Chapter 494

"I'll be waiting," Olivia whispered, her voice shaking despite her best efforts to remain composed. The moment she ended the call, Liam's determination was almost tangible through the phone line. She could practically hear the engine roar as he pressed the accelerator harder.

True to his word, Liam arrived in under five minutes. The mask he usually wore was gone, revealing his striking features - slightly weary but undeniably handsome. His normally concealed skin appeared paler than usual, making his sharp, icy eyes stand out even more. He radiated an aura of danger and dark intensity, like a storm given human form.

The moment Liam entered, his hand found Olivia's, gripping it firmly before turning his steel-gray gaze toward Margaret. "I'm here. What's your next move?"

Margaret seemed momentarily stunned by Liam's unveiled appearance. Her voice trembled with wounded vulnerability. "Just answer me one thing. That night you saved me, let me stay at your place... Was there really nothing between us? I know you felt something!"

Liam's expression twisted in disgust at her absurd question, his eyes flashing with cold contempt.

"I only helped you because you claimed to have connections. I needed help finding Isabelle's grandfather." His voice turned icy. "Then I discovered your involvement with Olivia. She was furious with me back then, wouldn't even speak to me. I thought you might be useful, but clearly, I overestimated you."

Margaret's face paled. She'd never imagined Liam's interest in her was solely because of Olivia. Her voice rose to a shrill pitch.

"Look at her, Liam! She doesn't care about you at all! She knew it was dangerous for you to come, yet she let you! What if I wanted you dead? She'd sacrifice you for her daughter without hesitation!"

Olivia felt her stomach twist with conflicting emotions. She wasn't sure what choice she would have made if Margaret had demanded Liam's life. But before she could dwell on it, Liam's voice cut through her thoughts.

"I don't need her to choose. I owe them both. Even if she hadn't asked, I'd give my life willingly. There's nothing I wouldn't do for them."

His words were absolute, spoken with the calm certainty of stating an undeniable truth.

Unbeknownst to them, Margaret wore a hidden microphone. On the other end, Eleanor Blackwood listened to every word.

Seizing the moment, Liam moved to Olivia's side. Eleanor had already left for the airport, watching the cityscape blur past her car window. Liam's declaration echoed in her mind, underscoring just how important Olivia was to him.

The pain in her chest intensified with each passing second. Did Liam truly love Olivia that much? Enough to throw away everything, even his life?

Eleanor's fists clenched, her dark eyes swirling with turbulent emotions - heartbreak warring with something far more dangerous. Margaret's pulse raced as she saw the deadly resolve in Liam's eyes. Fear gripped her, but all she could do was silently pray Eleanor had escaped already.

Before Margaret could react, Liam lunged forward, grabbing her wrist. She shrieked, instinctively swinging the needle she held toward him.

With lightning reflexes, Liam dodged and pinned her to the ground with brutal efficiency. His security team swarmed in instantly, restraining Margaret effortlessly.

Olivia rushed to Isabelle, her hands trembling as she knelt beside her daughter. Tears welled in her eyes. "Mummy..." Isabelle's small voice quivered with fear as she sobbed uncontrollably. Gently, Liam wiped the tears from both Olivia and Isabelle's faces, his touch surprisingly tender.