Chapter 405
Isabelle spotted Olivia and immediately squirmed out of Liam's embrace to run toward her mother. "Mommy! I missed you so much!" Her small arms wrapped tightly around Olivia's waist. "I'm okay, really. It was my fault - I shouldn't have gone with that stranger."
Olivia's breath caught when she noticed the bruises on Isabelle's arms. "Sweetheart, what happened?" Her voice trembled with barely contained panic.
Turning to Liam, Olivia's eyes flashed with anger. "What were you thinking? She's hurt! Why didn't you take her straight to Mercy Hospital?"
Isabelle shook her head violently, her golden curls bouncing. "No, Mommy! It was me - I didn't want to go. I knew you'd be scared if you saw me there again."
Memories of the last Kensington kidnapping flooded Olivia's mind - how Isabelle's throat had been bruised, how she'd cried herself to sleep for weeks afterward, waking with puffy eyes every morning.
Her daughter couldn't stand seeing her in pain. Isabelle stretched up on tiptoes, small fingers brushing away Olivia's tears. "Don't cry, Mommy. I'm right here. I'll protect you now - nobody will ever hurt you again."
Liam's chest tightened watching them. He stepped closer. "Isabelle, you don't have to worry. I'll keep you safe. That's what godfathers do."
Olivia's tears stopped instantly. She scooped Isabelle into her arms, her expression turning to ice. "Godfather?" Her laugh was sharp as broken glass. "My daughter doesn't have one."
Liam flushed. "Why not? That's ridiculous."
"Ridiculous?" Olivia's voice dropped dangerously. "Did you even ask if she wanted you as a godfather?"
Isabelle shook her head so hard her curls whipped her cheeks. "I don't need a godfather. I have my real daddy. Mommy says he's the best man ever. You're nice, but you're not him. My daddy doesn't hide his face like you do."
The words hit Liam like physical blows. He swallowed hard, forcing a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "You're absolutely right, sweetheart. I'm not worthy to be your godfather. I shouldn't have—"
Olivia's expression shifted abruptly. "Hospital. Now."
After Isabelle's injuries were treated, Olivia decided to keep her home from kindergarten. Her brilliant daughter could miss months of school and still outpace her peers. She'd only enrolled Isabelle for socialization, but clearly that plan had backfired spectacularly.
Olivia prepared to claim control of Blackwood Enterprises - she hadn't forgotten their wager. But as she turned to leave, Liam caught her wrist.
He cleared his throat awkwardly. "Olivia, wait. The bet...it was just an excuse. I needed to see you. And if you lost...well, that meant I'd get to see you again."
Olivia studied him with cool detachment. "Let me understand this. Exactly how many favors do I owe you? I don't like being indebted."
Liam looked stricken. "No! You don't owe me anything!"
"Is that so?" Olivia arched one perfect eyebrow, her lips curving in a smile that didn't reach her stormy gray eyes.