Chapter 443
Olivia Sinclair never expected the authorities to track her down this fast.
The detective in charge cut straight to the chase. "We received an anonymous tip about your location. You're under arrest for the murder of your mother. Do you wish to make a statement?"
The moment she heard about the tip, Olivia knew exactly who'd betrayed her. Daniel Bennett. She swore she'd never forgive him, not in this lifetime or the next.
Meanwhile, Liam Blackwood brought Olivia and Isabelle back to his penthouse. To his dismay, Eleanor Blackwood and Oliver Hart had followed them uninvited. The sight of them made Liam's temples throb.
Olivia noticed the venom in Eleanor's glare. She discreetly slipped her hand from Liam's grasp and cleared her throat uncomfortably. Liam had been watching Olivia until that moment. His expression turned glacial as he faced Eleanor.
"Should I book your return flight," he demanded, voice dripping with irritation, "or would you prefer I throw you out personally?"
Eleanor's voice trembled with hurt. "I came back for you, Liam. Turned down three job offers in Paris. You've never treated me like this before." Her gaze flicked to Olivia. "Something's changed, and I know exactly why."
Liam's jaw tightened at the implication. "Nothing's changed. The problem is your behavior today. Unless you want me to physically remove you?"
"What if I refuse to leave?" Eleanor challenged, lifting her chin defiantly.
The atmosphere turned electric with tension.
Oliver intervened hastily. "Sir, Miss Blackwood returned because she's in trouble abroad. She has nowhere else to go. You gave your word to protect her - are you breaking that promise now?"
Eleanor shot Oliver a glare. "I didn't want him to know that!" She scoffed bitterly. "Before her, he would've helped without question. Now I'm just an inconvenience. Fine. I'm leaving." She turned to Liam with wounded eyes. "You're breaking your vow to my brother for some gold-digging nobody."
As Eleanor stormed toward the door, Olivia felt a migraine coming on. This was exactly why she avoided drama. Eleanor shared an unshakable bond with Liam, and now Olivia was caught in the crossfire of false accusations.
"Miss Blackwood," Olivia called out, then gave Liam a meaningful look. "Mr. Blackwood and I have no romantic involvement. Our public appearances were strictly business. You're welcome to stay." Taking Isabelle's hand, she added, "Just don't involve me in your personal affairs again."
Before leaving, Olivia told Liam firmly, "Stay away from me. I want no part of this mess."
Liam looked stunned, a flicker of pain crossing his features. Eleanor watched with narrowed eyes. "So there's really nothing between you two?"
Ignoring her, Liam turned on his heel and walked away, shoulders tense.
Tears welled in Eleanor's eyes as she whispered to Oliver, "See? I've already lost."