Chapter 489

Liam had been ensnared by Eleanor's schemes, convinced everything would resolve itself as long as Sebastian and Oliver were tracking Isabelle. But Liam never imagined the depths of Eleanor's insanity.

Sebastian knelt before Olivia, his face contorted with guilt. He struck himself repeatedly, voice shaking with remorse. "Ms. Sinclair, this is all my fault. I failed to protect your daughter properly. Mr. Blackwood isn't to blame."

As Sebastian recounted the events, his voice broke with sorrow. He and Oliver had chased after Isabelle and quickly found her. While Sebastian managed to calm her, Liam never appeared. That's when Oliver expressed concern that Liam might do something irreversible to Eleanor and urged Sebastian to intervene.

Sebastian knew Oliver well. Though Oliver always followed Eleanor's orders, he wasn't evil. Still, Sebastian agreed to leave. He never expected what would happen just moments after he turned away.

Overcome with guilt, Oliver confessed that Eleanor had ordered him to take Isabelle. The plan was to frighten Olivia for a few days, hoping she'd leave Liam.

But Oliver hadn't anticipated that Eleanor's thugs would immediately overpower him after Sebastian left. Worse still, they pushed Isabelle directly into the path of an oncoming vehicle, putting her life in grave danger.

Olivia felt too numb to cry when she heard this. She lifted her gaze to Liam, who knelt silently outside the operating room.

The usually proud man now hung his head, his strong frame slumped in defeat. His characteristic arrogance had completely shattered.

Olivia had never seen Liam so consumed by despair. Just then, the doctor emerged from surgery.

With grim tones, the doctor explained Isabelle had lost too much blood and urgently needed a transfusion. Liam immediately volunteered. Their blood types matched, but the required amount was substantial.

Liam endured the procedure in stoic silence. When he emerged, his face was ghostly pale. Only when he heard Isabelle was out of danger did a genuine smile finally touch Liam's lips.

"Thank God!" Liam exclaimed, eyes red with relief. He turned abruptly, staggering before collapsing to his knees before Olivia.

Seeing him like this, Olivia couldn't help but pity him. Liam bowed his head, voice trembling. "You're right, Olivia. I don't deserve to be Isabelle's father. If not for me, Eleanor would never have targeted you. I swear I'll stay away from you both."

Tears welled in Olivia's eyes as emotions overwhelmed her. After a long silence, she finally spoke, voice strained. "How do you plan to punish Eleanor? I want her locked away."

Liam remained silent, expression unreadable.

Olivia's lips curled in disdain. "Still protecting her? Clearly your promises meant nothing. Fine. Just remember your vow. From now on, stay away from us—I never want to see you again." She turned sharply but stumbled as she walked away.

Sebastian helped Liam up, sympathy washing over him. "Mr. Blackwood, why not tell Ms. Sinclair the truth? Eleanor's actions stem from battlefield trauma. She's mentally ill—the law won't hold her accountable. It's not that you won't punish her; you can't imprison her."