Chapter 459

The air inside the luxury car was perfectly climate-controlled, yet Liam Blackwood couldn't shake the icy sensation creeping down his spine. Beside him, Sebastian Montgomery watched as his boss massaged his temples with long fingers, the impatience evident in every sharp movement.

"Mr. Blackwood," Sebastian ventured cautiously, his voice betraying his nervousness. "You needn't concern yourself with Miss Eleanor. Our security team has the situation well in hand."

Liam's eyes snapped open, his lips curling into a humorless smile. "Do you actually believe that nonsense you're spouting?"

Sebastian swallowed hard. He'd witnessed Eleanor Blackwood's capabilities firsthand. Not even the legendary Mr. Jack could control that woman when she set her mind to something.

Outside the car, Margaret Sinclair sat drenched on the pavement. Despite her disheveled appearance, she managed to lift her gaze to study Liam through the rain-streaked window. The calculating glint in her eyes suggested her injuries weren't as severe as they appeared.

Was this some sort of scam? Liam's sharp gaze took in her designer clothes and expensive jewelry - she clearly wasn't desperate for money. Sebastian leaned closer. "Shall I arrange transport to Mercy Hospital, sir?"

Liam responded with nothing but a cold stare that sent Sebastian scrambling from the vehicle, umbrella in hand.

Margaret blinked rainwater from her lashes as footsteps approached. First came the sight of handmade Italian leather shoes worth more than most people's monthly rent. Her gaze traveled upward, taking in the imposing figure of the masked man before her. The disguise did nothing to diminish his striking presence - if anything, it added an air of dangerous mystery. Her pulse quickened. She'd been right about him.

Liam studied the woman before him, noting how despite her trembling hands, her eyes remained sharp and assessing. "Speak quickly," he commanded, his voice like frozen steel. "What game are you playing? My patience wears thin."

Margaret rose unsteadily to her feet, swaying slightly for effect. "Forgive me, sir. I felt faint and collapsed. Your kindness is appreciated."

A derisive snort escaped Liam as he turned away. Margaret couldn't let this opportunity slip through her fingers. She rushed forward, tears welling in her eyes. "Wait! There's more. I'm being hunted by a powerful enemy. I thought... perhaps someone of your obvious stature could help. I can make it worth your while."

Sebastian barely suppressed a laugh at the transparent ploy. Liam's expression darkened further. "Do I look like the sort of fool who falls for such obvious theatrics?"

Margaret's voice dropped to a whisper. "My enemy controls half of Westhaven's underworld. Check my credentials - I run the largest information network in Newport. My children see everything. Need someone found? A problem disappeared? I'm your woman."

Liam turned slowly, one eyebrow arched. "Is that so?"

She nodded eagerly. "Just one night of protection. That's all I ask. You're clearly capable - why would I lie to someone like you?"

Sebastian interjected quietly, "Sir, we know nothing about this woman. It could be a trap."

Liam's gloved hand rose, silencing his assistant. His piercing gaze never left Margaret's face. "You have exactly thirty seconds to convince me not to leave you here in the rain."

Margaret's mind raced. This was her chance. She straightened her shoulders, all pretense of weakness gone. "Because I know who's been sabotaging your Royal Arch project. And I can deliver them to you on a silver platter."