Chapter 430

Liam stood, wrapping Olivia securely in a cashmere throw before retrieving a hair dryer. "Turn over," he murmured, his voice low and soothing. "Let me dry your hair properly."

Olivia complied without protest, settling onto her stomach as instructed. Liam's fingers moved gently through her damp strands. The quiet hum of the appliance filled the luxurious bedroom.

Though conscious, Olivia still battled waves of dizziness. Within minutes, she succumbed to exhaustion right before Liam's watchful gaze. He didn't disturb her. Before exiting, he issued strict instructions to the housekeeper. "Monitor her condition closely. If she shows any discomfort or needs anything, attend to her immediately."

The staff couldn't help their admiration. "Sir, your devotion to Miss Kensington is remarkable," the housekeeper ventured. "Any woman would be enchanted by such care. She may appear reserved, but we've all seen how her eyes soften when you're near. We're all hoping for an announcement soon."

Liam's lips twisted wryly. "Let's not discuss this again," he cautioned. "And certainly not within Olivia's hearing." His voice dropped lower. "She wouldn't appreciate such speculation."

Meanwhile, across the continent, Victoria Ellington struggled to maintain her cover. Constantly shifting locations to avoid Liam's search teams while securing basic necessities had taken its toll. The risk of discovery loomed large, yet she'd devised a scheme. Reaching out covertly to Evelyn Hartley, she set her plan in motion.

Evelyn initially doubted the message's authenticity. Victoria's sudden overseas disappearance made no sense. "Stop wasting my time," Victoria snapped impatiently. "Unless you enjoy living in Olivia's shadow forever?"

Three days later, explosive headlines surfaced. Olivia stood accused of involvement in a high-profile murder. The allegations stemmed from a single, damning video.

The footage showed Olivia beside Beatrice Ellington's bloodied form. Clever editing obscured Olivia's expression, creating the illusion she'd returned to a crime scene. Beatrice's social prominence ensured the story spread like wildfire, forcing the temporary closure of Olivia's prestigious auction house.

Adding fuel to the fire, Victoria made a tearful public statement. She claimed to have been traveling abroad for solitude, unaware of her mother's tragic fate until news reached her. On camera, Victoria appeared shattered - her face ashen, body trembling violently. No viewer could suspect the grieving daughter had actually orchestrated her own mother's demise.

Police soon arrived to question Olivia. Liam provided clear explanations, but investigators remained skeptical. "Why no police report?" they pressed. "Even if Miss Kensington was held captive, why not notify authorities immediately upon her release?"

A tension headache pulsed behind Liam's temples. Involving law enforcement or revealing his true identity had been the last thing on his mind while focused on Olivia's wellbeing.

Officials placed them under surveillance pending further investigation, severely restricting Liam's movements regardless of his intentions.

Olivia mirrored his frustration. "This is my fault," she lamented. "Had I been more cautious, we wouldn't be trapped like this. The truth will surface eventually, but until then, my reputation's ruined and business halted. Worse, if your identity becomes known, all those years of secrecy will be for nothing."

A warm glint entered Liam's eyes. "Are you... concerned for me?"

Olivia suppressed an eye roll. "Call it what you will. I simply owe you. Without your intervention, my situation would be far more dire." She rose abruptly. "I need rest." With that, she retreated to her chambers.