Chapter 483

"You claimed you were here to meet a client, but shouldn't you at least know your client's name and appearance beforehand? Didn't it occur to you this wasn't your intended meeting?" Margaret Sinclair demanded, her voice dripping with irritation.

Olivia Sinclair froze, caught in the spotlight of accusation. Lately, she'd been drowning in work, barely keeping her head above water. The director had simply mentioned the other party wished to remain anonymous until their face-to-face meeting. That's precisely why she'd booked this particular private room.

As Olivia remained silent, Margaret's lips curled into a triumphant smirk. "Olivia, if you've made a mistake, just admit it. I'm willing to give you a chance to fix this, but you need to apologize to both me and my fan."

The man beside Margaret nodded vigorously. "Exactly! You owe us an apology. My reputation would've been ruined if Margaret hadn't arrived when she did."

"Why should I apologize?" Olivia countered, her voice steady despite the pounding in her chest. "The front desk staff and security are on their way. The truth will be clear soon enough."

Olivia maintained her composure while Margaret and the man exchanged nervous glances. Suddenly, the man grabbed Olivia's wrist and yanked her toward the room. "Fine. We'll wait for them. But you're not going anywhere. We're settling this now. Get inside and explain yourself."

Margaret shoved Olivia forward, adding, "If you're innocent, prove it. Walk in there and clear this up."

Panic surged through Olivia as she struggled against their grip. She wasn't naive - she knew exactly what being forced into that room meant. She couldn't verify anything under these circumstances. But with Margaret in front and the man behind, they were effectively trapping her.

"What's happening here?" A deep, icy voice cut through the tension like a knife.

With each approaching footstep, an unmistakable aura of authority filled the hallway. Margaret whirled around, her eyes widening in shock. She never expected to encounter Liam Blackwood here.

Margaret's mind raced. Had Liam seen her live broadcast yesterday? Was that why he'd appeared? It made sense. Given Liam's unpredictable nature, he probably regretted sending her away before. Smug with this thought, she tightened her grip on Olivia.

Seizing the momentary distraction, Olivia wrenched herself free. Liam rushed toward them.

Margaret immediately brightened, stepping forward with a dazzling smile. "You came!" But Liam didn't even glance her way, striding right past her.

Liam reached Olivia and gently took her hand. Though wearing a mask, the concern in his eyes was unmistakable. "Are you hurt? This is my fault. I shouldn't have been late. Please don't be angry. Yell at me if you must, just don't shut me out."

Olivia pulled her hand away with a scoff. "Mr. Blackwood, haven't you noticed? Miss Sinclair seems eager for your attention. I'll leave you to it."

Liam quickly caught Olivia's hand again, stopping her retreat. Always careful with his words around her, he said deliberately, "Olivia, I was detained. I apologize. And Miss Sinclair, you said? Who exactly is she? I don't recall."

At his words, Margaret staggered as if physically struck. Her face drained of color, yet she forced herself closer. "Sir, it's me. You rescued me the other day. You took me into your home. You must remember me. Did Miss Sinclair say something about me? I've been wondering why you sent me away that day."

Margaret's carefully crafted words sowed confusion among her live stream audience.