Chapter 426

Olivia Sinclair is neither some disposable trinket nor my possession, as you so crudely suggested. That's Olivia Sinclair you're disrespecting. If you're curious about her, by all means, look her up. With her skills, she could eliminate you before you even blink.

The intoxicated man scrambled for his phone, fingers trembling as he typed Olivia's name. His face turned ashen as the search results loaded.

Liam Blackwood's voice cut through the tension. "She happens to own this establishment. If you think the women here aren't good enough for you, what does that say about your own worth? I never want to see your face in Midnight again. Get out."

But Liam wasn't finished teaching this lesson.

Settling beside Olivia on the plush sofa, Liam took her cold hand in his. "Watch how I deal with trash like this."

Olivia turned her face away, exhaustion weighing down her words. "Take me home, Liam."

At her quiet plea, the ice in Liam's eyes melted instantly. "Of course. Let's go."

After ensuring Olivia was safely secured in the car, Liam delayed their departure. With a sharp gesture, he summoned Sebastian Montgomery.

His voice was steel. "Explain this to me. I specifically ordered your team to monitor her every movement. How was she left unattended? How did she end up here alone?"

Sebastian looked equally baffled. The agents assigned to Olivia were seasoned professionals. Mistakes like this never happened. Given Olivia's importance to Liam, this oversight was unacceptable.

A shadow crossed Sebastian's face as realization dawned. Though he remained silent, his troubled expression told Liam everything.

"Get me back to the estate immediately. And have the family physician waiting when we arrive," Liam commanded.

After personally seeing Olivia settled in her rooms, Liam stormed into his study. Oliver Hart knelt in the center of the room, his face a mess of bruises and defiance.

Sebastian sighed internally. Oliver had been recruited by the real Jack. Despite his youth, Oliver had always been fiercely loyal and capable. Liam had previously overlooked his mistakes with mere warnings, never resorting to physical discipline. But this time, Oliver had gone too far. Liam's men had been instructed to teach him an unforgettable lesson.

Despite the swelling, Oliver's injuries weren't serious. Liam stood motionless, his handsome features carved from marble, radiating enough cold fury to freeze the room. Oliver couldn't hold back his tears any longer. He felt utterly betrayed. Everything he'd done had been for Liam's benefit. Why couldn't Liam see that?

The words burst from Oliver's bruised lips. "I don't understand! Olivia's nothing but a liability! Instead of supporting you, she keeps getting drugged and manipulated. How much longer will you keep cleaning up her messes? You haven't even noticed what Evelyn's been going through because of your obsession!"

Liam crossed the room in three strides, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "You keep mentioning 'Miss.' Tell me, Oliver - who exactly are you serving? Me or her? I've made my decision. You're dismissed. From this moment, you're free to follow your precious 'Miss' wherever she goes. But let me be crystal clear - cross me again, and there won't be a next time."

Oliver's jaw clenched, torn between rage and heartbreak.