Chapter 45

Olivia froze mid-step when she spotted Liam standing in the lobby, holding several takeout containers.

The memory of Liam forcing that kiss in front of Marcus flashed through her mind, making her hesitate. Today of all days, with everyone gathered downstairs for lunch, she dreaded what might happen if Liam decided to pull another public stunt. The humiliation would be unbearable.

"Don't just stand there. Come eat," Liam called out, his tone unexpectedly warm rather than commanding.

Swallowing her apprehension, Olivia approached cautiously. Liam guided her to the sofa and began unpacking the containers one by one.

Though technically takeout, the meal had been prepared by the elite chefs and nutritionists Liam employed, making it far superior to ordinary delivery.

Under different circumstances, Olivia might have invited others to join. But Liam's imposing presence created an invisible barrier that kept everyone at a distance.

She kept her eyes downcast as she ate quickly.

Liam studied her for a moment before leaning in. "What's wrong?" he murmured.

Olivia nearly choked on her food. She swallowed hastily and turned to him, confusion flickering in her eyes.

"You've gotten bold," Liam remarked.

Olivia blinked, feeling unfairly judged. She was simply enjoying a rare meal outside her usual routine. Why did Liam feel the need to comment? Couldn't she have this small freedom?

Using Liam's body as cover, Olivia discreetly signed that she'd received the full fifty thousand from Gregory after completing Victoria's restoration.

Liam's expression darkened as he turned fully toward her.

Hesitantly, Olivia suggested they proceed with the divorce now, offering to give him the fifty thousand immediately and pay the rest in installments.

The atmosphere shifted palpably. Olivia instinctively stepped back, immediately regretting bringing up the divorce in this setting.

"In such a hurry?" Liam sneered. "Found your next husband already? That eager to be rid of me?"

Heat rose in Olivia's cheeks. The accusation was absurd. Liam was the one who'd moved on. How dare he suggest otherwise?

Words failed her. Though she'd laid out all her reasons for divorce, Liam stubbornly clung to their failing marriage, ignoring her financial independence.

As Liam studied Olivia's earnest expression, thoughts of the azure porcelain set William had gifted her surfaced. Worth hundreds of millions, its sale could easily cover the twenty million he'd demanded and still leave her free to divorce. His leverage was slipping away.

"Why the rush?" Liam pressed when Olivia remained silent, his voice laced with both curiosity and fury.

Meeting his gaze, Olivia signed that she'd assumed he would be the one pushing for divorce. His reluctance baffled her, especially since he could marry Evelyn afterward.

Bracing for a public outburst, Olivia was surprised when Liam simply stood and walked away without another word.

She pondered his silent departure, a rueful smile touching her lips as she resumed eating. After all these years, she realized she still didn't understand him.

After lunch, Olivia returned upstairs to work.

As evening fell, William's booming voice announced his arrival downstairs. "I've come to explain the situation and apologize to Gregory personally on my granddaughter's behalf."

True to his banquet promise, William had come to make amends.

Choosing to stay out of it, Olivia turned on her desk lamp and focused on her work.

Footsteps approached, stopping at her desk.

"Olivia, you've already started restoring the azure porcelain? Impressive!" William exclaimed as he appeared with Gregory.

Olivia stood quickly, but William motioned for her to remain seated. "Please, don't let us interrupt your work."

Smiling, Olivia gestured that she'd just finished.

The azure porcelain set comprised eight pieces, five of which needed repairs. The piece Olivia had worked on had minimal damage, allowing her to complete it in a day.

She illuminated the translucent dish with a light, inviting William to inspect it closely.

"Incredible! Not a single flaw! Is this magic?" William joked, genuinely astonished by the flawless restoration.

With semi-transparent materials, repairs typically leave visible marks. Yet Olivia's work showed no signs of mending—a seemingly impossible feat.

Beside her, Gregory beamed with pride. "When you set your mind to something, you're truly remarkable."

"You're destined for greatness! Makes us old folks a bit jealous," William added with a chuckle.

Then William asked, "Olivia, how about I take you to dinner to make up for my granddaughter's behavior?"

Olivia blinked in surprise. Did William know about yesterday's bookstore fire? Had Liam told him?

Putting the pieces together, Olivia guessed Liam might have anticipated William's visit. She agreed to dinner, deciding not to inform Liam she wouldn't be home for the evening.