Liam's voice dripped with malice as he spoke to Victor in the hospital hallway, outside Elijah's room.
"You're just sitting idle while the Smiths continue to hurt your family, Victor. How can you not take action?" Liam goaded.
Victor's expression remained stoic, but Liam's words struck a nerve.
"You're worried about Ivy, aren't you?" Liam sneered. "She's a Smith, Victor. She'll always choose her family over you."
Victor's mind flashed back to Ivy's words: "I trust my brother Julian, not you." The memory stung.
Liam's voice cut through Victor's thoughts.
"Remember Sophia? Ethan's recklessness led to her death in the Xandros attack. Now, because of the Smiths, another Blackwood is fighting for his life," Liam spat, referring to Elijah.
Liam's eyes bored into Victor's.
"You once sought revenge against Ethan, even targeting Ivy. But now, a girl has changed you, made you forget your family and your vendetta."