Chapter 114

Olivia's scar had mostly faded, but the angry red mark still marred her porcelain skin. She used to hate bangs, considering them childish. Now they became her shield - hiding the ugly reminder of her humiliation. The mirror reflected a wounded pride that festered beneath her carefully constructed composure.

"I've suffered enough while Evelyn walked away unscathed. I swear I won't bother her again, so please... don't hate me," Olivia whispered, her voice trembling with suppressed emotion.

Liam studied her face - the mix of vulnerability and resentment twisting her delicate features. His response came sharp as a blade. "This was never about Evelyn. You had no business targeting her. I warned you to stop before things escalated. Did you honestly believe I'd approve of your petty schemes?"

Olivia flinched, words catching in her throat. Yet she pressed forward with desperate determination. "I saw you declined Victoria Ellington's invitation. She's my close friend, you know. And now you're avoiding all her events?" Her voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper. "Let's be honest - you and Evelyn won't last. Why not give us a chance when it ends?"

Ice crystallized in Liam's gaze. "There is no 'us.' Stop these delusions, Olivia, or I'll expedite our professional separation."

As Liam turned to leave, Olivia's composure shattered. "What about all those times?" Her voice cracked. "You always chose me over her! Don't pretend there wasn't something between us!"

Liam didn't break stride.

Then realization struck Olivia like lightning. A bitter smile curved her lips even as tears streaked her makeup. "I understand now," she murmured to the empty room. "You were only using me to make Evelyn jealous, weren't you?"

The truth settled like shards of glass in her chest. Every glance, every favor - all calculated moves in some twisted game. But why? She loved Liam more deeply than that wretched Evelyn ever could.

Olivia scanned the hallway, but Liam had vanished. Only the bitter taste of betrayal remained. She cursed them both for pushing her to this desperate edge.

The media storm had quieted like last night's thunder - deafening in the moment, but gone without trace by morning.

Today was the gala. Olivia noticed the rumors about her supposedly pushing someone down the stairs had mysteriously disappeared. At first it puzzled her, then the answer became obvious - Liam wanted to avoid scandal before Victoria's prestigious event.

Not that she needed his help. She could have cleared her name perfectly well alone. Tonight marked her triumphant return. With Nathaniel Bradford's surveillance footage, her reputation would be restored.

Downstairs, Evelyn was packing, apparently preparing to leave. Olivia found this odd but didn't inquire. Couples fought - whatever issues Evelyn had with Liam weren't her concern. After dressing, Olivia descended to find Evelyn still in the foyer.

Evelyn was directing servants to load luggage into waiting cars. Spotting Olivia, she approached with a smile that didn't reach her cold eyes. Despite the pleasant expression, Olivia always sensed venom beneath Evelyn's polished surface.

Instinctively, Olivia took a step back, maintaining distance.

"Off to the Ellingtons', are we?" Evelyn chirped. "Why don't we ride together?"

Olivia shook her head, her expression frosty. With a mocking curtsy, she signed that she preferred traveling alone.

Evelyn's smile tightened. "Let's hope you don't regret that choice later." Her gaze dropped to the gift box in Olivia's hands. "Is that for Victoria? You should know she has... particular tastes. Perhaps something less... common would be more appropriate."

Olivia responded with an exaggerated sign of gratitude, her eyes sparkling with sarcasm.

"And the outfit I selected for you?" Evelyn pressed. "A bit dated, I admit, but it suited your... aesthetic."

Olivia pointed to the trash bin near the door where the discarded garments lay.

For a fleeting moment, Evelyn's mask slipped. With a disdainful sniff, she whirled away in a swirl of expensive perfume.

Liam had no intention of attending tonight. Evelyn had commandeered every available vehicle in some dramatic power play. The pettiness was almost impressive.

Olivia saw through Evelyn's charade. The woman lived to humiliate her. A taxi seemed the simplest solution - or so she thought.

Despite Beatrice Whitmore's assurances about Victoria's character, Olivia suspected tonight wouldn't be straightforward. Her instincts proved correct the moment she reached the venue.

The doorman examined her invitation with growing suspicion. "I'm afraid this is counterfeit," he announced loudly enough for nearby guests to hear. "It lacks Madam Ellington's official seal. You'll need to verify this directly with her if you wish to enter."

Murmurs rippled through the crowd.

"How embarrassing," someone tittered.

"Isn't she the Winslow family's ward? The one involved in that scandal with Miss Hartley?" another whispered.

"Apparently caught with her lover by Miss Hartley," a third voice added, not bothering to lower their volume.

"She looks so innocent, but that's clearly an act."

"Rumor has it she trapped Liam Blackwood into marriage with Henry Winslow pulling strings."

"Her story was everywhere, then suddenly vanished. Must be her lover's doing."

"And now she crashes Madam Ellington's gala with a fake invitation? Pathetic."

The cruel whispers swirled around Olivia like a toxic fog. Her knuckles whitened around her clutch.

Olivia pieced together what happened. Three invitations had arrived together, with Beatrice handling distribution. Beatrice wouldn't deliberately give her a fake - she couldn't distinguish real from forged.

Only one explanation remained: all invitations were counterfeit. No matter which Beatrice gave her, humiliation was inevitable.

But questions lingered. How had Evelyn entered so effortlessly? Did Liam know about the fake invitation, explaining his absence? It seemed both had known this trap awaited her.

Evelyn's motives were transparent - another attempt to embarrass her. But Liam's silence? That cut deeper than Olivia dared examine.