Chapter 504

The morning sun streamed through the hospital windows as Isabelle prepared for her discharge. Olivia arrived at Mercy Hospital before visiting hours, only to find two unexpected figures waiting outside the pediatric ward - Liam and Alexander.

Both men stood several feet apart, their gazes locked on the little girl while pointedly ignoring each other. The tension between them crackled like static electricity. Olivia understood Liam's presence - he had every right to be there. But Alexander Montgomery's appearance raised questions.

Approaching with a cautious expression, Olivia addressed the jewelry heir. "I didn't expect to see you here. Thank you for visiting my daughter."

Alexander reached out to tuck a stray curl behind Isabelle's ear, his smile warm. "We've met before, and she completely won me over. I couldn't resist seeing her again."

Isabelle beamed up at her mother. "Mommy, Alexander is so nice!"

Olivia's breath caught. "Do you... like Alexander?"

Before the child could answer, Liam scooped her up possessively, putting distance between them. Alexander's smile faltered for just a second before he recovered.

Liam pretended to pout. "Isabelle, didn't you promise you'd only say that about me?"

The little girl considered this seriously before amending, "Okay, then Alexander is second best. First place is only for you." The declaration made Alexander's jaw tighten as he glared at Liam.

"You shouldn't manipulate a child," Alexander snapped.

"Did you actually see any manipulation?" Liam shot back.

As their argument escalated, Olivia stepped between them protectively. Alexander turned to her with a charming smile. "Olivia, I've arranged a small celebration for Isabelle's discharge. Let's make it special."

Olivia offered a polite but distant smile. "That's kind, but unnecessary. The doctors recommended rest. We'll be going straight home."

Liam deliberately shouldered past Alexander. "I'll drive you," he stated bluntly.

Olivia ignored him completely, gathering Isabelle in her arms and walking away. Alexander seized the moment to taunt, "Seems she doesn't want anything to do with you."

Liam remained unruffled. "At least she hasn't made any promises to you either."

"You—" Alexander stormed off, his expensive shoes clicking angrily against the linoleum.

Liam's expression darkened. Sebastian leaned in to whisper, "Sinclair Enterprises still has that partnership with Montgomery Jewelers. If you punch him, Olivia might—"

"I know," Liam cut him off, exhaling sharply. "Here I am, her actual father, getting shown up by some pretty boy with a trust fund. Never thought I'd see the day."

Sebastian wisely swallowed his initial response. "You kind of brought this on yourself," he muttered under his breath.