Chapter 408

Olivia's eyes widened in surprise. "Aren't you worried about being recognized?" she asked, glancing around the dining room. Even within the safety of her own home, Olivia couldn't guarantee none of the staff would recognize Liam.

The pale complexion beneath Liam's ever-present mask made the scar across his cheekbone stand out starkly. Yet rather than detracting from his appearance, the mark added a dangerous allure to his already striking features.

Liam's icy gaze swept across the servants. "You hired these people yourself, Olivia," he said with quiet authority. "I trust your judgment. You wouldn't employ anyone who can't keep their mouth shut."

Those servants who did recognize Liam immediately averted their eyes, not daring to meet his piercing stare.

Little Isabelle, however, studied Liam's face with open curiosity, her innocent gaze lingering on the scar.

Liam shifted uncomfortably under her scrutiny. He turned his face slightly, as if to hide the mark. "Does this scare you, Isabelle?" he asked carefully, keeping his tone light.

Isabelle shook her head vigorously. "No! There's a boy at my preschool who has a scratch on his arm from saving a puppy. He calls it his hero badge." She pointed at Liam's scar with a chubby finger. "So that must mean you're a hero too!"

Liam's chest tightened unexpectedly at her words. Olivia smiled softly and added more vegetables to Isabelle's plate. "Eat well, darling. The stronger you are, the less anyone can hurt you."

"I'll grow up big and strong!" Isabelle declared between bites. "Then I can protect you and Mr. Liam so no one bullies you ever!"

The clinking of silverware filled the comfortable silence that followed. For the first time in years, Liam felt an unfamiliar warmth spreading through him - the simple joy of shared company.

Before traveling to Newport to take control of Blackwood Enterprises, Olivia had one crucial matter to settle. She instructed Nathaniel to arrange a discreet meeting, insisting her name remain unmentioned.

Meanwhile, Victoria Ellington had been wrestling with growing guilt over her recent actions. News that Mr. Blackwood had left with Olivia that fateful night had sent her into a spiral of anxiety. But when the engagement was officially announced, some of her tension eased. It seemed her scheme had worked after all.

When Olivia made no move to confront her, Victoria gradually let her guard down. With the powerful Ellington family backing her, she felt untouchable. Who would dare challenge the Ellingtons?

Her lingering guilt had kept Victoria from picking fights with Daniel lately. So when he unexpectedly invited her to dinner, she accepted immediately, even allowing herself a rare smile. It had been ages since Daniel had asked her out.

Victoria dressed carefully for the occasion, arriving at the exclusive restaurant with anticipation. But instead of Daniel, she found Olivia waiting for her.

This wasn't the warm, accommodating Olivia she knew. The woman before her had eyes like shards of ice and a demeanor to match. As Victoria's smile faltered, Olivia remained unmoved.

Approaching with measured steps, Olivia offered a cold smile. "Mrs. Bennett, do you finally have time for that conversation we need to have?"

Victoria's shock quickly hardened into defiance. "I'm afraid not. I'm meeting my husband for dinner." She tilted her chin up. "Surely even you wouldn't interfere in a married couple's private time?"