Chapter 110

The afternoon sunlight streamed through the windows of the Blackwood mansion, casting long shadows across the polished floors. In Evelyn Hartley's twisted perception, Olivia Sinclair was the homewrecker, not herself. She quickly justified Liam's actions in her mind. Their marriage had been arranged by the Winslow family, after all. Even with Henry Winslow gone, such defiance would surely anger the remaining family elders.

Evelyn's fingers tightened around the embossed invitation, her lips curling into a vicious smile. This was her moment. She would use this gala to show Olivia the insurmountable divide between her and Liam. No matter what, Evelyn believed she alone deserved the Blackwood heir.

Storming to the walk-in closet, Evelyn yanked Olivia's designer dresses from their hangers, letting them pool on the marble floor like discarded rags. "Remove this trash immediately," she commanded a passing maid. "And summon an interior designer first thing tomorrow. I can't stand this outdated decor another day!"

Beatrice Whitmore, the head housekeeper, stepped forward with practiced calm. "Miss Hartley, I'll need Mr. Blackwood's authorization for such changes. These garments belong to Mrs. Blackwood. Their disposal requires her consent."

The deliberate emphasis on "Mrs. Blackwood" made Evelyn's face contort with rage.

A sharp crack echoed through the bedroom as Evelyn's palm connected with Beatrice's cheek. The older woman staggered back, her face already blooming red.

"You forget your place," Beatrice said evenly, cradling her injured face. "This is the Blackwood estate, not your family's property."

Liam might be distant, but he treated staff with basic respect. They were well-compensated professionals, not punching bags for spoiled heiresses.

Evelyn laughed mockingly. "Soon enough, this will be my household to command. Cross me now, and you'll be the first one I fire when I'm lady of the house." Her voice dripped venom. "Run crying to that pathetic mute if you like. She can't even speak for herself, let alone defend you."

Beatrice stood her ground. "My employment terms require Mr. or Mrs. Blackwood's approval for termination. Unless you have that, these items stay."

Each "Mrs. Blackwood" struck Evelyn like a physical blow. Enraged, she grabbed Beatrice's arm and dragged her toward the grand staircase. "Consider yourself fired! Get out!"

At that moment, Olivia appeared at the top of the stairs, having heard the commotion. Beatrice teetered dangerously at the landing's edge.

Seeing the opportunity, Evelyn didn't just release her grip—she gave a calculated shove.

The housekeeper tumbled down the marble steps with a cry that turned Olivia's blood to ice.

Evelyn's face morphed into theatrical shock, hands flying to her mouth. "She just collapsed! It was an accident!"

Olivia ignored the performance, rushing to Beatrice's side. Her skilled fingers flew in urgent signs: Are you hurt? Can you stand?

Though bruised and shaken, Beatrice managed a weak smile. "Just my pride, ma'am."

"What's happening here?" Liam's voice cut through the tension like a blade.

Evelyn transformed instantly, throwing herself against Liam's chest with practiced sobs. "That maid fell right in front of me! After what Olivia did to me on these stairs... it triggered my trauma!" Her entire body trembled with manufactured panic.

Liam gently disentangled himself, his stormy gaze shifting between the women. "Explain."

Olivia moved first, signing rapidly with fierce precision. Evelyn pushed her. I saw everything.

"You lying bitch!" Evelyn abandoned her fragile act, rounding on Olivia. "She slipped! You're just trying to turn Liam against me!"

Liam's expression darkened as he studied Beatrice's injuries. "You have one chance to tell me exactly what happened."

Beatrice wiped her bleeding lip. "Miss Hartley demanded we redecorate the master suite. When I said that required your approval, she struck me. Then she dragged me to the stairs and..." Her voice broke. "Your grandfather hired me thirty years ago, sir. I was following household protocol."

Evelyn's eyes welled with crocodile tears. "Liam, you know me! I may be spoiled, but I'd never resort to violence. Olivia's been trying to destroy me since day one—first my face, now my reputation!"

The air thickened with tension as Liam's jaw tightened. He turned to Beatrice. "Security cameras cover every inch of this hallway. Shall we review the footage, or will someone start telling the truth?"