Chapter 61

Olivia blinked away sleep as she stared at Alexander's message glowing on her phone screen. The words were real. Hot tears pricked at her eyelids. The Hayes family's generosity overwhelmed her.

She remembered William's earlier confession - how Henry had entrusted him with her care, a duty he'd failed to fulfill. The unanswered questions burned in her chest, demanding resolution.

With trembling fingers, Olivia deleted her drafted response and typed anew. "I can't thank you enough. I'd be completely lost without this opportunity."

Alexander's voice note came through, warm with amusement. "Don't mention it. Consider it an advance on your salary. You're worth every penny. No strings attached."

Gratitude had always been Olivia's default setting. She texted back, "What exactly will my responsibilities entail? I'd like to prepare properly."

"Check your inbox," came the immediate reply, followed by a flood of documents.

Olivia buried herself in the files, sprawled across her bed, completely losing track of time. The sudden creak of her bedroom door shattered her concentration.

Liam sauntered in, his usual brooding demeanor replaced by rare lightness. The change stabbed at Olivia's heart. Evelyn's visit had clearly lifted his spirits - a stark contrast to his usual indifference toward her.

"Not hungry?" Liam asked casually as he retrieved a robe from the walk-in closet.

Olivia shook her head silently. Food was the last thing on her mind.

"You should eat anyway," he suggested, his tone bordering on concern.

She ignored him, returning to her documents. Without warning, Liam snatched her phone and tossed it onto the nightstand.

Still wearing his unbuttoned dress shirt, he leaned down, pressing a rough kiss to her cheek. Something inside Olivia snapped. For the first time in five years, she shoved him away with all her strength.

Liam stumbled back, shock flashing across his features. Seizing the moment, Olivia scrambled off the bed and backed toward the door, her wary gaze locked on him. The cognitive dissonance was staggering - downstairs, Liam had shared an intimate dinner with Evelyn, while upstairs he sought intimacy with her.

Disgust twisted Olivia's features. Liam's expression darkened instantly, all traces of good humor vanishing. Instead of pursuing her, he grabbed his robe and stalked into the ensuite bathroom.

Olivia exhaled shakily. She gathered her devices and slipped out, retreating to the adjacent guest room. The mansion had no designated workspace for her, and she certainly couldn't use Liam's study again - not after being accused of stealing documents.

At the vanity table, Olivia booted up her laptop and began outlining ideas. It had been years since she'd engaged in proper financial work. Since marrying Liam, her days had revolved around domestic drudgery. Yet at university, she'd not only won prestigious competitions but had hands-on experience with multimillion-dollar projects.

Soon, she fell into the familiar rhythm. Hours slipped by unnoticed until fatigue dragged at her eyelids. She leaned back on the chaise lounge to organize her thoughts, but sleep claimed her.

Morning light revealed Liam standing in the doorway. Thankfully, her laptop screen had timed out. His glacial stare pinned her in place. "Avoiding me? Is this some new game?"

Rubbing sleep from her eyes, Olivia stood, still wrapped in exhaustion. Perhaps it was the lingering drowsiness that emboldened her. She gestured pointedly toward the master suite, questioning where Evelyn had spent the night.

"You've grown bold," Liam snarled, irritation lacing every syllable. He advanced, pressing an ice-cold thumb against her pulse point. Olivia's breath hitched. His imposing presence should have cowed her, but something had shifted.

Lifting her chin, Olivia met his gaze with uncharacteristic steel - a defiance she hadn't shown in five years of marriage. She refused to sacrifice her dignity any longer. Their silent battle lasted several heartbeats before Liam unexpectedly retreated.

"Bring my lunch at noon," he commanded before striding away.

This time, Olivia had no intention of complying.

After freshening up, she texted Alexander: "Would it be possible to work a half-day today?"

His understanding reply came instantly. Dressed professionally, Olivia descended the stairs with her laptop bag. The butler, Theodore, blinked in surprise at her departure. "Madam, will you be returning? Mr. Blackwood requested his lunch delivery."

Olivia paused, considering. With deliberate indifference, she gestured for the kitchen staff to handle the meal delivery to Blackwood Enterprises. She specified it should be left at reception - she'd take it upstairs herself if necessary.

Theodore watched her go, astonished. The old Olivia would have insisted on preparing everything personally. This new version barely seemed to care. The change was undeniable.

The transformation had begun.