Chapter 423

Isabelle's gaze flickered nervously before she seized Liam's hand, tugging him closer. She pressed near, her breath warm against his ear as she whispered.

"Will you stay? I know a bad man hurt Mommy and made her sick. Bad people always hurt my mommy, and I can't stop them." Isabelle's cheeks flushed pink as she ducked her head. "When I grow up, I'll protect her myself. I won't need anyone's help."

Liam's chest constricted. Such courage in one so young, bearing burdens no child should. He pulled Isabelle into a fierce hug. "You're amazing, Isabelle," he murmured. "This is my fault. I won't let anything happen to you or your mom again."

Isabelle tilted her head, confusion knitting her brow. "But...you don't have to. Mommy says only family protects each other forever. You're her friend. You only have to protect her sometimes."

Pain lanced through Liam. "Your mom said that?" His voice tightened. "She called me just a friend? Did she mention anything else about me?"

Isabelle blinked, his words clearly puzzling her.

"It's alright," Liam said, masking his hurt. "Take your mom inside to rest now."

Nodding, Isabelle led Olivia away by the hand. Olivia took a few steps, something unreadable flashing in her eyes. She glanced back at Liam, noting his slumped shoulders before turning away.

Liam watched them go, loneliness crashing over him. For a fleeting moment, he'd considered using Olivia's amnesia to rebuild their connection.

But the thought sickened him. It would be manipulation, taking advantage when she was vulnerable. When her memories returned, she'd despise him. All he could do was be there—no expectations, no conditions.

Meanwhile, Liam pursued Victoria relentlessly. He mobilized every resource. The woman had vanished the instant she left the country.

That evening at a high-society gathering, Liam came face-to-face with a legendary investigator—a man whispered to find anyone, anywhere.

They said he could track a target with just a description. But the man was eccentric, refusing jobs unless the mood struck, regardless of payment.

Tonight, the investigator signaled hired girls to flirt with Liam, proposing toasts. Years of social events had built Liam's tolerance; liquor barely affected him.

After several bottles, Liam remained steady while the investigator grew impatient. With a wave, he summoned a girl.

She sauntered over, hips swaying. The investigator whispered in her ear. Nodding, she gave Liam a sultry look. "Such a fine figure," she purred, sidling close. "Why hide behind that mask? Let us see your handsome face."

Her fingers brushed the mask's edge—

Liam shoved her violently. She crashed to the floor, wailing theatrically.

He didn't blink. His gaze turned arctic. "Seeing my face means death. That's the rule." His icy words aimed at the investigator. "Still curious?"

Liam wouldn't be here if he didn't need this man's skills to hunt Victoria down—to make her pay for what she'd done to Olivia.