Chapter 508

Olivia stood firm, her fiery gaze locking onto Margaret with dangerous intensity. "Let's make this simple - hand over Liam, and I'll release your grandfather."

A bitter laugh escaped Olivia's lips at the absurd proposition. Margaret's patience wore thin. "You clearly don't care about him. Your friends mean more to you than Liam does. Why not set him free? It's a win-win situation."

The temperature in Olivia's eyes dropped to subzero. "Move. One more threat and I'll—"

"You don't love him at all!" Margaret exploded. "Too scared to admit it? Is he just your personal ATM, your plaything? You're absolutely heartless." The words hung in the air just as Liam returned, cradling Isabelle in his arms.

Hearing Margaret's venomous words from the staircase, Liam immediately covered Isabelle's ears. "Don't listen to that noise, darling," he murmured soothingly. "Just some stray dog making unpleasant sounds."

Margaret's eyes burned crimson at the insult. Her fingers twisted the fabric of her dress into knots. "I'm defending you! Can't you see she's just using you?"

As the maid quickly ushered Isabelle away, Liam's attention shifted to the confrontation. His expression when looking at Margaret could only be described as pure revulsion.

Tears streamed down Margaret's face as she lowered her head, playing the victim perfectly. Liam turned to Olivia. "What's happening here?" Olivia barely contained her irritation. "Isn't it obvious? She's accusing me of exploiting you."

"Bullshit," Liam growled. "I'd move heaven and earth for you."

Margaret lifted her chin defiantly, gesturing toward Liam. She glared daggers at Olivia. "Enough games, Miss Kensington! Make your choice - this man or your grandfather? Remember, your grandfather obeys my every command now. Decide quickly or suffer the consequences!"

Before Olivia could respond, Liam smirked at Margaret. "Want me so badly? No need to pressure Olivia. I'll accept your terms on her behalf. What's your real game here? Planning to hurt me or use me as leverage?"

He took deliberate steps toward Margaret as he spoke.

A blush crept up Margaret's neck. "I would never harm you. It just breaks my heart to see Olivia taking advantage of you."

Liam's smirk widened. "Oh? So you're my self-appointed protector now?"

Her cheeks burned brighter. "I simply can't stand by while you're being mistreated."

Disgusted by the pathetic display, Olivia turned on her heel and strode toward the bedroom with a contemptuous sneer. Margaret continued her desperate attempts to gain Liam's attention, convinced his indifference stemmed solely from Olivia's presence.

With Olivia gone, she was certain Liam would eventually succumb to her charms.

What Margaret failed to notice was the barely contained fury in Liam's eyes. The moment Olivia disappeared, his patience evaporated. His hand shot out, closing around Margaret's slender throat. As she continued her pathetic babbling, his grip tightened just enough to make breathing difficult.

Fear flashed in Margaret's widened eyes as she gasped. "What are you doing?"

"You talk too much," Liam said icily. The smile never reached his eyes, sending chills down Margaret's spine. Overcome with terror, she dissolved into messy sobs once more.