Chapter 41
Olivia's entire body trembled, yet she didn't pull away this time. Only when Liam pinned her against the mattress did realization strike. Flushing crimson, she raised a hand to halt his advance, silently mouthing that she was ovulating.
Heat flooded her cheeks as she avoided his gaze, communicating her concern through frantic gestures. Liam paused momentarily before rising to search the nightstand drawer. When his weight settled over her again, Olivia caught the low rumble of his laughter.
"After all this time together, you're still blushing like a bride?"
The term "together" pierced Olivia's heart. While technically accurate, she felt more like a temporary roommate than Liam's wife. Exhausted from their encounter, Olivia barely dragged herself to the studio by midday. Immediately, she noticed the absence - Sophia, who'd attempted to seduce Liam yesterday, was conspicuously missing.
Inquiries revealed Sophia had been terminated. Liam's solution was characteristically blunt. But unease prickled Olivia's spine. Did Liam wield this much influence over Gregory's studio? Was Gregory being coerced?
Though Gregory had always been close with Henry, Olivia never suspected Liam had forged his own connection. Seizing a moment when Gregory stepped away from clients, she approached him directly.
"Was Sophia fired because of incompetence?" she demanded.
Gregory confirmed with equal directness, citing professional shortcomings.
After a weighted pause, Olivia voiced her real concern. "Did Liam pressure you?"
Gregory's expression tightened imperceptibly, offering no clear answer. Anxiety coiling tighter, Olivia pressed further, fearing her presence caused complications.
Gregory dismissed her worries with a shake of his head. "No one's pressuring anyone." Yet guilt gnawed at Olivia - was he simply being kind, refusing to blame her for the disruption?
His smile didn't reach his eyes as he redirected, reminding her to submit payment details to Marcus for her first assignment bonus - a staggering five hundred thousand.
Olivia's jaw dropped. She moved to refuse, but Gregory had already summoned Marcus and returned to work, clearly avoiding further discussion.
"The studio takes five percent commission moving forward," Marcus informed during the transfer. "Gregory's reputation brings most clients."
Olivia nodded, impressed by the modest rate. Hesitating, she voiced her deeper concern. "Can Gregory protect himself from clients like Victoria? Or... Liam?"
Marcus chuckled. "Worried about more Victoria drama?" At Olivia's nod, he continued, "Jerome promised to explain everything personally. Anyone causing trouble here gets dealt with - heard Victoria's allowance got cut? She's scrambling now."
He shrugged. "Gregory's untouchable. Don't stress."
Somewhat reassured, Olivia dined alone that evening - Liam hadn't returned. Her thoughts drifted to an article about Eldermere's newest haute cuisine hotspot, exactly the sort of place Evelyn would drag Liam.
Assuming he'd be occupied, Olivia changed into casual wear, directing her driver to the bookstore where Natalie waited.
Natalie read her tension instantly. "Sweetheart, what's wrong? Liam again?"
Olivia shook her head, outlining her suspicions about Liam complicating Gregory's affairs, seeking advice.
Ever pragmatic, Natalie waved it off. "Gregory and Henry were close. Liam wouldn't risk offending his grandfather's ally. Probably just let Sophia go to avoid drama."
When Olivia expressed doubt about Gregory's evasiveness, Natalie shrugged. "Maybe he didn't consider it worth mentioning. Stop overthinking - Gregory can handle himself."
Olivia's shoulders relaxed slightly.
"I found some restoration manuals earlier - " Natalie began, when shattering glass cut her off.
They whirled toward the sound. Through the fractured bookstore window, a gang of hooded figures brandished baseball bats.
"This the place?" growled one.
"Light it up!" another shouted.
A brick sailed through another pane, exploding in a shower of glass shards.