Chapter 445

Liam finally shook off Eleanor's persistent presence and hurried to Olivia's villa, only to find it empty. His heart sank as he interrogated the staff, but none could tell him where she'd disappeared to.

The servants' blank expressions made his jaw tighten. He knew better than to waste time pressing them further. After a moment's hesitation, he turned on his heel to confront Eleanor directly.

Eleanor had been sulking in her room, wounded by Liam's cold dismissal earlier. When he unexpectedly appeared at her door, hope flickered across her delicate features. "Liam," she breathed, her voice trembling between joy and pain. "I thought you'd never want to see me again."

Liam didn't mince words. "Are you satisfied now that you've driven her away?"

"Who?" Eleanor's feigned confusion lasted only a second before realization dawned. Her hands balled into fists at her sides.

"Open your eyes!" she snapped. "She doesn't care about you. Why chase someone who sneaked away without a word? She's clearly running from you. Have some self-respect!"

Liam's eyes narrowed dangerously. "So you had her followed."

Caught in her own trap, Eleanor lifted her chin defiantly. "Yes, I had people watching her. But I didn't interfere - I just wanted to understand what makes her so special to you."

Liam turned to leave, done with the conversation. "Tell me where she is, or I'll have you removed from this estate immediately."

Eleanor crossed her arms. "If you're so determined, find her yourself. It shouldn't be difficult for someone like you."

"You know damn well it would be," Liam countered coldly. "Not when you've gone to such lengths to cover her tracks."

He knew Eleanor's methods too well. She could make Olivia vanish without a trace for months. Tears welled in Eleanor's eyes at his threat, her lower lip trembling with wounded pride.

"Liam," she whispered hoarsely. "Do you even hear yourself? You're invoking my brother's memory. Have you forgotten the debt you owe him? How can you treat me this way?"

"I owe your brother nothing," Liam stated flatly. "What I did for him was a courtesy, not an obligation."

Eleanor refused to believe he felt nothing for her. "Then why? Pity? Some lingering affection you can't admit to?"

A humorless smile touched Liam's lips. "Don't test me, Eleanor. My patience has limits."

When their eyes met, the complete absence of warmth in his gaze made her chest constrict. After a tense silence, she finally relented. "I'll tell you where she is. But I have one condition."

"Name it," Liam said tersely. "But if it's unreasonable, the answer is no."

Eleanor's nails dug into her palms. "I know how badly you want to find her. My request is simple - take me with you. I'm in danger. Those men hunting me might track me here. I need protection."

Liam's expression darkened. Every instinct told him to refuse, but his history with her brother complicated matters. His lips pressed into a thin line before issuing a final warning.

"One wrong move," he said icily, "and I'll hold you personally responsible for any harm that comes to her."