Chapter 66

Olivia Sinclair stood frozen as Natalie Bennett tried to block her view of the television screen. "Olivia, don't—" But it was too late.

A bitter smile twisted Olivia's lips. She'd already witnessed Liam Blackwood and Evelyn Hartley's intimate display at the gala. These tabloid headlines couldn't shock her anymore.

Yet the media frenzy was undeniable. The breaking news featured a shaky video of Liam, supposedly gravely ill. Blackwood Enterprises moved swiftly, issuing a statement promising clarification. True to their word, Liam appeared at a corporate press conference that afternoon.

The camera captured Liam's imposing figure radiating icy authority. Social media erupted with comments about his obvious good health, debunking the rumors instantly.

To silence all doubters, Liam produced his medical records live on air. Investors sighed in relief as stock prices began climbing during his speech.

But the real bombshell was yet to come.

With calculated timing, Liam unveiled Blackwood Enterprises' latest patent - revolutionary technology that would redefine their industry. The stock soared to unprecedented heights within minutes.

Early sellers groaned in regret while those who'd bought the dip celebrated windfall profits exceeding half a year's earnings.

Evelyn's conspicuous absence became the next talking point. She arrived as the conference ended, lingering at the door before joining Liam. Paparazzi captured their exit, spinning tales of romantic tension.

Watching the footage, Olivia exhaled in relief. Her careless comment about family illness could have caused Liam professional harm. But as Marcus Whitmore once told her, in business, even scandals could be leveraged for gain.

"Olivia?" Natalie pocketed her phone, studying her friend with concern. "Are you—"

Olivia shook her head firmly. Using sign language, she explained how nearly dying in the fire had changed her perspective. She would no longer define herself through Liam's eyes. Now, carrying new life within her, she found fresh resolve to stand strong.

"Brilliant decision! I'm with you completely!" Natalie squeezed her hand. "Let me call Mercy Hospital for prenatal care recommendations."

After Natalie left, Olivia texted Marcus. She needed assurance her condition would remain confidential, suspecting his family's hospital connections might already know.

Marcus replied instantly: "Patient confidentiality is sacrosanct here. The staff would protect your privacy regardless." His response carried the weight of Whitmore family honor.

Relieved, Olivia thanked him.

"Don't mention it," Marcus responded. "Actually, Westfield University is launching an antiquities program. They need an expert for promotional videos. You'd be perfect."

Olivia blinked at her phone. "Me?"

Marcus's voice message crackled through: "Absolutely. They want someone with both expertise and screen presence. Who better than the woman who restored the Montgomery collection?"

A spark of excitement flared in Olivia's chest. This was far from her childhood acting dreams, yet the opportunity thrilled her.

Then came the instinctive hesitation—what would Liam think?

Olivia caught herself, disgusted. She'd promised to stop living by Liam's approval. Squaring her shoulders, she typed: "I'll do it."

Marcus sent the schedule immediately. "Shoot's this afternoon. Available?"

The suddenness startled her, but her restoration schedule was flexible. Only Liam's lunch delivery posed a conflict—a habit she needed to break anyway.

As she confirmed, Marcus arranged her flight to Westfield.

Following doctor's orders, Olivia returned home to pack. She needed to deliver something important before leaving.

The sight of Margaret Winslow in her foyer made Olivia freeze.

Margaret's triumphant smirk faltered upon seeing her. "Oh? Crawling back now that the cameras are off?" She advanced like a predator. "No scheme of yours will ever trap my son! Liam turns every situation to his advantage. When the time comes—"

Olivia walked straight past her, ascending the stairs without acknowledgment.

"You insolent—! I'm speaking to you!" Margaret's shriek echoed through the hall. Never had Olivia dared such defiance. The older woman charged after her, only to meet a slammed bedroom door.

"Olivia Sinclair! Have you lost your mind?" Margaret's shrill voice carried through the wood.

Inside, Olivia pressed a hand to her racing heart. This small act of rebellion felt terrifying—and exhilarating. The old Olivia would never have dared. The new Olivia? She was just getting started.