Chapter 100

Olivia instantly became the center of attention.

The crowd pressed closer, bombarding her with questions about her craft.

Isabella stood nearby, beaming as she answered inquiries on Olivia's behalf.

No one seemed to mind Olivia's silence. If anything, it only added to her mystique.

"Her technique is mesmerizing. The tools practically dance in her fingers."

"I'd kill for half her skill in artifact restoration. My professor would stop failing me."

"There's something almost spiritual about her focus. The silence makes her work more profound to watch."

As the gathering grew, Isabella seized the opportunity to share Olivia's background, increasing her exposure.

Olivia's delicate features and serene smile only enhanced her appeal.

Dozens of phones appeared, capturing the moment.

Even Westfield University's media team redirected their cameras toward Olivia, captivated by her quiet presence.

Harrison observed from the shadows, his face unreadable. His carefully orchestrated opening ceremony was being overshadowed by a mute woman he'd deemed unworthy. If this event failed, the blame would land squarely on him.

Steeling himself, Harrison approached. As cameras turned his way, his stern expression melted into practiced charm. "Ladies and gentlemen," he announced, "I encourage you to explore our students' other exhibits. Your appreciation for their efforts would be most welcome."

A voice from the crowd challenged, "Wasn't this woman invited by Westfield University?"

Harrison responded smoothly, "At Westfield, we believe in inclusive participation. Anyone inspired to share their passion is welcome to do so."

The implication rippled through the crowd.

"So she just showed up uninvited? Why wouldn't she clarify that?"

"I nearly made her the focus of my article. That would've been embarrassing."

"She's clearly an influencer here for clout."

Natalie bristled at the accusations, ready to defend their invitation.

Olivia caught her wrist, shaking her head in warning.

After Harrison's departure, no one remained interested in their side of the story.

Isabella fumed. "What kind of game is Westfield playing? They invite you then treat you like this?"

Olivia thought of Nathaniel's sincerity and shook her head. Setting down her tools, she signed that it was likely a misunderstanding, and she was simply grateful to participate.

Her calm gestures soothed Isabella's anger. "You're right. If this escalates, we have the contracts to prove our position."

Natalie nodded. "The paperwork protects us."

Observers watched Olivia's composure with mixed reactions, though none could deny her restoration skills.

Emboldened by her tranquility, a man approached about repairing his heirloom.

Olivia declined payment, signing she was here to connect with fellow enthusiasts.

They didn't know her standard rate started at $10,000.

As word spread, more people sought Olivia's expertise.

Harrison's attempts to redirect attention failed repeatedly.

Then a sharp voice cut through the murmur. "Can you fix this?"

The crowd parted for the newcomer.

Evelyn removed her sunglasses, revealing striking features.

Olivia's breath hitched. Dread coiled in her stomach.

With everyone watching, Olivia couldn't refuse. She gestured toward the line's end.

Evelyn scoffed. "Really? You think you're some celebrity demanding queues? Even A-listers aren't this pretentious."

Natalie's face flushed. "Better than being a homew—"

Isabella yanked her back before she could finish. Calling Evelyn out publicly would only complicate Olivia and Liam's situation.

The crowd eyed Evelyn's designer ensemble. Though resentful of her cutting in, no one protested as they made way.

Olivia, appearing exhausted, signed that the instigator would only embarrass themselves before witnesses.

To everyone's surprise, Evelyn understood. She smirked. "Making a scene? I just want something fixed. Do you have a problem with me? Won't help me? What exactly did I do to deserve this?"

Olivia's mind raced to de-escalate. She gestured to her worktable.

Evelyn smirked and retrieved a tattered bag from her bodyguard.

Olivia froze. Her hands trembled violently.

She prayed it wasn't what she feared. Opening the bag confirmed her nightmare.

Inside lay the first gift she'd ever made for Liam - now deliberately shattered, dirt ground into the cracks.

As Olivia's face contorted in pain, Evelyn's satisfaction grew. "Honestly, it was nothing special. Just some trash my boyfriend got from his ex. He said if I hated it, he'd destroy it. I thought it was hideous. Didn't expect him to actually stomp on it repeatedly. Asked if that made me happy." She licked her lips. "Later I thought... maybe it was a sincere gift after all. Pity he crushed it so thoroughly."