Chapter 396

Liam's expression turned icy. "Olivia, emotions won't help us now. You must decide. Someone planned today's ambush, and it won't be their last attempt. You have two choices. First, leap from this window - my team is positioned below to catch you while I handle the aftermath. Second, announce our engagement to those vultures outside. That should shield you from future attacks. The choice is yours alone. I won't influence your decision."

Olivia stared at the window, knowing Liam spoke the truth. "Why are you doing this?" she whispered.

"Do I need a reason?" Liam's voice held steady conviction. "I'm helping because I love you - deeply, completely, irrevocably. I won't beg you to stay with me, but I will spend my life making amends if you'll let me."

Her breath caught. This raw honesty was unlike the guarded man she knew. Once, such words would have thrilled her. Now, though she expected numbness, her pulse quickened against her will.

Sebastian's urgent knocking grew louder, forcing Olivia to steady herself.

Outside, restless reporters buzzed with speculation after three hours of waiting.

"Is it really Olivia Sinclair in there?"

"Absolutely. The adopted Kensington daughter who tried seducing her foster brother. Now she runs that prestigious auction house."

"What a scandalous life! Leaving her child at home while chasing another man."

"But isn't she divorced? What's wrong with seeing someone new?"

"You don't understand - the man involved is Victoria Ellington's cousin! Rumor says he was already dating someone when this started. Imagine - the auction house CEO as the other woman! This will explode across Crestwood!"

The door swung open abruptly.

Olivia emerged first, her steps slightly unsteady. The reporters immediately swarmed like sharks scenting blood.

"Are you the mistress in this love triangle? Is Ms. Ellington's cousin inside? How does it feel being labeled a homewrecker?"

The aggressive crowd made Olivia sway dangerously.

Then a strong arm encircled her waist. A calm, authoritative voice cut through the chaos. "Gentlemen, you're mistaken. I was with Olivia the entire time. Now explain why you're calling my fiancée a mistress?"

Leaning into Liam's solid frame, Olivia added with deliberate sweetness, "How curious. Someone clearly wants to destroy my reputation. Though I can't imagine who'd benefit from such lies. Unless..." She eyed the reporters meaningfully, "Someone paid you to be here?"

The journalists recoiled as if scalded. They recognized Mr. Blackwood instantly - a name that struck fear in media circles.