Chapter 438

Olivia's mind raced as the pieces suddenly fell into place. Liam had orchestrated this entire scenario with meticulous precision. He'd bided his time, waiting for the perfect moment when all eyes were upon them. Using the court of public opinion as his weapon, he'd delivered a devastating blow that left her no room for counterattack. Though the sun still shone brightly overhead, an icy chill ran down Olivia's spine.

At that exact moment, Liam turned his gaze directly toward the camera. His dark eyes gleamed with predatory intensity, piercing through Olivia like a hawk spotting its prey. A wave of primal fear and unease washed over her.

She inhaled sharply, her nails digging into her palms as she clenched her fists. "Liam Blackwood," she whispered through gritted teeth, "you've sealed your own fate."

When Olivia and Isabelle arrived at the press conference venue, the place was already teeming with people. Olivia's heart lurched when she spotted several vehicles bearing the Winslow family crest. She grabbed a passing journalist by the arm. "Why are the Winslows here?"

The reporter shrugged. "No clue - I'm just covering the event."

Olivia's face drained of color. Clutching Isabelle tighter, she pushed through the crowd. Inside, she saw the Winslow family pointing accusing fingers at Liam. "Don't believe a word he says! That's Liam Blackwood - the man who murdered his own mother! How can you trust a killer?" The declaration sent shockwaves through the assembled crowd.

The reporters descended on Liam like vultures circling fresh carrion. They surged forward in a frenzied mass, cameras flashing wildly, each desperate for the perfect shot. Several bold journalists attempted to rip off Liam's mask, hungry for a glimpse of the infamous face beneath.

But Liam was no easy target. Protected by an impenetrable wall of heavily armed bodyguards, he remained untouchable. Removing his mask would require getting past defenses no reporter could breach.

Olivia's pulse raced as she spotted Victor. Without hesitation, she marched toward him, her steps quick and purposeful. "Victor!" Her voice cut through the chaos like ice, belying the fear tightening her chest. "This man is my fiancé, not-"

Victor slowly lifted his head, his lips curling into a mocking smile. "Olivia, darling. Getting nervous now that Liam's little secret might be revealed?"

Olivia drew a steadying breath. "Liam left me for Evelyn. Why would I take him back after what he did? He nearly got both me and Isabelle killed with Evelyn's schemes. I despise-"

Victor's gaze lingered, his expression taunting yet meaningful. "Then why the urgency? If he's not Liam, why not just prove it? One quick tug of that mask would settle everything."

Olivia's hands balled into fists as she fought to keep her voice level.

"And who exactly do you think you are, demanding he reveal himself? Push this any further, and you'll have both the Sinclair family and the stock exchange breathing down your neck. Can the Winslow family really afford that kind of attention?"

"My fiancé values his privacy. Forcing him to unmask under public pressure would be a grave miscalculation. Call off your men now, and I might consider forgiveness. If you still doubt me, I'll arrange a private viewing."

Olivia was playing for time, desperately hoping to preserve Liam's secret a little longer.

Though the Winslows might be powerless against Liam directly, Olivia understood he must have compelling reasons for maintaining his anonymity despite being back for months. She owed him too much not to help safeguard his secret.

"An interesting proposition," Victor's tone was deceptively agreeable, but his men remained in position, and his smile held a wolfish edge. He reached out to pat Olivia's shoulder, but she recoiled, her face twisting in disgust as she took several steps back. Victor's eyes darkened momentarily before he erupted into chilling laughter.

The sound was so hollow and cruel it sent shivers down Olivia's spine. Instinctively, she pulled Isabelle closer, shielding the child's eyes from the unfolding drama.