Chapter 54

"You're welcome to bring me lunch, as long as it doesn't interfere with your studio schedule," Liam remarked, pausing briefly.

Olivia's cheeks flushed deeper as she quickly signaled that she would skip her studio visits for a few days—bringing him lunch was far more important to her.

Liam didn’t comment on her promise before turning to leave. His assistant had already prepared fresh clothes, and a car waited downstairs. Soon, he was on his way to Blackwood Enterprises for the day’s work.

Meanwhile, Olivia returned home and messaged Marcus, explaining that a family member was ill and she wouldn’t be able to visit the studio for a while.

Then, she headed to the kitchen to prepare lunch for Liam. Judging by his reaction the day before, he seemed to prefer her cooking.

A faint smile touched her lips at the thought, but it vanished just as quickly. What did it matter if he liked her food? He didn’t love her. He didn’t want her as his wife. She was just an afterthought in his life.

Now, her role had been reduced to that of a housekeeper—someone to cook and serve meals. Liam wouldn’t thank her. Instead, he’d dismiss her efforts with a detached, "Well done," as if she were just another employee.

Her fingers felt sluggish as she handled the ingredients, longing for the scent of her studio, where she could lose herself in restoring antiques, untouched by the complications of her personal life.

With a bitter laugh, she gestured for the kitchen staff to handle the chopping. Initially, she had planned to do everything herself, but she reconsidered. She would focus on the finishing touches instead.

Once lunch was ready, the driver escorted Olivia to Blackwood Enterprises. On the way, she texted Liam to let him know she was coming, but there was no reply. Doubt crept in. Had he even seen her message? If not, she might be turned away at the lobby again, left to endure the receptionist’s scrutinizing gaze.

As she stepped into the building, the same receptionist from before greeted her with a mix of recognition and thinly veiled disdain.

"Here to see Mr. Blackwood again? With lunch, I assume?" the receptionist asked, skepticism lacing her tone.

Olivia simply nodded.

The receptionist eyed her with contempt. From their last encounter, it was clear Liam knew Olivia, but his demeanor hadn’t been particularly warm.

She quickly concluded Olivia wasn’t important.

After a moment, the receptionist offered a cold smile. "If you're struggling with mental health issues, I suggest seeking help. If you continue disrupting our operations, we may have to involve the authorities."

Olivia, expecting this, calmly pulled out her phone and showed the text exchange with Liam.

The receptionist barely glanced at it before scoffing. "You expect me to believe that’s Mr. Blackwood’s number? If I accepted every random screenshot, I’d have to let anyone in."

With a quiet sigh, Olivia considered her next move. She decided to call Liam. If he didn’t answer, she would leave. Maybe he’d forgotten her promise—or maybe he was with Evelyn and ignoring his phone.

Just as she was about to dial, the elevator doors opened, and a sharply dressed man strode out.

"Mr. Montgomery!" The receptionist straightened immediately, her tone deferential.

As Liam’s top assistant, Sebastian Montgomery held more authority than most vice presidents. He approached Olivia with purpose.

"Madam," he said with a slight nod. "Mr. Blackwood asked me to escort you upstairs."

Relief washed over Olivia, and she gestured her thanks.

The receptionist gaped, stunned. She hadn’t expected Olivia to warrant such treatment. Normally, only high-profile clients were greeted by managers—let alone Sebastian, who usually only acknowledged CEOs of partner companies. Why would someone like him be here for a lunch delivery?

"Were you delayed here?" Sebastian asked Olivia, his tone gentle but firm as he prepared to guide her upstairs.

Terrified, the receptionist stammered, "I—I didn’t realize who she was, and last time Mr. Blackwood—"

"Didn’t you check the notification?" Sebastian cut in sharply.

"I—I haven’t had the chance—"

"It was sent three hours ago. You still haven’t seen it?" His displeasure was palpable.

Caught, the receptionist fumbled for her phone and found the company-wide notice. It clearly stated that a mute visitor named Olivia was expected and should be granted direct access to the CEO’s office.

Realization dawned on Olivia. Liam had arranged everything in advance. He hadn’t forgotten.

"I—I wasn’t feeling well today, so I didn’t check—"

"You’ve neglected your duties," Sebastian said coldly. "Report to HR and submit your resignation."

Without another word, he led Olivia to the elevator.

As they ascended, Olivia took in her surroundings. This was her first glimpse of Liam’s workplace.

The 17th floor buzzed with energy. One side housed a glass-walled secretarial hub, where employees worked diligently. Nearby, a well-stocked pantry and cozy lounge offered a brief escape from the office bustle. Opposite it was Liam’s office, its door closed, a quiet contrast to the floor’s lively rhythm.

"Madam, please wait here. Mr. Blackwood is in a video conference," Sebastian informed her as they reached the lounge.

Olivia nodded and sat. The lounge was framed by floor-to-ceiling windows, offering a breathtaking view of the city. She pulled out her phone and began snapping photos.

"Oh, is that her?" two secretaries whispered as they entered.

Engrossed, Olivia didn’t notice them at first. When they neared, she looked up and smiled warmly.

They returned polite smiles before moving past her to the water dispenser.

"She’s even more stunning than in the photo. I’d recognize her anywhere!" one murmured.

"I thought that notice picture was edited," the other mused skeptically.

Olivia blinked, realizing they were discussing her—likely assuming she couldn’t hear or speak.

Just as she considered leaving to avoid further awkwardness, another snippet caught her attention.

"She’s way prettier than Miss Hartley. Do you think Evelyn’s days are numbered?"

"No chance. Evelyn’s the queen of drama. She knows how to keep his attention. She’s not going anywhere."

A chill ran through Olivia. Evelyn was clearly well-known here.

She took a steadying breath. Her mission was simple: deliver lunch and maintain her composure, no matter the undercurrents of tension.

As the secretaries walked away, Olivia refocused on her phone, ensuring she had a clear path to Liam’s office. She wouldn’t let Evelyn’s shadow shake her resolve.

With one last glance around the bustling lounge, she stood and made her way toward Liam’s office, ready to fulfill her promise—no matter what lay ahead.