Chapter 115

Olivia Sinclair quickly composed herself and pulled out her phone, typing a message to show the waiter. Her fingers trembled slightly as she tried to explain that the invitation had genuinely come from Victoria Ellington and there must have been some mistake.

The waiter's mocking laughter echoed through the grand hall, dripping with contempt. "Oh really? So you're claiming Miss Ellington personally arranged this elaborate prank just for you?" His voice carried across the room, drawing curious glances.

Whispers spread like wildfire among the gathered guests.

"Impossible. Victoria is far too gracious for such pettiness," one socialite murmured behind her champagne glass.

"Looks like someone's trying to shift blame for their own mistake," another guest added with a disdainful sniff.

A cold realization washed over Olivia. This felt like a carefully orchestrated trap. But why would Victoria target her? They'd never even exchanged words before.

"Would someone care to explain this commotion?" A crisp, commanding voice cut through the murmurs like a knife.

All heads turned toward the elegant figure making her entrance.

Dressed in an ice-blue couture gown that shimmered with every step, Victoria Ellington carried herself with effortless authority. Her sharp eyes scanned the room before landing on Olivia, her expression hardening as she took in the scene.

One of the guests immediately stepped forward to recount the situation.

As the explanation unfolded, Victoria's lips pressed into a thin line. She approached Olivia with measured steps. "Miss Sinclair," she began, her voice cool, "I'll be frank. Your recent... exploits have left a rather unpleasant impression. But even so, I would never resort to such childish games. Perhaps you should examine your own actions before casting accusations."

Olivia's throat tightened. She hurriedly typed out a response. "Miss Ellington, there's clearly been a misunderstanding. I've never spoken against you. I'd appreciate the chance to clear this up."

"Enough!" Victoria snapped, turning briefly to address the smirking waiter. "Regardless of invitations, we don't turn guests away at the door. Show her in."

Olivia's fists clenched at her sides. The injustice burned - being denied even the basic dignity of defending herself.

The waiter gave Olivia a patronizing look before rolling his eyes dramatically.

Shaking her head, Olivia made no move to enter. Without a proper invitation, it would be beyond inappropriate.

Victoria misinterpreted Olivia's hesitation. "What now? Playing the victim?" she asked with a mocking tilt of her head. "Expecting me to grovel? That pitiful expression doesn't suit you - it makes me look like the villain here."

Overwhelmed, Olivia shook her head vehemently, abandoning her phone to sign rapidly. Her hands moved with desperate clarity - she wasn't blaming anyone, just seeking understanding.

A derisive snort came from the crowd. "Who here understands sign language? For all we know, she could be insulting Victoria right now."

"Wouldn't surprise me. That one's got a nasty streak. Honestly, Victoria's being too generous letting her stay. I'd have security escort her out."

"Don't trouble yourself, Victoria. We all saw what happened. You've done nothing wrong. If she's upset, that's her problem."

The realization hit Olivia like a physical blow. Prejudice was an immovable mountain. The online rumors might have died down, but their judgment was set in stone. No amount of truth could shift it now.

A quiet sigh escaped Olivia's lips as she blinked back the sting in her eyes.

Victoria caught the subtle change in Olivia's expression. Her posture softened slightly. "Let's put this behind us. Today's meant for celebration, not drama. Whether she chooses to stay or leave is her decision."

Despite the conciliatory words, the disdain in Victoria's eyes remained.

The collective scorn from the crowd pressed in on Olivia like a tidal wave, leaving her stranded on an island of isolation with no hope of escape.

Then, like a lifeline, a familiar presence cut through the tension.

Gregory Thornton approached with his characteristic warm smile, positioning himself protectively beside Olivia.

"Gregory!" Victoria's face lit up with genuine pleasure. "I didn't think you'd come!"

Gregory typed out his reply. "Your grandfather and I go way back. How could I miss his favorite granddaughter's birthday celebration?"

After exchanging pleasantries, Gregory's attention turned to Olivia. His next message was clearly in her defense. "I couldn't help but notice some tension earlier. Olivia may be quiet, but she's one of the kindest souls I know. There must be some misunderstanding here."

Victoria's smile dimmed slightly, though she didn't challenge Gregory directly. "You rarely speak so highly of anyone. If you vouch for her character, I'll take your word for it. But let's set this aside for now - Grandfather's been asking after you all evening."

Gregory nodded amiably before gesturing for Olivia to accompany him inside.

With Gregory's endorsement, the crowd's hostility dissipated like morning fog.

Olivia's eyes shone with unshed tears as she followed Gregory into the ballroom. Once they had relative privacy, her fingers flew across her phone. "Thank you, but you shouldn't have done that. It might reflect poorly on you."

Gregory's responding smile was gentle as he typed back. "At my age, reputation matters little. You're my protégé - defending you is both my privilege and responsibility."

The simple sincerity brought a lump to Olivia's throat. Her reply was equally heartfelt. "Your belief in me means everything."

Gregory sighed softly before sharing another thought. "Victoria's fundamentally good-hearted. She's likely heard too many distorted stories about you. Spend some time with her - let her see the real you."

Olivia nodded in quiet agreement.

Then Gregory revealed something unexpected. "She once asked to apprentice under me. I declined, saying I'd already chosen my student."

Olivia's brow furrowed in confusion. From what little she knew, Victoria seemed exceptionally bright. Wouldn't her intellect be an asset in their specialized field?

Gregory shook his head knowingly. His next message held wisdom born of experience. "Raw talent isn't everything. Victoria's impatient by nature - a fatal flaw in our work. You possess the rarest qualities: patience, focus, and an unshakable dedication to truth."

A faint blush colored Olivia's cheeks as she typed her humble response. "You honor me."