Chapter 402

Liam's piercing gaze locked onto Richard, who now trembled uncontrollably on the floor. Just minutes ago, Richard had been the one exerting power over Isabelle, but the tables had turned dramatically.

A sneer twisted Liam's lips. The thought of Richard taking over Blackwood Enterprises was laughable. Even if he succeeded, he'd run it into the ground within months.

The woman recovered first, stepping forward with false bravado. "Who do you think you are? How dare you break into my home?" Her shrill voice cracked with poorly concealed fear.

Oliver moved beside Liam, his confident stride echoing through the room. "Take a good look," he said with deliberate arrogance. "This is Mr. Blackwood. Surely even you recognize that name."

Confusion clouded the woman's face. "Mr. Blackwood? My husband is Richard Winslow, heir to the Winslow fortune!"

Recognition flashed in Richard's eyes as he noticed the distinctive mask. His face drained of color. Mr. Blackwood's reputation preceded him - a shadowy figure whose rare appearances in Eldermere always left lasting impacts.

Panic seized Richard as he yanked his wife aside. "Shut up!" he hissed. "Do you have any idea who we're dealing with?"

Meanwhile, Isabelle spotted Liam and rushed forward without hesitation. Her previous encounters with him at Mercy Hospital had shown her a different side of this intimidating man. Where others saw danger, she saw kindness in his eyes.

"Please," Isabelle begged, her small voice urgent. "Take me to Mother. She must be so worried about me."

Liam's heart clenched as he lifted the injured child. Fresh cuts marred her tiny hands and legs, yet her only concern was for Olivia. His respect for Olivia grew - she'd raised an extraordinary daughter.

Gently pinching Isabelle's cheek, Liam asked softly, "Does it hurt?"

Isabelle nodded solemnly. "Yes. But Mother says crying makes the pain worse. And I won't give them the satisfaction of seeing me weak."

The maturity in her words stabbed at Liam's heart. "You don't have to be strong anymore," he murmured. "I'll protect you now. You can cry if you need to." His gaze turned glacial as it shifted to Richard's family.

Richard cowered on the floor, humiliation and terror warring on his face. Once, he might have stood tall as a Winslow heir. Now, stripped of power and privilege, he was utterly vulnerable.

Desperation drove Richard to his feet. He bowed deeply, his voice shaking. "Mr. Blackwood, I swear I wasn't involved! I just returned home to find someone bothering my son. I had no idea she was your daughter - I would never have dared if I'd known!"

The air thickened with tension as Liam's unspoken threat hung between them. Richard knew one wrong move could give Victor the perfect excuse to destroy what remained of his standing.

Liam adjusted Isabelle carefully in his arms, his protective embrace sending a clear message. The game had changed, and Richard had just lost his last remaining advantage.