Chapter 439

Victor's manic laughter finally died down. His bloodshot eyes burned with wild intensity as he tightened his grip on Olivia's wrist, his teeth grinding together.

"Olivia, you're so clever I almost believed you." His voice dripped with venom. "But I'm not that stupid. Want to see what I discovered?"

With a triumphant smirk, Victor pulled out his phone and shoved a photo in Olivia's face.

The woman in the picture was breathtaking - her radiant smile contrasting with an aura of delicate vulnerability. Her striking features blended cultural influences perfectly, creating an undeniable beauty that commanded attention. The faint crease between her eyebrows only enhanced her fragile, ethereal quality.

Olivia studied the image, a strange sense of recognition tugging at her memory. Victor's smug voice cut through her thoughts. "You've probably guessed by now. This is Eleanor Blackwood, the internationally acclaimed war journalist they call the 'Dove of Peace.' She's Mr. Liam's sister from the CK market in Valtierra."

He leaned closer, his breath hot against Olivia's ear. "Mr. Liam is a decade older than his sister, which would make him nearly forty now. But your so-called fiancé doesn't look anywhere near that age, does he?"

Olivia's mind raced as she fought to maintain her composure. "You can't judge someone's age just by appearances."

Victor's mocking laugh sent chills down her spine. "Fair point, sweetheart. But I thought of something better." His grin turned predatory. "I invited her here today. You claimed you saved Mr. Liam's life abroad and got engaged. Let's see if Eleanor recognizes your precious fiancé."

A cold wave of panic crashed over Olivia. Her palms grew slick with sweat, her limbs turning leaden. Victor's smirk widened at her obvious distress. "I've had my suspicions about his identity for weeks. I even saw photos of Liam's corpse from the accident. But I covered all my bases - made sure Eleanor would be here."

To Olivia, Victor's smile belonged to the devil himself. He hadn't changed - still terrifying in his cunning. Though lacking brute strength, his strategic mind made him deadly.

He was the predator who stalked from shadows, waiting with infinite patience for the perfect strike. Even in failure, he'd linger unseen, never releasing his prey from his sights. Being hunted by Victor was a fate worse than hell itself.

Olivia wiped her damp palms discreetly on her dress, resisting the urge to flee. "Fine. Bring Eleanor here. I'm not afraid."

She shot Liam a meaningful glance, praying he'd catch her silent warning to prepare Eleanor before it was too late.

Thirty tense minutes later, excited murmurs rippled through the crowd as footsteps echoed in the grand hall.

"Oh my God! Is that really Eleanor Blackwood?"

"I can't believe she's here!"

"She's even more stunning in person!"

Eleanor's humanitarian work in war zones had earned her global admiration and a massive following. More than just a celebrity, she'd become an icon whose influence dwarfed anyone in entertainment.

The journalist moved with confident grace, her long, softly curled hair cascading down her back. Despite her simple attire of a sleeveless top and trousers, her natural beauty shone through, enhanced by her no-nonsense demeanor.

Though her sunglasses obscured half her face, her delicate jawline and perfectly shaped lips left a lasting impression.

Olivia's pulse pounded in her ears. She considered approaching Eleanor to warn her, but hesitated. Any suspicious behavior might backfire and make things worse for Liam.

As she desperately searched for a solution, movement caught her eye. Standing beside Eleanor was a familiar figure - Oliver Hart, who'd been at Liam's side earlier.