Chapter 118

Olivia Sinclair struggled to find the right words to respond.

This was the first time Olivia had truly examined Evelyn Hartley with such intensity.

Evelyn's eyes shone with such sincerity that it seemed impossible she could be capable of deception.

Olivia recognized she might have judged too harshly before, yet she couldn't ignore how her closest friend Victoria had been hurt by Evelyn. That incident had spread across social media, appearing undeniable.

Victoria's brow furrowed as she hesitated, torn between conflicting thoughts. Maybe Evelyn had a point. That innocent facade might hide something darker.

"Victoria," Evelyn interrupted suddenly, clutching her forehead as if struck by sharp pain.

Evelyn gripped Victoria's hand tightly. "I feel so dizzy. Will you take me to Mercy Hospital?"

Bringing up the headache now was clearly Evelyn's calculated move to remind Victoria of her suffering - allegedly caused by Olivia.

Victoria's protective instincts flared, her gaze turning icy as she glared at Olivia. "Forget it. Since those dresses seem connected to you, keep them. Whether they were my mother's means nothing to me."

Her words carried a subtle jab at Olivia.

Olivia felt heat rise to her cheeks as she bit her lip.

Before Evelyn could pull Victoria away, Olivia suddenly reached out and grabbed Evelyn's wrist.

Caught off balance, Evelyn nearly stumbled. Annoyance flashed across her face. "Olivia, what now? First you push me, and now this?"

Olivia quickly shook her head and used her phone's text-to-speech function: "Your injury looks serious. You mentioned dizziness - could it be a concussion?"

Evelyn frowned, studying Olivia suspiciously. Was this genuine concern?

Clutching her forehead dramatically, Evelyn gave Olivia a withering look. "Isn't it obvious? You pushed me hard. The doctors said this scar might never fade."

Reluctantly, Evelyn lifted her bangs to reveal a faint red mark.

The Hartleys had hired top specialists, yet the scar remained slightly visible. To most, it was barely noticeable.

But for perfectionist Evelyn, even this minor flaw was intolerable.

Tears welled in Evelyn's eyes as she sobbed, "Happy now? Everyone's seen it. I knew you didn't really care - you just wanted to humiliate me."

As Evelyn wept dramatically, she hid behind Victoria like a frightened child.

Victoria's face darkened with anger as she seized Olivia's wrist. "What's your game? Still trying to hurt Evelyn?"

Trapped, Olivia shook her head frantically, resorting to sign language few understood.

Flushing with embarrassment, Olivia desperately wished Victoria would release her so she could type an explanation.

But Victoria's grip only tightened, her eyes blazing with fury.

Then Liam Blackwood's icy voice cut through the tension.

"Release her before you break her wrist."

Under Liam's cold stare, Victoria reluctantly let go with a scoff. "Mr. Blackwood, while she's your wife, everyone knows she's manipulative and cruel. Evelyn's the one who deserves your affection. You don't need to pretend for Olivia's sake - no one here would blame you."

Victoria believed Liam only defended Olivia to save face. Meanwhile, Evelyn gazed at Liam with hopeful eyes.

Ignoring both women, Liam went straight to Olivia. Noticing her reddened wrist, anger flickered in his eyes though his voice softened. "Does it hurt?"

Olivia avoided Liam's outstretched hand. His kindness was always fleeting, and she'd learned not to expect anything. Keeping expectations low prevented disappointment.

Brushing past Liam, Olivia wanted to settle this quickly. Her phone's mechanical voice stated firmly: "I never meant to insult Miss Hartley. Right now, we should focus on exposing the real culprit."

The room fell silent, all eyes fixed on Olivia in confusion.

"What's she playing at? Didn't she push Evelyn down?"

"Probably trying to clear her name. Let's see what she does next."

Olivia stood confidently amidst the whispers.

Evelyn felt uneasy, tugging Victoria's sleeve. "We should go. She's just causing drama to steal attention. If we leave, her show ends."

Victoria bristled. "Why should we run? We face bullies head on. Don't worry, I won't let her frame you."

Despite Victoria's assurance, Evelyn remained unsettled.

Evelyn had specifically chosen that stairwell because it lacked surveillance. Olivia couldn't possibly have proof.

Feeling slightly reassured, Evelyn watched as Olivia signaled Nathaniel Bradford to start a projector.

While the stairwell had no cameras, the adjacent building did - something Evelyn had overlooked.

The footage was grainy but clearly showed two figures. Evelyn stood at the top, Olivia below. Suddenly, Evelyn tumbled down.

A stunned silence filled the room when the video ended.

Everyone had believed Olivia pushed Evelyn, especially given Evelyn's injuries. No one would willingly take such a fall.

Yet the video told a different story. Olivia hadn't touched Evelyn.

"No, that's not what happened!" Evelyn protested, face paling as she clenched her fists. "I didn't just fall - Daniel pushed me! The camera angle just didn't catch it!"

Before Evelyn could continue, Olivia swiftly played another clip showing Daniel waiting downstairs the entire time, only running up when he heard the commotion.

Victoria looked shocked, her eyes darting to tearful Evelyn.

Despite the evidence, Victoria stood by her friend, fixing Olivia with a stern look. "Olivia, videos can be manipulated," she stated firmly.