Chapter 55

Olivia's curiosity had been piqued. She abandoned all thought of leaving, eager to catch more of the secretaries' conversation. Just as she settled in to listen, their discussion halted abruptly. The sharp click of approaching footsteps changed the atmosphere instantly, and Liam appeared in the lounge doorway.

"Mr. Blackwood!" The two secretaries gasped simultaneously, their voices laced with equal parts respect and alarm as they scrambled to greet him.

Liam acknowledged them with a curt nod before his gaze landed on Olivia. "Why didn't you come in?"

Olivia rose quickly, explaining that Sebastian had mentioned Liam was in a meeting and she hadn't wanted to interrupt.

"Even during meetings, you're always welcome," Liam stated firmly.

Olivia nodded, picking up the food container she'd set aside earlier. Without another word, Liam turned and left, his departure plunging the lounge into sudden silence. The secretaries exchanged panicked looks, realizing Olivia might have overheard their entire conversation about her and Liam's unusual relationship. Their faces paled at the thought she might report them.

But Olivia simply offered them a reassuring smile. As she gathered her things, a thought struck her. Pausing, she typed a message on her phone and showed it to them: "Does Evelyn often spend private time with Mr. Blackwood in his office?"

The secretaries hesitated before one finally answered, "Not frequently, but there are afternoons when they're alone for hours... and when they emerge..." She trailed off meaningfully.

The implication was clear - something intimate was happening between Evelyn and Liam behind closed doors. Olivia typed another message: "Thank you. Don't worry - I heard nothing today."

Relief washed over the secretaries' faces as they realized Olivia wouldn't cause trouble for them. Turning toward Liam's office, Olivia felt a sudden pang of regret. Why had she even asked? The answer only deepened the ache in her heart.

Liam's office was spacious and impersonal, showing no signs of feminine influence. Holding the food container, Olivia felt momentarily lost until Liam instructed, "Sit on the couch."

She set the container down and had just settled when a knock interrupted them. A male employee entered with documents. "Mr. Blackwood, these require your signature."

"Let me see," Liam said, taking the papers. He seemed more focused on reviewing them than eating. Olivia didn't open the container yet, wanting to keep the food warm. Meanwhile, the employee lingered, casting curious glances at Olivia.

Unaware of her identity - only receptionists and secretaries had seen her photo - the employee assumed she was domestic staff. In a condescending tone, he warned, "Be careful not to spill anything. We can't have stains when Mr. Blackwood has guests."

He nodded smugly, believing he'd prevented a disaster. But Liam's reaction was immediate and icy. His glare sent a visible shiver through the man.

"You don't speak to her that way," Liam said coldly. "Apologize. Now."

"My deepest apologies!" The employee stammered, sweat beading on his forehead. Liam's frosty demeanor often preceded severe consequences, and he feared for his job. Olivia was stunned. She hadn't expected Liam to defend her over something so trivial. The employee's remark, while rude, hadn't been harmful - yet Liam's reaction spoke volumes about his regard for her.

"Don't return to this floor," Liam ordered after signing the documents, flinging the folder back. The employee practically ran from the room, relieved to still be employed.

As Liam turned his attention to lunch, the office door burst open. "Liam! Why didn't anyone tell me you were ill? I had to hear it from the hospital!"

Margaret Winslow, Liam's mother, stormed in, her presence commanding immediate attention. Olivia instinctively stepped back as Margaret's sharp eyes assessed the scene.

"Are you the one looking after my son?" Margaret's voice cut through the air, her gaze flickering between Olivia and the unopened food container. "Can't even manage to serve a meal properly? At this rate, Liam might as well cook for himself!"

"She was waiting so the food wouldn't get cold," Liam interjected, sitting down. Margaret's eyebrows shot up at his defense of Olivia, her disapproval evident.

Taking a seat opposite Liam, Margaret's tone shifted. "How are you feeling?"

"Fine. There was no need for you to come," Liam replied curtly, focusing on his meal.

"Well that's fortunate! With your brother unable to have children, if you fall ill too, the Blackwood lineage could end!" As she spoke, Margaret's gaze slid meaningfully toward Olivia. Her expression made it clear she didn't consider Olivia suitable to carry on the family name. Olivia kept her eyes down, pretending not to notice.

"Is that why you're here?" Liam finally looked up from his food, his question pointed.

"I'm here because I care about your health. Now eat," Margaret replied with a forced smile, conspicuously avoiding further heir talk. She remained until Liam finished eating, then rose to leave - with Olivia reluctantly following. Walking beside Margaret was the last thing Olivia wanted, but there was no polite escape.

In the elevator, Margaret's displeasure became physical. She grabbed Olivia's arm sharply.

"Olivia, I'm begging you," Margaret began, though her tone held more command than plea. "Liam isn't getting younger. The Blackwoods need heirs - multiple heirs. As his wife, any children from other women would be illegitimate!" She spat the word with disgust. "Henry raised you all those years, and you got your wish to marry Liam. Five years is enough. If you have any gratitude, you'll file for divorce immediately!"

Margaret's voice softened slightly, but the threat remained. "Think about Henry. How would he feel, watching from heaven knowing Liam has no heirs?"