Chapter 111

Beatrice Whitmore trembled, her fear of Liam Blackwood's imposing presence palpable. She flushed at Evelyn Hartley's smug expression, ready to speak, but before she could, Olivia Sinclair stepped in front of her, gesturing firmly that she had witnessed Beatrice being pushed down.

The scene had been chaotic, and those involved might not have realized what truly occurred. Olivia added that she'd seen Evelyn and Beatrice arguing on the stairs moments before Beatrice tumbled down.

Liam's face twisted into a frown, disapproval etching his features. "So you're not even certain what happened, yet you immediately concluded Evelyn pushed her? Olivia, since when do you jump to conclusions?"

Evelyn blinked, the picture of wounded innocence as she clung to Liam's arm. "Liam, without your intervention, I would've been falsely accused today. I've already suffered enough humiliation in front of Olivia. What more does she want from me?"

Liam ignored Evelyn, his icy gaze locked with Olivia's. Olivia lifted her chin defiantly, meeting his stare without flinching. She deliberately avoided using sign language, choosing instead to let her phone's text-to-speech function articulate her response for Evelyn's benefit: "I did this intentionally. I wanted to make a point. Now you see - not everything you hear is true. Evelyn was quick to accuse Daniel and me of pushing her down, and you believed it without question. Why then, when Beatrice and I accuse Evelyn, do you hesitate?"

Understanding dawned in Liam's eyes. Evelyn's smile slowly faded. Visibly irritated, she muttered, "This isn't the same situation."

Despite her words, Evelyn studied Liam's face anxiously. She hadn't anticipated this response from him.

Liam stated coldly, "Having known Evelyn for years, I can recognize when she's being dishonest. There was no need for such a crude demonstration."

Olivia's face paled. Was this what trust looked like? Had he ever trusted her that completely? She immediately dismissed the thought as ridiculous.

Olivia retorted through her phone: "Beatrice didn't simply fall down those stairs. Neither of us would stage such an accident. You should be questioning Evelyn about what really happened. She's been targeting Beatrice because of me."

She gestured pointedly toward the vivid bruise marring Beatrice's left cheek.

Liam's lips tightened, his expression indifferent. "Call the family physician," he instructed dismissively.

Olivia held his gaze for a long moment before turning wordlessly to leave.

Evelyn felt some tension ease from her shoulders. She shot Beatrice a venomous look. "Why am I being blamed for this? Beatrice has been taunting me relentlessly with her snide remarks. I wonder who's putting her up to it. Liam, why do you tolerate such behavior? Someone like her should be dismissed immediately. And as for Olivia... I dread to think what might happen if she remains in this house. Perhaps—"

Evelyn looked at Liam expectantly.

Liam offered a chilling smile, his gaze sharp and calculating. "Perhaps I should remove Olivia immediately so you can take her place as lady of the house, is that it?"

That was precisely Evelyn's hope, though she'd never admit it outright. She merely pouted. "Liam, what are you implying? I only want what's best for you."

Liam's expression hardened. "I'm capable of making my own decisions. Beatrice was hired by Henry Winslow and isn't someone I can simply dismiss. If you can't tolerate her presence, stay away from her."

Evelyn's eyes widened in disbelief. Being forced to endure a servant's presence was unacceptable. Anger threatened to overwhelm her, but she forced it down. With a hollow laugh, she conceded, "Very well. I don't want to cause trouble. I'll... tolerate her."

She hoped her show of martyrdom might earn some sympathy.

Seizing the moment, Evelyn made her plea. "Liam, I was truly frightened today. Would you stay with me tonight? I don't ask for anything... just having you nearby would make me feel safe."

Liam gave her a brief, unreadable look before turning away without response.

Evelyn watched his retreating figure, her teeth clenched in frustration.

After Beatrice recovered from her injuries, she grew closer to Olivia. This shift didn't go unnoticed by the other staff in the Blackwood estate, who became more willing to engage with Olivia. Evelyn found herself increasingly isolated.

One afternoon, noticing Olivia deep in thought, Beatrice approached quietly. "Olivia?"

Olivia looked up and quickly signed, inquiring about Beatrice's recovery and whether she experienced any discomfort.

Beatrice smiled reassuringly. "Much better now. Mr. Blackwood arranged for an excellent physician. He said if any discomfort persists, he'll take me to Mercy Hospital personally."

Olivia nodded, then gestured that she preferred to be called by her first name rather than "Madam."

Beatrice hesitated before speaking carefully. "I don't believe Mr. Blackwood is as indifferent as he appears. For the record, I wasn't hired by Henry Winslow. If Mr. Blackwood truly cared for Evelyn, he would have dismissed me already. I believe he still respects your feelings. In his eyes, you remain his lawful wife, while Evelyn is merely an intruder. Perhaps when he tires of her, things will return to normal."

Olivia's expression darkened as she absorbed these words. Though unable to voice her thoughts, her gestures conveyed her resolve clearly. She signed emphatically that she refused to be merely one woman among many competing for Liam's attention. In a world that claimed to value equality, she couldn't comprehend why she, as his wife, should have to fight for his affection. The injustice of it rankled.

Olivia had never before confronted the inherent imbalance in their relationship.

Recognizing her distress, Beatrice quickly changed the subject. "I heard you're attending the upcoming gala. I did some research for you. It's Miss Ellington's birthday celebration. Her family may not be wealthy, but they've been prominent in education for generations and command considerable respect. Miss Ellington herself is known for her integrity, so you shouldn't encounter any difficulties. You can attend with confidence."

Olivia managed a small smile. This was indeed good news. Yet the thought of Evelyn and Liam attending together soured her mood. Still, she felt powerless to change the situation. She'd done nothing wrong and refused to hide. Avoiding them would only give Evelyn ammunition for rumors.

"Olivia!" A sharp feminine voice cut through the air.

Turning, Olivia saw Evelyn approaching, her elegant stride belying the determination in her eyes.