Chapter 5 - Venom in the Shadow
The sharp sound of breaking glass sliced through the heavy silence of the kitchen.
Victoria stepped onto the tiles, her eyes blazing with murderous fury.
"You whore!" Victoria shrieked, pointing an accusatory finger at Olivia.
"I knew it!"
"You didn't save Ethan out of kindness!"
"You threw yourself down those stairs to trap my husband-to-be!"
Olivia straightened her spine despite the sharp pain in her arm.
"Watch your mouth, Victoria," Olivia said, her tone icy cold.
"I didn't ask to be here."
"And I certainly didn't ask Harrison to come down to the kitchen."
Victoria looked like she was about to slap Olivia across the face.
She rushed forward with her hand raised.
Before her hand could hit Olivia, Harrison grabbed Victoria’s wrist in mid-air.
His grip was like a steel trap.
"Touch her," Harrison said, his voice dropping to a terrifying whisper, "and you leave this house in handcuffs."
Victoria gasped, trying to pull her arm back, but Harrison held her firmly.
"Harrison! Look at what she's doing to us!" Victoria cried out, changing tactics to sound pitiful.
"She’s a gold-digger!"
"She was catering events last week, and now she’s sleeping under your roof!"
"She is protecting my son," Harrison snapped, letting go of Victoria’s wrist so hard she stumbled back.
"Which is more than I can say for you."
"Where were you when Ethan fell down those stairs, Victoria?"
"You were sipping champagne with rival investors in the VIP lounge."
Victoria’s eyes darted around nervously for a split second.
It was a subtle shift, but Olivia caught it immediately.
Victoria was hiding something.
"I... I was talking business!" Victoria stammered, recovering her composure.
"Business that benefits your company!"
"This conversation is over," Harrison said coldly. "Go to your room."
"And if you raise your voice at Olivia again, your father’s logistics contract with my firm will be terminated by sunrise."
Victoria’s mouth opened in utter disbelief.
She glared at Olivia with a promise of complete destruction.
"This isn't over," Victoria hissed at Olivia before turning on her high heels and storming out of the kitchen.
When the sound of her footsteps faded, silence settled back over the room.
Olivia released a long breath she hadn't realized she was holding.
"She knows something about the fall," Olivia said softly, looking up at Harrison.
Harrison’s gaze hardened.
"I know," Harrison replied.
"And that is why I am keeping her close until I find the evidence."
"In the meantime, Olivia..."
He stepped closer to her again, his eyes dark and intense.
May you like
"You need to stay by my side at all times."
"They will come after you next."
