Chapter 3 - The Snake in the Garden
The Blackwell estate in the Hamptons was a fortress of glass, steel, and guarded gates.
An armored black SUV drove Olivia through the massive iron gates three days later.
Her arm was in a black medical sling.
When she stepped into the foyer, little Ethan ran straight toward her.
"Olivia!" the boy cheered, hugging her legs carefully so he wouldn't touch her injured shoulder.
Olivia smiled, the tension leaving her shoulders for the first time in days.
"Hey, little guy," she murmured, crouching down. "Are you okay?"
"I made you a drawing!" Ethan said excitedly, handing her a piece of paper.
It showed a drawing of a girl in a cape holding a little boy.
Harrison stepped into the hallway, watching the interaction silently.
A rare, faint smile touched the corner of his lips before disappearing just as fast.
"Ethan, go to your room with your nanny for a moment," Harrison instructed.
"I need to speak with Olivia."
Ethan nodded and ran upstairs.
Harrison walked closer to Olivia.
"My security team reviewed the security footage from the gala."
"The camera covering the top of the stairs was turned off two minutes before Ethan fell."
Olivia felt a cold shiver down her spine.
"So it wasn't an accident?" she asked softly.
"No," Harrison said, his voice deadly serious.
"Someone wanted to eliminate my heir."
"Or draw me into a trap."
Suddenly, a loud crash shattered the peace of the foyer.
Victoria was standing at the top of the grand staircase, holding a priceless porcelain vase that had just shattered on the floor.
"Oops," Victoria said with a mocking smile, looking down at Olivia.
"My hand slipped."
"Since you are on the payroll now, servant, clean it up."
Harrison’s posture went rigid.
"Victoria—" Harrison began, but Olivia held up her hand.
Olivia stepped forward, ignoring the throbbing pain in her shoulder.
She looked up at Victoria with sharp, steady eyes.
"I was hired as your stepson's guardian, Miss Vance," Olivia said calmly and clearly.
"Not your maid."
"If you lack the coordination to hold a vase, I suggest you see a doctor."
Victoria’s face twisted in rage.
"You insolent little trash!" Victoria shrieked, taking a step down.
"Harrison! Are you going to let a lower-class nobody talk to your future wife like that?!"
Harrison didn't even look at Victoria.
His eyes were locked on Olivia, filled with dark amusement and unexpected respect.
"She made a valid point," Harrison said smoothly.
"Clean it up yourself, Victoria."
"Or I will have security escort you off my property."
Victoria stood frozen in complete shock.
She glared at Olivia with pure venom.
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"You will regret the day you ever set foot in this house, Olivia Brooks," Victoria whispered under her breath.
"I will make sure of it."
