Chapter 403

Liam held little Isabelle protectively in his arms. "She may not be my biological child, but I've sworn to protect her with my life. Her mother is Olivia Sinclair - a name I'm sure you recognize. If Olivia were to get involved, the consequences would be far worse than anything I could do."

"Olivia Sinclair's daughter?" Richard gasped, his face draining of color.

In a sudden burst of fury, Richard turned and struck his mistress hard across the face. "You stupid woman! You've dragged us into a disaster! You told me her family was poor, just some old grandfather picking her up!"

The mistress clutched her stinging cheek, scrambling for excuses. "I only ever saw an elderly man collecting her! How was I supposed to know—"

Her voice trailed off as realization dawned - they'd messed with someone under powerful protection.

The revelation hit Richard like a physical blow. Mr. Blackwood wasn't someone to cross lightly, and now they were knee-deep in trouble.

Blinded by panic, Richard grabbed his son and shoved the boy toward the broken glass shards. The child screamed in pain.

"My deepest apologies! This is entirely my fault for failing to discipline my son properly. Please, don't take offense - we meant no harm," Richard begged, desperation thick in his voice.

Turning to Isabelle with a painfully forced smile, Richard cooed, "Sweetheart, see? He's apologized. Can you forgive us? We truly didn't mean to upset you. I'll buy you anything you want - pretty dresses, toys, whatever your heart desires."

Richard foolishly hoped his bribes might smooth things over, underestimating the sharp mind behind Isabelle's youthful face.

Isabelle remained unmoved, her expression stern. "You're the one who needs to apologize. They brought me here and weren't nice, but you're the one who hit me."

Richard recoiled at the child's unexpected assertiveness - a clear reflection of her mother Olivia's famous stubbornness and strong will.

Liam's gaze burned with contempt. "Did you really think you could trick her just because she's a child? Richard, look what you've become. Today, you'll learn your lesson the hard way."

Richard tried to convince himself this was just bad luck. Without hesitation, Liam called Victor on speakerphone. "Mr. Blackwood, it's been a while. Do you recognize my voice?"

Victor responded cautiously, "Who is this?"

"Mr. Blackwood. Ring any bells?"

Recognition flashed across Victor's face, his tone shifting immediately. "Of course, I know who you are. What can I do for you?"

Liam explained the situation with biting sarcasm. "Richard is, after all, a Blackwood. Despite his reprehensible behavior toward my goddaughter, I must be careful. Direct punishment might make me look like I'm bullying poor Richard."

Victor chuckled darkly. "No need for such concerns. Richard has been a thorn in our side for years. It's high time the Blackwood family severed ties. Though I never imagined he'd sink this low. Mr. Blackwood, your testimony is all I need. Consider him officially disowned. No more cleaning up his messes."

Liam made sure Richard heard every damning word. The impact was immediate - Richard's face twisted with rage as he snatched the phone.

"You're the one who should be disowned, Victor! Remember, I know enough to bury us both! If I go down, you're coming with me!" Richard screamed into the phone, his voice raw with fury.