Chapter 416

Olivia hesitated as Beatrice's messages kept coming. The older woman's persistence was wearing her down. "I'm truly sorry to disturb you," the latest text read. "I just feel so unsettled. My daughter's behavior is entirely my fault, despite everything I tried. If today isn't convenient, perhaps we could meet another time? I'd like to apologize face-to-face."

As a single mother herself, Olivia understood Beatrice's struggles all too well. That shared experience softened her heart toward the woman.

Finally, she typed a reply: "I can meet today. Send me the location."

Olivia left without telling Liam or Isabelle. Given Beatrice's delicate situation, she preferred to handle this alone. The last thing she wanted was to complicate matters further. But fate had other plans - Oliver intercepted her at the elevator.

"Wait!" Oliver blocked her path, his expression stormy. "We need to talk."

Olivia recognized that stubborn set to his jaw immediately. Not in the mood for another confrontation, she forced a polite smile. "Another time, Oliver. I have an appointment."

But Oliver matched her step for step as she tried to walk away. "I don't care if you're busy," he insisted. "I'll follow you all day if I have to. This can't wait."

Olivia exhaled sharply. Since when had Liam become so patient with rebellious teenagers? The boy's determination was impressive, if misguided.

Seeing no escape, Olivia stopped abruptly, her expression turning frosty. "Five minutes. And I have something to say to you too."

Oliver crossed his arms, chin jutting defiantly. "Stay away from Liam. He's already promised to someone else - someone perfect for him. If you actually care about him, you'll back off." His voice took on a lecturing tone. "Our former boss arranged the marriage before he died. She saved Liam's life. They're meant to be together. If not for you, Liam would be married to her right now."

Olivia's eyebrows shot up. She hadn't realized Liam's reputation extended so far internationally. Then again, it made sense - women had been drawn to him since childhood. But an arranged marriage? That was new information.

An odd tightness formed in her chest as she processed this. Her voice turned arctic. "Listen carefully - I never asked for his attention. If you can convince him to leave me alone and return to this perfect woman, by all means do so. The problem isn't me clinging to him. I've told you before - all I want is peace."

Oliver flushed, momentarily speechless. When he found his voice again, it came out strangled. "Then... then refuse him properly! Your half-hearted rejections just encourage him. Consider this your warning - stay away."

Olivia's patience shattered. She stepped forward, forcing Oliver back several paces. "I don't owe you explanations," she said icily. "If you're so confident, make him leave me alone. Why should I be the one rejecting him? This isn't my problem to solve."

Oliver's hands clenched into fists. "Just wait until my lady returns! She'll deal with a homewrecker like you properly!"

His words hung in the air between them as Olivia turned on her heel and walked away, her back rigid with suppressed anger. The elevator doors closed on Oliver's furious expression, leaving Olivia alone with her turbulent thoughts.