Chapter 270

The entire incident weighed heavily on Ethan's mind. He wouldn't find peace until he uncovered the truth.

Taking a deep breath, he resolved to confront the key person involved—Olivia Sinclair.

Olivia had been rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment. Though out of immediate danger, concerns lingered about potential brain, heart, and lung damage from prolonged submersion. Doctors insisted on keeping her under observation for several more days.

The guests had all departed, leaving only Olivia's parents, Dominic, and Nathan lingering outside her private ward. The air was thick with tension.

Olivia's mother twisted her hands nervously before addressing Dominic. "Dom... With everyone gone now, perhaps we should discuss things properly between you and Liv?"

Dominic kept his hands in his pockets, his expression calm and composed. The usual warmth in his eyes remained unchanged.

"What would you like to discuss?" His voice was steady.

"You know Liv has always been indecisive, yet stubborn at times. As her mother, I can tell she still holds some lingering feelings for Ethan—"

"Ridiculous!" Olivia's father cut in sharply, glaring at his wife before softening his tone toward Dominic. "If things had gone as planned, I'd already be calling you my son-in-law. Pay no mind to her nonsense. Liv has no feelings left for Ethan Blackwood. She's just too kind-hearted—she blames herself for hurting him in the past. But her love for you is genuine. Once she recovers, we'll reschedule the wedding. Everything will work out."

"Yes, exactly!" Olivia's mother hastily amended. "I misspoke earlier. It's not about feelings—just regret. Her love for you is real. Don't let this misunderstanding ruin your future together!"

They weren't fools. The Harringtons were one of Newport City's most influential families—an opportunity they wouldn't let slip away.

Dominic's expression remained unreadable. "You've misunderstood. My decision to end things with Olivia today wasn't because of her or Ethan. It's something I've considered for a long time."

He continued evenly, "The truth is, I've realized we're fundamentally incompatible. Perhaps we clung to the relationship out of sentiment or sunk cost. In a way, I should thank Liv—her actions gave me the courage to finally walk away."

"What?!"

Her parents stared in stunned silence. They never expected Dominic—who'd once adored Olivia—to change his mind so decisively.

"Dom!" Nathan snapped, his voice uncharacteristically sharp. He'd always revered Dominic like an older brother, but now his patience had shattered. "Have you lost your mind? Do you even hear yourself? You sound like a complete bastard!"

"Or have you forgotten how serious Liv and Ethan were? They were planning marriage! If you hadn't interfered, they'd probably have two kids by now! You made her second-guess everything, and now that Ethan's finally moved on, you're dumping her? I ought to punch you right now!"

Dominic exhaled, shoulders slumping. "You're right. I am a bastard. If hitting me lessens Liv's pain, I won't resist."

Nathan froze, fist clenched midair—utterly at a loss.