Frederico’s comment hung in the air, heavy, almost like a verdict.Olivia felt her stomach twist, but she kept her face perfectly composed. That question wasn’t casual curiosity. It was a test. A way to gauge reactions, watch gestures, see whether the couple was truly in sync.Liam, for his part, didn’t flinch.His gaze stayed locked on his grandfather, voice controlled, cool as ever.“You’ll hear everything when the time is right, Grandfather,” he answered, unhurried.Frederico studied him for several long seconds, the way one might size up an opponent across a chessboard.Then he gave a low grunt and sank back into his armchair.“I certainly hope so. Patience, Liam, isn’t always one of my virtues,” he said, the faintest half-smile tugging at his mouth.Olga, sensing the tension thickening, hurried to intervene.“Frederico, enough with the interrogation,” she said gently but firmly. “They’ve only just arrived and you’re already putting our grandson up against the wall? What will Oliv

Liam stood silent for several long seconds, facing her. His gaze fixed, cold, unhurried. He seemed to be studying her, weighing whether she was even worth an answer. The silence stretched until it felt deliberately uncomfortable.Olívia crossed her arms, impatience flashing across her face.“Liam, I asked you a question,” she said firmly. “Where’s the sofa?”He flicked his eyes away for a moment, then let out a short, quiet breath.“Olívia, if there’s one thing you’re not, it’s stupid.” His voice was calm, almost gentle—but the edge beneath it cut. “You heard my grandfather say he’d ordered an ‘upgrade’ to my room. Well… this is the upgrade.”She narrowed her eyes, confused.“Your grandfather redoes your bedroom without even telling you?” she asked, incredulous. “It’s like you’re still a kid.”A faint, ironic half-smile ghosted across Liam’s lips, barely there.“I warned you from the beginning,” he said, voice low and tightly controlled, “that my grandfather is not a man anyone manage

Liam watched her in silence, reading every word behind that inscrutable gaze of his.“My goodness, you and Liam really are perfect for each other,” Olga said with genuine warmth. “Taking on so much responsibility at such a young age, and still talking about your work with real passion—that’s rare these days.” She paused, smiling tenderly. “Most girls your age are only thinking about having fun, but you… you’ve built something meaningful. Your parents deserve every credit, my dear. They raised you beautifully.”Olívia kept her smile calm and composed, hands resting lightly on the table. She knew every glance, every small gesture was being weighed and measured. When Olga spoke, she seized the moment to play her part with effortless grace.“Thank you, Grandmother,” she said softly, letting a touch of emotion color her voice. Then she turned to Liam, holding his eyes steadily. “We have so much in common. I won’t pretend our relationship is all roses, but there’s something…” She paused, se

Olívia gave a small smile.“It’s been a while since I went out dancing,” she answered honestly. “But I love it. Dancing makes me feel alive.”“Then that ‘it’s been a while’ needs to change yesterday,” Laura exclaimed, snapping her fingers with infectious energy. “Little sister-in-law, I have a feeling we’re going to get along way too well!” She grinned wide. “I can already picture us owning the dance floor, shutting the whole place down.”Liam, who had stayed quiet until then, lifted his gaze. His expression remained unreadable.“Olívia is pregnant,” he said slowly, each word deliberate. “Clubs aren’t the place for her. And just to be clear—this isn’t up for discussion.”The table fell silent for several beats. Laura let out a low, amused laugh, her eyes locked on her brother with open challenge.“Oh, come on, Liam,” she shot back, crossing her arms. “That’s just an excuse. You don’t want to admit you’re dying of jealousy over your own wife. But if you keep acting this possessive, she

The silence between them still hung in the air as they climbed the stairs. Neither of them spoke. The house rested in complete stillness, and every movement felt heavier than it should have been, as if even the air between them feared breaking.Liam opened the bedroom door and waited for her to enter first. The space between them was thick, heavy — the kind of silence that carried everything they still couldn’t say.Olívia walked to the center of the room and turned to face him. Her heart was still beating unevenly, but her gaze was steady.“Liam, I already know exactly what you’re going to say,” she began before he could even open his mouth. “But I want to make one thing very clear.”He watched her in silence, his hands in his pockets, his gaze steady but different — there was something there, restrained, ready to break free. As if he had finally decided to say what he had been holding back for far too long.“The kiss in the kitchen…” she continued, taking a deep breath. “It meant no