Chapter 446

Tears rolled down Olivia's cheeks as Liam walked away, her mind drifting back to their first encounter. Liam had always maintained an icy distance between them. Yet young Olivia had clung to hope, convincing herself his aloof nature would eventually thaw for her.

The painful truth struck her upon returning to the country. She witnessed Liam's unexpected tenderness toward Seraphina. His coldness wasn't inherent - it was reserved specifically for her.

Around Seraphina, Liam transformed. His eyes softened with affection, his voice carried warmth Olivia had never experienced. The realization crushed her, yet she refused to accept defeat. Surely after years by his side, some affection must have grown, even if Liam remained unaware.

When Liam assumed leadership of Sinclair Enterprises, challenges arose daily. While he handled most alone, Olivia proudly assisted with several critical matters. Colleagues often remarked how perfectly they worked together, whispers of their compatibility reaching her ears. Gradually, she believed it herself - she was Liam's ideal match.

Liam's unwavering devotion to Seraphina infuriated Olivia. She hired investigators to monitor Seraphina's activities. The reports baffled her - what could Liam possibly see in such an ordinary woman?

Olivia considered herself superior in every way. Seraphina merely ran a business, standing out only through striking looks - and Olivia matched her there. Further digging revealed Seraphina's Kensington lineage, fueling Olivia's contempt. She prided herself on self-made success, unlike the privileged heiress.

No matter how she analyzed it, Liam's obsession with Seraphina made no sense. But Olivia wouldn't surrender. They weren't married yet - she still had time. Even if they wed, marriages dissolved daily. Olivia trusted in her own allure.

Meanwhile in Westhaven, Olivia didn't immediately visit Sinclair Enterprises as promised. Instead, she and Isabelle explored the city, savoring temporary freedom. An early arrival might alert Liam, disrupting her hard-won peace.

Her priority remained finding Alistair, last spotted in Westhaven according to sources. Her team monitored all exits; with no sightings of his departure, he likely remained in the city.

The latest report brought relief - Alistair appeared well cared for when last seen. Strangely, no hospitals or police held records of him. For now, he seemed unharmed.

Fingers tracing the jade token Alistair had gifted her years ago, Olivia felt its familiar warmth. Suddenly, unease prickled her skin - what hardships had he endured alone since disappearing? She'd confided these fears to Donovan.

Donovan had remained silent for a long moment before responding. "This burden isn't yours to carry. The responsibility lies with me - I insisted he accompany you."