Chapter 503

Olivia wrenched her arm free from the woman's desperate grasp, exhaling sharply through clenched teeth. "If you harass me again or spread baseless accusations, I won't hesitate to call the authorities. Understood?"

Without waiting for a response, Olivia spun around and strode away with Liam. Security swiftly removed the sobbing woman from the premises, though curious stares followed Olivia's retreating figure.

Moments later, an elderly man came rushing through the crowd. His knees buckled upon learning his granddaughter had been forcibly ejected.

Muffled whispers revealed their tragic circumstances - they'd relied on each other through countless hardships. The young woman had come seeking medical funds, only to be publicly humiliated instead.

Their pitiful wails echoed through the lobby, but Olivia remained unmoved. In her view, this was entirely the woman's own doing. Not only had she refused to take responsibility, but she'd tried shifting blame onto others.

The unpleasant encounter darkened Olivia's mood. Within thirty minutes, she fabricated an excuse to depart.

Liam offered to drive her home, but she politely declined. He stood motionless in the crisp night air, watching her taillights disappear around the corner. When he turned, Alexander's icy glare met him from across the pavement.

Liam didn't flinch. Instead, his lips curled into a mocking smile. "Mr. Montgomery, to what do I owe this pleasure?"

Alexander cleared his throat, his deceptively soft tone laced with warning. "Mr. Blackwood, while your intentions remain unclear, I'd advise against toying with Miss Sinclair if you lack serious intentions. She's an accomplished woman who won't settle for being some playboy's trophy."

Liam's smirk vanished instantly. "Who said anything about making her a trophy? You're projecting your own insecurities."

"Hardly," Alexander countered swiftly. "My interest stems from genuine admiration. She deserves stability, a reliable partner, and familial support - all of which I can provide. You'd only bring her chaos."

Liam slid his hands into his pockets, his expression turning glacial. "You claim to understand her, yet you're completely mistaken. She doesn't need anyone's protection."

Alexander's eyes narrowed. "How would you know what she needs? You barely know her."

A dangerous glint appeared in Liam's eyes as he tilted his head. "Actually, I know her far better than you do. Feel free to ask Olivia if you doubt me."

Color flooded Alexander's face, rendering him momentarily speechless. When he finally found his voice, it came out strained. "Can you honestly say you care for her? With your notorious reputation and her being a single mother? This is clearly just another game to you."

Liam's gaze turned arctic. "You're not defending her honor - you're insulting her with these assumptions. If her child bothers you so much, why pretend to be noble?"

Alexander's expression twisted uncomfortably. "Any reasonable man would have concerns. But I've decided to embrace both Olivia and her daughter as my own."

Having heard enough, Liam brushed past him with a dismissive wave. "Spare us the theatrics. She won't end up with me, but you stand no chance either. What she values is authenticity."

As Liam walked away, Alexander's face darkened considerably. "And what makes you so certain my feelings aren't authentic?" he called after him.

The night swallowed Liam's retreating figure without response.