Chapter 488

Liam's expression darkened at Eleanor's accusatory tone. "I have nothing to hide. This doesn't concern you. Yes, Olivia and I were married, and we have a child together. Even after our divorce, they remain my responsibility. I've tolerated your interference out of respect for your brother. Stay away from them - that's my final warning."

Tears welled up in Eleanor's eyes. Little Isabelle, hearing Liam claim to be her father, began struggling in his arms. "You're lying! My daddy would never leave Mommy! He's working overseas, not here! Stop telling lies!"

Regret flooded Liam as he realized he'd revealed too much to Isabelle. His temper had gotten the better of him during the heated exchange with Eleanor. Concerned for Isabelle's emotional state, he reluctantly set her down. To his horror, the child bolted away, her tiny frame shaking with sobs.

Liam moved to chase after Isabelle when Eleanor suddenly grabbed his wrist with surprising strength. No one could explain how the usually delicate woman had become so forceful. Her grip was unyielding, her fingers like steel bands around his arm.

Fortunately, Sebastian and Oliver noticed the commotion and rushed outside. "Eleanor!" Liam's patience snapped as he violently wrenched his arm free, putting all his strength into breaking her hold.

The sudden movement sent Eleanor sprawling onto the pavement. Tears streamed down her face in an uncontrollable flood as she gazed up at Liam with shimmering, sorrowful eyes. Despite her fragile beauty and vulnerable expression, Liam's gaze remained icy and detached.

A bittersweet smile curved Eleanor's lips even as tears continued to fall. "You promised my brother you'd marry me and stay with me. I heard it with my own ears. Why deny it now? Is it because of that woman? How could you break your word, Liam?"

Her eyes dulled as she stared blankly at Liam's retreating back, still in shock. The sudden vibration of her phone snapped her back to reality. The message from her doctor read: "Miss, your condition has deteriorated significantly. Immediate treatment is imperative. Further delay could lead to irreversible consequences."

Eleanor barely glanced at the screen. Slowly, her eyes darkened with a venomous glint.

Liam sprinted outside, but Sebastian, Oliver, and Isabelle had vanished. Just as he reached for his phone to call Sebastian, a horrifying screech of tires on asphalt shattered the air, followed by a child's terrified scream and panicked shouts from bystanders.

Liam's heart stopped.

Meanwhile, Olivia was deep in thought about her collaboration with Alexander when the hospital's call came. The news struck her like a physical blow, leaving her dizzy and disoriented.

She barely remembered the frantic drive to Mercy Hospital. Her legs threatened to give way as she stumbled from the car, nearly collapsing on the pavement.

The ominous red glow of the operating room sign intensified Olivia's desperation. Tears streaming down her face, she lunged at Liam, grabbing his collar with both hands. "Liam!" Her voice was raw with anguish.

"She's your own daughter! How could you be so careless? I know you don't love me. You only came back out of obligation. Isabelle and I won't interfere with your new life. Why do this? You don't deserve to be her father!"

Liam's lips moved soundlessly, his face ashen, his eyes hollow.

Overcome by emotion, Olivia sobbed until she nearly fainted. Sebastian, who had just arrived, quickly pulled her aside and began explaining. The truth was, Liam had been wronged all along.