Chapter 490

Liam's eyes followed Olivia's retreating figure, his gaze heavy with unspoken devotion. His lips curved into a forced smile that did nothing to conceal the storm raging within him.

"I wasn't planning to let Eleanor escape consequences so easily. But first, I need to get her out of the country. Never underestimate a mother's desperation when her child is involved. I'll handle this myself - Olivia shouldn't have blood on her hands."

Thankfully, Isabelle had stabilized after surgery. The doctors assured them all limbs were intact and with proper rehabilitation, there would be no permanent damage.

Though Isabelle's injuries looked terrifying, they weren't as life-threatening as they appeared. The swift medical intervention had been crucial. Being so young, her body healed remarkably fast.

Yet childhood trauma could leave deeper scars than physical wounds. Olivia remained vigilant about Isabelle's psychological recovery.

For three endless days, Olivia kept vigil at Isabelle's bedside, waiting for her to emerge from post-surgical sedation. During those seventy-two hours, she'd barely managed five hours of sleep total, only collapsing when exhaustion overpowered her.

On the fourth morning, Isabelle finally stirred.

"Mommy..." Her cracked lips formed the word weakly. Olivia's heart shattered seeing her precious daughter entangled in tubes and monitors. The sight tore at her soul.

She knew Liam hadn't left. He came during her rare moments of sleep or lurked just beyond her line of sight. He thought himself invisible, but her senses had become attuned to his presence like a compass to north. She pretended not to notice as long as he maintained his distance.

Evelyn and Beatrice arrived shortly after Isabelle woke. Their faces crumpled at the sight of the fragile child. Olivia stood too quickly, the room spinning as she nearly collapsed.

When Evelyn saw Olivia's haggard appearance, she immediately stepped forward. "Ms. Kensington, you're exhausted. You must rest. Your daughter needs you strong. The competition is starting soon. Don't worry about accompanying me - I can manage alone."

Olivia pressed fingers to her throbbing temples, suddenly feeling every one of her thirty years. The boundless energy of her youth had abandoned her. Days without proper sleep left her visibly drained.

"Margaret will definitely cause trouble," Olivia fretted. "I don't like you facing her alone."

Evelyn gave a confident smile, squeezing Olivia's shoulder. "Don't underestimate me. After everything you've taught me, do you really think I can't handle one petty socialite?"

Seeing Evelyn's determination, Olivia reluctantly agreed. She spent the next twenty minutes drilling last-minute instructions into her protégé before letting her leave.

Amidst the tension, they brought surprising news: Beatrice had successfully infiltrated the nursing home connected to Margaret. Margaret's father had never been particularly paternal, and Margaret herself had only met Beatrice a handful of times in childhood.

With Margaret's memories of Beatrice long faded, the older woman moved through the facility unnoticed. After discreet inquiries, she'd discovered Alistair's whereabouts. He was indeed staying with Margaret, though curiously, not among the regular residents.