Chapter 109

"Very well, I won't stand in your way," Liam murmured as he closed the distance between himself and Olivia.

His tone transformed completely when speaking to Olivia, a stark departure from his earlier harshness with Evelyn. "Does it still hurt?"

Olivia shook her head, tears glistening in her eyes. "The pain's gone. But I'm terrified. What Evelyn just did... It brought back memories of when she shoved me down those stairs."

Liam's lips curved into a protective smile. "Don't be afraid. She's restricted to the guest quarters. You're under my protection now. I won't let anyone harm you."

A flicker of hope illuminated Olivia's expression, her cheeks flushing pink as she nodded in silent gratitude.

Across the hall, Evelyn suddenly slammed her palm against the banister with enough force to make the wood shudder. Her glacial stare and sharp gestures radiated barely contained rage.

Every movement screamed her unspoken words: "Olivia, I never laid a hand on you! You know exactly how you fell. Don't think playing the victim gives you license to twist the narrative. The world may judge me now, but the truth will surface. Destroy all the evidence you want - my innocence will be proven!"

Olivia's eyelashes fluttered, her face the perfect mask of wounded confusion as she clung to Liam's sleeve. "What's she doing with all those dramatic gestures? Is she... cursing at me?"

Liam blinked in astonishment. This fiery side of Olivia was entirely new. She'd always been the picture of composure, unshakable in every circumstance.

Even during tense family gatherings with the Blackwoods, Olivia maintained her serene smile, carefully smoothing over every conflict.

A realization struck Liam. Olivia's fury wasn't solely directed at Evelyn. Her accusations included him as well.

Yet instead of anger, Liam felt an unexpected thrill seeing this passionate side of her emerge.

Turning back to Evelyn, Liam's voice turned dismissive. "Why does her opinion matter to you?"

Evelyn's lips curled in smug satisfaction, her eyes glittering with triumphant malice.

Olivia's hands trembled as bitter disappointment washed over her. Without a backward glance, she seized her luggage and marched toward the exit.

Finally alone, Liam savored the quiet before reaching for his phone. "What's the status on the investigation?"

Sebastian's voice crackled with frustration. "Westfield University claims the surveillance footage is protected under student privacy laws. They refuse to release it without proper academic affiliation."

Normally, no institution would dare defy Liam Blackwood. The Hartleys lacked the influence to orchestrate such resistance.

Liam rubbed his temples as a headache blossomed, remembering Margaret's obvious vendetta against Olivia.

Sebastian ventured carefully, "Mr. Blackwood, shall I... handle this through unofficial channels?"

A cold chuckle escaped Liam. "If intimidation worked, we wouldn't be in this mess. Monitor their movements. Nathaniel's rushing back, isn't he? He must have uncovered something to clear Olivia's name. Whether I defend her or not hardly matters now."

Sebastian fell silent, recognizing the familiar edge of jealousy in Liam's voice.

"Understood, sir," he replied.

Meanwhile, an associate questioned Sebastian's next steps regarding the media storm.

Sebastian studied the online frenzy with a critical eye. "The current buzz lacks teeth. Since the Hartleys are known for deploying internet trolls, perhaps we should adopt similar tactics."

The associate frowned. "You mean hire trolls to defend Mrs. Blackwood?"

Sebastian's lips curved into a sly smile. "Not exactly. We're simply going to... amplify the conversation. Things only get interesting when the pot starts boiling."

His team exchanged puzzled glances. As Liam's right-hand man, Sebastian's words carried the weight of his employer's intentions.

The assistants whispered among themselves:

"I think Mr. Blackwood has truly abandoned that poor girl."

"Seems likely. With his status, he'd want a socially polished partner. It's embarrassing bringing someone who can't speak to elite events."

"I wonder how long until the divorce. It's maddening seeing her live better than us."

"Careful - she might push you down the stairs if she overhears."

Cruel laughter rippled through the group. To them, Olivia remained an enigma - someone they'd never truly engaged with, yet felt entitled to mock without consequence.

Amidst the turmoil, an unexpected invitation arrived for Olivia.

She examined the embossed card with suspicion, gesturing to confirm its authenticity.

The maid nodded respectfully. "Yes, madam. The courier hasn't departed yet. Shall I recall him if you doubt its legitimacy?"

Olivia shook her head decisively, her fingers tracing the elegant calligraphy as unease coiled in her stomach.

The maid, who'd previously benefited from Olivia's kindness, felt compelled to warn her. "Madam, I'd advise against attending. Given current circumstances... this may be designed to humiliate you."

Olivia responded with a gentle but firm smile. Precisely because of the scandal, she needed to appear. She believed in her innocence - hiding would only fuel speculation. Staying home might be interpreted as admission of guilt.

The maid persisted. "Should I inform Mr. Blackwood? His presence could deter any unpleasantness."

Olivia paused thoughtfully before signing a question about the invitation distribution.

The maid's expression darkened. "Three were delivered. Miss Hartley and Mr. Blackwood received theirs as well."

Olivia's smile turned wry. Then there was no need to involve Liam. She'd count herself fortunate if he didn't publicly side with Evelyn against her. Expecting his defense was pure fantasy.

As Olivia departed with the invitation, the maid released a quiet sigh of resignation.

While outsiders misunderstood Olivia, the staff recognized her true nature. Kindhearted by disposition, her silence made her an easy target. Yet she never took her frustrations out on the household. Her compassion had touched many lives within these walls.

Consequently, the entire staff resented Evelyn's temporary residence.

Lately, Evelyn had grown increasingly comfortable in Liam's home, reveling in the situation. The only obstacle remained Olivia's refusal to leave.

Evelyn had made multiple attempts to lure Liam into prolonged stays in her bedroom.

Yet Liam resisted, even erupting when Evelyn tampered with Olivia's belongings.

Evelyn couldn't comprehend it. In her mind, she and Liam were star-crossed lovers torn apart by Olivia's interference.