Chapter 424

Liam Blackwood took one look at the man's arrogant stance and knew he wasn't worth another second of his time. Without hesitation, he turned toward the exit, ignoring the man's sour expression.

But the stranger wasn't about to let Liam leave so easily. He blocked the doorway with his body. "What the hell? Is this how you ask for favors?"

Sebastian Montgomery had reached his limit. Rising from his seat, he cleared his throat with a tight smile. "Sir, you seem confused. Mr. Blackwood is here to propose a business partnership, not beg for assistance. He's more than capable on his own, but time is valuable. And might I suggest - humility suits you better."

The alcohol had clearly impaired the man's judgment. "Partnership? Bullshit!" he slurred. "You need me, not the other way around. Big shot outside, but crawling to me now. I was just testing your patience, and you're already failing. So much for the legendary Liam Blackwood."

Sebastian's smile vanished instantly. "Do you have a death wish?" His voice dropped to a dangerous whisper.

The man flinched slightly, but then a spark of realization lit his eyes. With newfound bravado, he lifted his chin. "You're searching for someone," he taunted, his words dripping with malice. "You've told me everything. She must be important to you. Just wait until I find her first - you'll never see her again."

Liam let out a cold laugh, his gaze turning glacial. "Do you honestly think I wouldn't destroy you?" As he advanced, his voice remained eerily calm, the lack of emotion more terrifying than any outburst.

The air in the room grew thick with tension, the silence so heavy it made skin prickle.

Suddenly, a commotion erupted at the entrance. The sound of clattering dishes and angry shouts cut through the tension. A drunk's slurred curses added to the chaos.

Liam's brow furrowed in irritation.

Sebastian moved immediately. "Mr. Blackwood, allow me to handle this disturbance," he said firmly.

Turning back to the man, Liam allowed a chilling smile to play on his lips. "You think finding her first is a threat? Let's see who reaches her faster."

The man's bravado faltered under Liam's icy stare. He stammered, unable to maintain eye contact.

At the doorway, Sebastian's shocked voice cut through the noise. "Miss Kensington? What are you doing here?"

Liam's threatening demeanor vanished as he rushed toward the commotion. He arrived to find Olivia Sinclair standing bewildered amidst the chaos, with Sebastian already intervening with the drunken troublemaker.

A nearby waiter was frantically explaining the situation to anyone who would listen.

Moments earlier, the waiter had been clutching his tray tightly when Olivia suddenly moved toward the room's entrance. Their collision sent a cascade of wine glasses shattering to the floor, drenching the drunkard's clothes.

The waiter's rapid apologies flew toward both Olivia and the soaked man, his words tumbling over each other in panic. He thought the matter was settled.

But the drunkard wouldn't relent. Ignoring the waiter, perhaps because of Olivia's delicate appearance, he demanded she apologize on her knees and clean his trousers personally.

Olivia, however, stood her ground, unwavering.