Chapter 511

Olivia's breath hitched as the weight of Donovan's words settled upon her. "How can I help?" she asked urgently, fingers tightening around her phone.

Donovan's voice crackled through the line after a thoughtful pause. "I believe she's still alive, but I've got no concrete evidence. No family ties except for that actress sister in Eldermere. Olivia, I'm trapped in this mess, and it might drag you in too. Think carefully before committing."

A wry smile curved Olivia's lips as she answered without hesitation. "I don't do illegal, Donovan. Besides, what good would your downfall bring me? They already consider us allies." She shifted on the bed, sheets rustling. "Send me everything you've got. We'll figure this out together."

"Deal," Donovan agreed.

Suddenly, a wave of nausea crashed over Olivia. Acid burned her throat as she clutched her stomach, the room spinning. She barely made it to the ensuite bathroom before emptying her stomach.

When she returned, Donovan's concerned voice pierced through her fog. "Olivia? You okay? You sound terrible."

"Just exhaustion," she deflected, wiping her clammy forehead. "We both need rest. Talk tomorrow." She ended the call before he could protest.

Alone in the dim bedroom, Olivia pressed trembling hands against her abdomen. The fluttering sensation felt hauntingly familiar. Two pregnancies had taught her body's signals, yet she refused to believe it. One night with Liam couldn't possibly... Could it? She'd schedule a doctor's appointment tomorrow. This had to be stress.

The door burst open before she could spiral further. Isabelle bounded in, dragging her favorite starry quilt. "Mommy!" The six-year-old launched onto the bed with practiced ease, eyes wide with innocence. "Can I sleep here tonight? Please?"

Olivia's heart melted as she pulled her daughter close, inhaling the strawberry shampoo scent. "Of course, sweetheart. Which story tonight?"

Isabelle randomly selected a well-worn fairytale from the nightstand. Halfway through, drowsy fingers tangled with Olivia's. "Mommy?" Isabelle's sleepy murmur came. "Why don't I have a brother or sister like Jamie does?"

Olivia's breath caught. She smoothed Isabelle's hair, voice barely above a whisper. "Don't you like having Mommy all to yourself?"

Isabelle's response dissolved into soft snores before Olivia could decipher it. Cradling her daughter, Olivia stared at the ceiling, one hand resting on her stomach as unanswered questions swirled through the darkness.

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