Chapter 496

Olivia reached the stairwell, letting the heavy door click shut behind her. The dim emergency lights cast eerie green shadows across the concrete walls. She leaned against the cold railing, letting the darkness envelop her as she tried to steady her breathing.

Footsteps echoed suddenly from below. Her body tensed instinctively as she spun around, fists raised defensively. But strong fingers closed around her wrist before she could strike. "If I'd been half a second slower, you would've broken my nose," a familiar voice teased.

The fight drained from Olivia's posture, though irritation still flickered in her eyes. "Sneaking up on people in dark stairwells isn't exactly smart, Liam. Can you blame me for reacting?"

Liam released her wrist and stepped back, studying her face with unusual intensity. "Still mad at me?" he asked quietly.

Olivia hesitated. The harsh words she'd thrown at him earlier now felt like ash in her mouth. After witnessing how fiercely he'd protected Isabelle today, her emotions had become a tangled mess.

She nibbled her lower lip before answering. "Being angry seems pointless now. You saved Isabelle today, and for that... I'm grateful."

A deep chuckle rumbled from Liam's chest, warm and knowing. "As long as you're not holding grudges," he murmured, his gaze locking onto hers. "If you ever need anything - anything at all - just say the word. No pressure, no strings."

Olivia shook her head, conflicted. "That's not fair to you. I can't just take advantage of your kindness."

Liam's expression turned solemn. "Olivia, I owe you. There's nothing I wouldn't do for you." The raw sincerity in his voice made her pulse stutter.

She turned away, unable to meet his intense gaze as doubts swirled through her mind. Had he made these same promises to others? Was this just another empty vow?

To her horror, the thought slipped past her lips before she could stop it. Liam moved instantly, closing the distance between them. "Never," he said fiercely. "These words are only for you. Not for Jack who saved my business, not for anyone else. I've been an arrogant fool, Olivia. I've made mistakes, but this promise? This is only for you. Don't believe me? I swear on—"

Olivia coughed loudly, cutting him off. "Alright, enough dramatics. You should get back to Isabelle. She must be terrified alone in that hospital room."

She shot him a wry look, amusement coloring her tone. "And stop saying such embarrassing things. If Isabelle hears you, she'll never let us live it down."

The tension melted from Liam's shoulders as her teasing registered. His smile broke wide and genuine, brighter than she'd ever seen. His eyes sparkled with unrestrained joy. "Message received. But tell me, sweetheart, what would you like to eat? I'll have it delivered immediately."

Olivia scowled. "Don't call me that."

But Liam, pretending not to hear, kept pace with her as they exited the stairwell, peppering her with "sweetheart" at every opportunity. When they passed Sebastian in the hallway, the assistant couldn't hide his astonishment at seeing his usually reserved boss so openly delighted.

Time passed swiftly, and Isabelle made a remarkable recovery. Meanwhile, Sinclair Enterprises' reputation flourished, with customers clamoring for their innovative products.