Chapter 101

Evelyn Hartley stared provocatively at Olivia Sinclair. "This should be child's play for someone like you, right?"

A bitter taste flooded Olivia's mouth, spreading through her veins until her fingertips tingled with suppressed emotion.

Olivia couldn't fathom how Liam Blackwood could speak so disparagingly about her work behind her back. Surely he'd recognize her handwriting—she'd attached her personal note to the piece.

Her mind drifted to their shared past.

As children, Liam had constantly teased Olivia about her messy penmanship. He'd insisted on daily practice sessions until her handwriting transformed into something elegant.

One afternoon, Olivia had mischievously mixed her writing samples with others of similar style, challenging Liam to identify hers.

He'd picked it out instantly. "You're practically my protégé," he'd said with that infuriating smirk. "I'd know your strokes anywhere—though you've developed some peculiar flourishes of your own."

Olivia had hidden her laughter behind her hands at his arrogance.

How could she have known those trivial moments would become priceless memories now out of reach?

The shattered sculpture before her seemed to mock those lost days, a painful reminder that the past might remain forever unrecoverable.

Evelyn widened her eyes in faux concern. "What's the matter? Is this beyond your skills? I'm no expert, but even I could manage this repair."

A bystander bristled at Evelyn's tone. "You're being unreasonable. Why attack Olivia? She's not at fault here."

"Exactly," another chimed in. "Her hesitation probably stems from your attitude."

"Olivia restored my nearly destroyed painting last week," a third person added. "This is simple by comparison."

Their defense only deepened Olivia's sorrow. She drew a steadying breath, wrestling her emotions under control before meeting Evelyn's gaze with practiced calm. With a silent gesture, she indicated she'd handle the repair.

Evelyn's lips curled in triumph. "I'll await your masterpiece then." She strode away, the click of her heels echoing her victory.

Natalie Bennett leaned close, whispering, "She's clearly baiting you. Why agree? What if she claims you damaged it further?"

Olivia shook her head dismissively. These objects meant little—just as Liam had so easily discarded her feelings.

Pushing Evelyn's item aside, Olivia returned to other clients' work.

Her eyes kept searching the room for any sign of Liam, but he remained conspicuously absent.

The realization settled like lead in her chest. Of course he wouldn't come—not when he was supposedly on a date with Evelyn. Her presence would only spoil their romantic outing.

When Olivia finished the repair, she had Isabella Rossi message Evelyn to collect it.

"I'm busy," came the breezy reply. "Why don't you deliver it to me?"

Isabella's voice turned icy. "If unclaimed by day's end, we'll dispose of it."

Evelyn's laugh crackled through the phone. "Then tell Olivia Liam will collect it. Consider it my gift—a chance for her to see him again."

Natalie snatched the phone. "You shameless homewrecker! Liam might be blind to your scheming, but everyone else sees your true colors. Olivia's interactions with Liam have always been honorable—unlike your underhanded manipulations."

"You!" Evelyn's voice dropped to a venomous whisper. "I've said my piece. This is between Olivia and me."

The line went dead.

Olivia patted Natalie's shoulder in silent thanks.

Natalie's expression softened. "You don't have to go. If Liam complains later, we'll all vouch for you."

Olivia shook her head firmly. She needed to face this. Liam had already rejected this gift once. If he came to retrieve it, wouldn't that just give him another opportunity to spurn it—and her—publicly?

This had been a gift from her heart. She couldn't bear to see it mistreated again. While she wouldn't return it to Evelyn, certain clarifications were necessary.

Natalie frowned. "She's plotting something. Walking into her trap serves no purpose."

Olivia puzzled over Evelyn's motives. With Liam's devotion secured, what more could the woman want? Besides, Olivia had been seeking a divorce. She'd happily share that detail if provoked.

If Evelyn pushed too far, Olivia might just prolong the divorce proceedings. Then she wouldn't be the only one eager for resolution.

Recognizing Olivia's determination, the others reluctantly stepped back.

Daniel Bennett moved forward. "I'll accompany you. You won't face her alone."

Olivia nodded gratefully.

Evelyn had chosen Westfield University's humanities building for their meeting—an odd location that raised Olivia's suspicions.

As Olivia and Daniel approached the stairs, Evelyn descended with theatrical timing.

"Olivia alone," Evelyn commanded, chin lifted. "Mr. Bennett, I'd prefer this remain between us."

Daniel's gaze turned flinty. "Can you guarantee Olivia's safety?"

Evelyn's laugh tinkled like broken glass. "Playing the white knight? Should I show Liam those cozy photos of you two? Given they're still married, he might find them... illuminating."

Daniel's hands clenched, then forcibly relaxed. He wouldn't give Evelyn ammunition to hurt Olivia further.