Chapter 431
Sebastian opened his mouth to speak but was immediately silenced by Liam's piercing glare. "Mr. Blackwood," Sebastian began, massaging his temples, "Olivia is right. Your safety must come first. If your true identity is exposed, the Blackwood family won't show any mercy."
Liam adjusted his position with effortless grace, crossing his long legs. His fingers tapped a steady rhythm against the sofa's armrest. The afternoon light framed him perfectly, making him look like a painting come to life.
"Didn't you notice anything strange about her?" Liam's voice carried an edge of suspicion. "A drug that potent would have side effects." His tone grew firmer. "Sebastian, whatever I decide to do next, don't interfere—and don't contact Oliver behind my back. I know you've been speaking with him. What exactly did he say? The truth."
Sebastian exhaled deeply before responding. "He confirmed there are definitely side effects. But unless she chooses to reveal them, no one will ever know."
Liam's eyes darkened as he processed this information. "If she doesn't want to tell me, I won't force her. Just make sure no one troubles her further."
Meanwhile, in her bedroom, Olivia was battling a crippling headache. Curled into a tight ball, her clothes clung to her skin, damp with cold sweat. The door hadn't fully closed when Olivia entered, giving Isabelle a glimpse inside.
"Mommy?" Isabelle's voice was barely above a whisper as she gently pushed the door open. When she stepped inside, her small frame froze at the sight of Olivia trembling violently on the bed.
"Mommy! Mommy!" Isabelle dropped her stuffed bunny and rushed to Olivia's side, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Mommy, what's wrong? Does it hurt? Let me help!" Olivia managed to open her eyes, her heart breaking at the sight of Isabelle's tear-streaked face.
Olivia tried to lift her hand to wipe away Isabelle's tears but found herself too weak. "Don't cry, sweetheart. I'm okay." She forced a smile, unaware how strained it looked.
Isabelle, terrified, began backing away, her sobs growing louder. "Mommy, don't worry! I'll get Liam! He'll make everything better!"
"Isabelle Sinclair!" Olivia's sharp tone stopped her daughter in her tracks. "Stay here! I'll be fine!" The command came out harsher than intended.
Reluctantly, Isabelle returned to her mother's side. "But I hate seeing you hurt. Liam's amazing. He stayed with you when you were sick last time, and you got better because of him. If I call him now—"
Olivia sighed softly, running her fingers through Isabelle's hair. "I'm really okay, sweetie. I just need rest. If you stay and sleep with me, the pain will go away."
Isabelle nodded solemnly, kicking off her shoes and climbing into bed. Olivia leaned down to press a gentle kiss to her forehead. Holding her daughter close, Olivia felt the pain begin to fade, soothed by Isabelle's warmth.
But Isabelle, ever curious, couldn't stay quiet for long. "Mommy, do you dislike Liam?" she asked hesitantly.
Olivia paused. "Not exactly."
"Then do you like him? You never treated other men the way you treat Liam."
"I treat Liam the same as everyone else," Olivia countered.
"Different. You're more patient with Liam," Isabelle observed with innocent wisdom. Olivia was momentarily speechless. After a beat, she sighed. "Did Liam put you up to this?"