Chapter 521

Liam's lips curved into a tender smile as his fingers traced gentle circles over her swollen belly. "Thank you, darling. Your mother is finally willing to acknowledge me properly."

Olivia rolled her eyes, though affection warmed her voice. "Must you phrase it like that? You sound like some neglected husband."

"Can you blame me?" Liam countered, his tone laced with playful melancholy.

After being discharged from Mercy Hospital, Olivia returned home with Isabelle in tow. The moment they stepped inside, her gaze landed on Margaret. The once-proud woman was now a shadow of her former self, giggling vacantly at nothing in particular.

Sebastian moved to Olivia's side, his voice a hushed murmur. "She's harmless now."

Olivia studied Margaret with detached pity. The woman had orchestrated her own downfall. Had she not threatened them with Alistair, had she not forced her way into their lives—drugging both Olivia and Isabelle in her desperate power play—she might have lived comfortably in Newport.

But greed had sealed her fate.

Even with her darkest deeds exposed, the world would move on. People always did. If she behaved, she could still carve out some semblance of existence. Olivia turned to Winston. "Where's Grandpa? Does he know about Margaret's... condition?"

"Don't fret, Miss," Winston assured her. "Your grandfather may still dote on her, but as long as she remains here under supervision, all will be well." He hesitated before adding, "I've prepared a modest room for her near the garden. During our daily walks, your grandfather will see her. That should suffice."

Olivia exhaled, tension leaving her shoulders. "Good. Thank you."

With Margaret handled, Olivia's thoughts drifted back to Liam. She'd decided to remarry him, but there was no rush. She wasn't ready for Isabelle to call him "Dad" yet. Her daughter was perceptive but fragile—one misstep could wound her deeply.

Fate intervened when filming for the show commenced. Olivia seized the opportunity, inviting Liam to join them on set. Perhaps, she reasoned, time together would let them bond naturally.

Yet by the trip's end, Olivia realized her concerns had been unnecessary. Liam and Isabelle clicked effortlessly, their laughter ringing through the air as if they'd known each other forever.

Liam adored Isabelle with every fiber of his being. His eyes never strayed from her, as though she might vanish the moment he blinked. He hovered protectively, attending to her every whim for hours. Olivia massaged her temples, suppressing a fond sigh. "Liam, she isn't glass. You're spoiling her rotten."

He met her gaze, a soft smile playing on his lips. "I know. But I missed her first four years. Let me make up for lost time."

Olivia relented. With Liam watching over Isabelle so diligently, she could actually relax for once.

She opted against staying in the crew's arranged lodgings. Privacy was paramount with her family present. No one questioned her decision—not when she'd invested heavily in the production. To them, she was as much a sponsor as a cast member. As long as she adhered to the rules, they granted her leeway.