Chapter 71

Olivia's suggestion made Isabella gasp sharply, her eyes widening in shock at the boldness of the idea. If she hadn't restrained herself, Isabella might have erupted into a furious outburst right then.

Olivia turned to Liam, her face an unreadable mask. The mere thought of performing hand movements while her actual role was being stolen without consent felt like a slap to her dignity.

In the past, Olivia might have endured such disrespect, believing pleasing Liam was worth the sacrifice. But she'd learned the hard way that silence only invited more exploitation.

Despite her growing awareness, a tiny part of Olivia still hoped Liam would step in, that he'd finally defend her against Evelyn's overreach.

Their eyes met briefly in silent communication. Olivia searched his gaze for any sign of support, but found none.

"Interesting idea," Liam finally said in an indifferent tone. "Olivia, come here."

"How dare you!" Isabella exploded, her fiery glare locked onto Liam.

Olivia responded with a rare, bitter smile that momentarily stunned Liam with its striking beauty.

With one decisive motion, Olivia made her choice - she walked off set.

"She's not doing it!" Isabella immediately voiced Olivia's decision, shooting daggers at Evelyn. "No one said Olivia had to participate. She's here as an assistant, not to be forced into something against her will."

Taking Olivia's arm firmly, Isabella marched them toward the exit.

The studio fell silent. Liam's irritation grew visibly while Evelyn, caught off guard, forced a tight smile. "I'll do it myself then," she told the director.

"Fine," the director replied smoothly, already adjusting his camera settings.

When Evelyn picked up the tweezers, the director stopped her with a raised hand. "Wait, your grip is all wrong. You'll damage the artifacts holding them like that," he said, echoing Olivia's earlier advice.

Evelyn blinked in confusion. "How should I hold them then?"

The director pulled up footage from yesterday, showing Olivia's flawless technique. He paused the video to emphasize her precise movements.

Evelyn's face tightened as she watched Olivia's skilled demonstration, the comparison clearly stinging her pride.

When she attempted to use the magnifying glass next, the director stopped her again. "Your positioning is still incorrect. Do you even know how to use these tools? We didn't cover this yesterday."

Evelyn stared helplessly at the unfamiliar equipment. Flustered, she turned to Liam. "What should I do?"

"I'll find someone," Liam said tersely, pulling out his phone without concern.

"Mr. Blackwood," the director said professionally, "we only have this morning to shoot. Another crew takes over this afternoon, and I have other commitments."

The director sat back, waiting as minutes ticked away with no replacement found.

"Liam..." Evelyn's voice trembled, tears welling in her eyes. "Please call Olivia back to do the hand movements for me. She'll listen to you."

Liam hesitated, remembering Olivia's firm stance about their impending divorce. Would she really obey him now?

He sensed a change in her - she wasn't the compliant Olivia who always yielded to his demands anymore.

Without a word, Liam left the studio.

Olivia and Isabella hadn't gone far, waiting nearby for their ride.

"Olivia," Liam called as he approached.

"What do you want now?" Isabella snapped, stepping protectively in front of Olivia.

"She's my wife," Liam said firmly, meeting Isabella's glare. "I need to speak with Olivia privately."

Isabella clenched her jaw but stepped aside after Olivia's subtle nod, though her anger remained palpable.

"I need you to film the hand movements," Liam demanded, trying to assert his authority.

Olivia stood her ground, shaking her head firmly.

"Just do as I say," Liam said, discomfort flickering across his face at her defiance. "If you cooperate this time—"

Before he could finish, Olivia gestured sharply - asking if he'd agree to the divorce in exchange for her cooperation. Her terms were clear.

Liam recoiled at her audacity to use divorce as leverage. A disbelieving laugh escaped him.

"Divorce? You're negotiating with me now?" His laughter died as he grabbed her wrist, pulling her close in intimidation. "Just because you work for the Whitmores doesn't mean you can dictate terms. How long do you think they'll protect you? If I go after them, do you really believe they'll stand by you?"