Chapter 435

Liam had ordered the household staff to have extra physicians on standby, ready for any medical emergencies. Just as he was preparing to depart, little Isabelle intercepted him in the hallway.

Clutching her favorite stuffed unicorn, Isabelle marched up to him with determination. "Are you going to punish the mean people who hurt Mommy? Take me with you! I can help!" she declared, waving her tiny fists with surprising ferocity.

For a moment, Liam was speechless. He knelt down and smoothed her golden curls. "Princess, I need you for a very special mission today. You must stay here and guard Mommy."

Isabelle's enormous sapphire eyes blinked rapidly. "Is there a bad guy in our house?" she whispered dramatically.

Liam chuckled softly. "No, sweetheart. Mommy isn't feeling well, and your hugs make her feel better."

Though she didn't fully understand, Isabelle nodded solemnly. Then suddenly, she motioned for Liam to bend down. Standing on tiptoes, she whispered in his ear, "Daddy...when you're here, Mommy feels better too. When I was napping with her, she kept saying your name in her sleep."

Liam feigned sternness. "Your mother's right. We really should limit your cartoon time."

With an indignant huff, Isabelle grabbed her toys and flounced toward the living room. "You're not fun anymore! I'm going to Mommy now!"

A fond smile tugged at Liam's lips as he watched his daughter skip away. The smile faded as she disappeared around the corner.

Sebastian voiced his concern quietly. "Sir, if your identity becomes public knowledge, you won't be able to remain here. Are you absolutely certain about this course of action?"

A shadow crossed Liam's face. "There's no alternative. I owe her everything. If this guarantees Olivia and Isabelle's safety, then I'm prepared to stay away forever."

Before leaving, Liam cast several lingering glances toward Olivia's bedroom door. The thought of never seeing them again was excruciating, but he'd run out of options.

At the press conference, Liam - now wearing a sleek black mask - took center stage. He revealed his true identity and publicly acknowledged his engagement to Olivia.

Evelyn had come expecting to witness Olivia's downfall. Her disappointment was palpable when the brunette failed to appear.

Sebastian Whitmore attempted to reason with Evelyn once more. "With all these rumors circulating, you need to clarify this was all a misunderstanding. Someone sent you that edited video to frame Olivia. You were manipulated, Evelyn. No one will blame you if you come forward now."

Evelyn shot him an icy glare. "Forget it. Olivia should have been destroyed, yet she dared humiliate me. I'll never forgive her!"

Sebastian gestured toward Liam. "You know exactly who he is. Do you understand the consequences of crossing him?"

Evelyn smirked and shrugged dismissively. "Why should I fear him? The Whitmore family backs me. What can one man possibly do?"

Sebastian's voice dropped to a grave tone. "This isn't a game, Evelyn. His influence runs deeper than you imagine. The Whitmores can't protect you from him."