager to earn, she knew twenty million wouldn't appear overnight. Gregory had been generous. Even if the entire fifty thousand for Victoria's repairs went to the studio, she'd accept it.

Her success at William's birthday gala had already boosted her reputation. More restoration projects would come.

Fortunately, Liam didn't push. He gave Olivia one intense look before turning away.

For the first time, Olivia kept something from Liam. She watched him leave, her pulse racing.

After breakfast, Olivia rushed to the studio. She needed to return by noon - only a morning's work remained.

She left the azure-glazed porcelain William gifted her, needing more research before restoration.

At noon, Olivia prepared to leave when two studio girls approached. "Join us for lunch?" they asked.

Olivia explained she needed to eat at home. The girls hesitated. "Could we come to your place instead?"

Olivia considered. Liam had been home more frequently lately, though his visits were brief. He'd never forbidden guests - just her going out.

Plus, one girl had defended Olivia when she first arrived. She felt comfortable accepting.

That afternoon, the girls visited bearing small gifts. Aside from Natalie, they were Olivia's first home guests.

They stayed through dinner. Thankfully, Liam returned earlier than usual. He barely spoke, just inquired about her meals before going upstairs.

Thirty minutes later, the doorbell rang.

The butler answered, then escorted in one of the earlier guests. "Miss Reynolds thinks she lost an earring here," he explained.

Sophia Reynolds, who'd barely interacted with Olivia before, seemed flustered as she explained the missing jewelry.

Olivia nodded to the butler. "Ask her where she thinks it fell. I'll help search."

"No need!" Sophia interrupted. "I'll look myself. Probably dropped during our movie this afternoon."

The home theater sat near the first-floor stairs. Olivia instructed the butler to take Sophia there.

From a distance, Olivia overheard Sophia whispering to the butler before he left her alone in the theater.

Concerned, Olivia moved to check when she noticed Sophia sneaking out - behaving oddly.

Perhaps Sophia misremembered where she'd lost the earring? But before Olivia could ask, she saw Sophia heading upstairs, unbuttoning her blouse to reveal cleavage.

Realization struck. No one had gone upstairs that afternoon. Sophia couldn't have lost anything there.

This wasn't about a missing earring. Sophia wanted Liam - and had ulterior motives.