Chapter 519

Sebastian Montgomery gave a solemn nod, stepping closer with lowered voice. "It was Margaret. Do you still have energy left? She went after both you and Isabelle. Mr. Blackwood demanded we handle her mercilessly, but I believe he's gone too far."

Before Sebastian's words fully dissipated, Olivia Sinclair was already struggling to sit up. "Take me there," she demanded urgently.

Outside Mercy Hospital, a sleek limousine idled near the entrance. Inside, Margaret Sinclair lay crumpled on the floor, her body a canvas of crimson stains. Only the faint movement of her chest betrayed any sign of life. Liam Blackwood sat beside her, his gaze burning with lethal intensity. Though he'd already exacted punishment, his fury remained unquenched. The memory of Olivia and Isabelle being rushed into the emergency room - gasping, pale-faced - still clawed at his heart.

Margaret was a cornered serpent, unpredictable and deadly. Alive, she remained a perpetual threat, always coiled to strike or escape, endangering others even in captivity. Sensing her precarious position, Margaret taunted Liam through bloodied lips. "Go ahead, kill me. Murder carries consequences, darling. Do it, and you'll never walk openly with Olivia again. It'll haunt little Isabelle too. My death would poison your future with them. Doesn't that sound... poetic?"

Her barbed words found their mark. Liam's dark eyes narrowed like a raptor's, his voice glacial as he commanded his men. "Didn't you hear her request? Dispose of her. Dump the body at sea!"

"Liam!" The command froze as Olivia appeared, leaning heavily on Sebastian. Clad in a hospital gown, her pallor matched the sterile walls, fragility evident in every movement. At her appearance, Liam's demeanor shifted instantly. The storm in his eyes calmed as he rushed to support her.

Liam shot Sebastian a venomous glare. "Sebastian, do you wish to join her?"

Sebastian averted his gaze silently. Olivia grasped Liam's hand with surprising strength. Normally resistant to showing weakness around him, her current state left no choice but to lean into his embrace.

"Liam, can we discuss this?" Olivia's voice carried no command, only vulnerable exhaustion.

Liam felt the unnatural chill of her fingers, concern spiking. Without hesitation, he shrugged off his tailored jacket, wrapping it around her shoulders. His distinctive scent enveloped her like a protective shield, the immediate proximity seeming to steady Olivia's nerves. A forced cough shattered the moment. "I'm stronger than I look," she insisted. "But I'm serious about this. You can't kill Margaret or continue harming her. We need to end this cycle. My carelessness gave her the opening to hurt me and our daughter. Think of Isabelle's future."

Liam trembled with barely contained rage, a tempest barely leashed by Olivia's calming presence. His gaze flicked to Margaret, whose defiant smirk remained. "But Olivia, I can't risk her hurting you again. I've considered how to handle Alistair - return him to the Kensingtons or have my men deal with him. Either way, Margaret can't stay."

Olivia shook her head gently. "No need for extremes. Just ensure she's no longer a threat. Let her live." The words triggered another violent coughing fit.