Chapter 116

Two figures watched the tense exchange between Gregory and Olivia from a distance. Victoria Ellington's face was a canvas of conflicting emotions—irritation blended with reluctant distress.

Just then, Evelyn Hartley glided over, placing a comforting hand on Victoria's shoulder. "Olivia truly is a master manipulator, isn't she? She's perfected the art of deception. Everyone who crosses her path falls victim to her schemes. No matter what happens, she always emerges unscathed."

Evelyn's voice trembled as tears welled in her eyes. "See this scar? It's permanent. But what could I do? She blackmailed my parents by threatening self-harm, and she wouldn't leave Liam alone. They had no choice but to protect her, pretending everything was fine."

Victoria's fists clenched at her sides. "I knew she was cunning, but this level of cruelty..."

A smirk flickered across Evelyn's face before she quickly schooled her features. "We were powerless. She always plays the victim. In this world, the most pitiful often receive the most sympathy."

Victoria met Evelyn's gaze squarely. "Don't worry. I won't let her get away with this. Women like her disgust me."

Evelyn's poisonous words continued fueling Victoria's rage.

"I remember how you once wanted to apprentice under Gregory. I never understood why he refused until I discovered Olivia's interference. She—"

Victoria cut her off sharply, her brow furrowed in displeasure. "Enough. This is my battle. Even if that woman overstepped, I won't blame everything on her."

Evelyn gave an awkward chuckle. "Of course, you're absolutely right."

The banquet hall hummed with conversation, many guests not bothering to lower their voices as they judged Olivia. She reminded herself why she'd come tonight, steeling herself against their stares. But Nathaniel Bradford's sudden appearance caught her off guard.

Nathaniel approached swiftly, his voice thick with remorse. "Olivia, I'm so sorry. I invited you to that exhibition with good intentions, never imagining it would cause you such distress. The full surveillance footage from the university will be ready soon—it'll clear your name completely. Should I release it immediately?"

Olivia shook her head, typing rapidly on her phone. "Thank you for believing in me. But aren't you worried? What if I really was the instigator?"

Nathaniel smiled warmly. "If I thought you capable of such things, I'd never have invited you. Rumors spread like wildfire, and people swallow them whole. As for Harrison, once this settles, I'll ensure he's fired and issues you a public apology."

Warmth flooded Olivia's chest as she typed firmly: "Let's not act hastily. I came tonight to confirm my suspicions. Now I see Evelyn deliberately lured me here to humiliate me—but I won't go down without a fight."

Her icy gaze found Evelyn across the room. At that precise moment, Evelyn met her stare, lips curling into a sneer as she silently mouthed an insult.

Rather than react, Olivia offered a composed smile.

When gift presentations began, Olivia offered something tasteful yet understated—appropriate given her distant relationship with Victoria.

Victoria barely glanced at it before waving a servant away, her dismissiveness bordering on contempt.

Evelyn's lips twitched in satisfaction.

As Olivia turned to leave, Evelyn's voice rang out: "Olivia, wait!"

Olivia's instincts prickled. She turned calmly to face Evelyn, who wore an expression of feigned distress.

"It's probably nothing, but I just remembered something important." Evelyn turned to Victoria. "Remember those missing items of your mother's?"

Victoria nodded cautiously. "Yes, but why bring that up now?"

Evelyn continued smoothly, "Well, at the vintage shop recently, I found two exquisite dresses—clearly valuable heirlooms. I bought them for Olivia. Today, seeing your mother's photos, I realized—those were her missing pieces."

Victoria stood abruptly, face paling. "Are you certain? Could you be mistaken?"

Evelyn shook her head emphatically. "No mistake. I recognized their quality immediately and took photos." She produced her phone eagerly.

Victoria's eyes welled instantly. Even years later, anything connected to her late mother undid her completely. "You gave these to Olivia?" she asked hoarsely.

Evelyn struggled to hide her triumph. "Yes, but she dismissed them as trash. Perhaps she lacks appreciation for vintage pieces. Or maybe her hatred for me taints everything I offer."

Victoria absorbed this silently before turning to Olivia, eyes brimming with sorrow. "Despite our differences, I'll pay any price for those items. They're my mother's. I don't know how they went missing, but I beg you to return them."

Olivia's breath hitched, discomfort flashing across her features.

Seizing the moment, Evelyn interjected loudly: "Olivia, please tell me you didn't discard them! Those were Miss Ellington's mother's belongings! How could you be so heartless?"

Olivia clenched her fists, maintaining composure. She'd suspected Evelyn's "gift" from the start—why would her enemy suddenly show generosity?

The dresses remained untouched in her closet, but Olivia hesitated to reveal this. With so many hostile witnesses, even pristine items could somehow appear damaged.

Turning to Victoria, Olivia typed urgently: "Miss Ellington, please believe me, the—"

Victoria recoiled before she could finish.

Her gaze turned glacial, like frozen shards piercing Olivia's heart. "You truly are venomous."