Chapter 120

Olivia approached Victoria with a tentative smile, her text-to-speech device set to a warm feminine tone. "Thank you for standing up for me earlier. I truly didn't expect that kindness."

Victoria blinked, suddenly self-conscious about her earlier assumptions. She turned her face slightly away. "Don't misunderstand - I was just being fair. And... I owe you an apology for misjudging you. But this doesn't make us friends."

Olivia's smile deepened. After a thoughtful pause, she typed, "Your mother's garments are in good hands. As a professional restorer, I can return them exactly as they were. Or if you prefer, I could give them a subtle refresh."

Victoria's posture softened, her eyes glimmering with memory. "It's not about preservation," she murmured. "Those clothes still carry my mother's scent. When I see them, I see her exactly as she was."

Olivia felt her throat tighten with shared sorrow. Carefully selecting her words, she typed, "Your mother must have been extraordinary to raise someone as compassionate as you."

"Compassionate?" Victoria scoffed, raising an incredulous eyebrow. "That's a first. Evelyn warned me about your silver tongue, though it seems painfully obvious you're forcing it. Save your flattery."

Olivia shook her head emphatically, fingers flying across her phone. "I mean every word. You're remarkable - fiercely loyal to your friends. Even Liam mentioned it."

"Liam?" Victoria's voice hitched. "What exactly did he say?"

Olivia recalled, brow furrowing slightly. "He said you're incredibly gifted with antiques. That with proper focus, you'd make an exceptional apprentice for Gregory."

Victoria's eyes instantly welled with tears.

The Ellingtons had never been wealthy, but their name carried generations of respect and integrity.

Victoria had inherited her father's stubborn pride, while her mother had been the family's gentle anchor - a presence Victoria barely remembered, having lost her so young.

As she grew, Victoria became increasingly withdrawn, her circle shrinking to a select few.

Many who initially seemed kind secretly mocked her as arrogant and temperamental, making her despise social gatherings.

One fateful night, thugs cornered Victoria on her way home.

The police arrived just in time, with Evelyn conveniently appearing as her savior.

This incident had made Victoria consider Evelyn a friend - a misjudgment she now bitterly regretted.

Attending this birthday party had been another mistake.

Victoria preferred intimate family celebrations, but Evelyn's relentless pressure wore her down.

Only now did she realize she'd been nothing but a pawn in Evelyn's schemes.

Seeing Victoria's tears, Olivia panicked, waving to regain her attention before typing urgently. "I envy you, truly. You were clearly raised with such love - that's why you trust so easily, even when it hurts you. My life... was different. No parents, no real family. The Blackwoods took me in, and I'll always be grateful. Henry protected me as a child, and Liam stood by me as I grew. But I know my place - I'll never truly belong, and one day I'll have to leave."

Victoria wiped her eyes, studying Olivia with new understanding. "The rumors... Liam is your husband, yet they say he's involved with Evelyn. I thought you were the one causing trouble between them."

Olivia looked away, her expression shadowed. "It's fine. I hold no grudges. The Blackwoods' kindness is something I'll cherish forever."

Victoria, perceptive beyond her years, pressed gently. "Just kindness?"

Meanwhile, Liam, having dealt with Evelyn, spotted the intense conversation from across the room.

Misreading the situation, he quickened his pace toward them.

As he approached, he caught Victoria's probing question: "Just kindness?"

Liam froze, his expression unreadable as he watched Olivia.

After a weighted pause, Olivia met his gaze with a fragile smile, typing carefully. "Yes, just kindness. Anything more would be... sibling affection. I confused that once, and it caused problems. But really, I'm fine."

Olivia had made her peace. She knew her path would diverge from Liam's, that he and Evelyn were inevitable. No more tangled emotions - just bury that foolish love where it belonged.

Unseen, Liam's hands clenched at his sides.

His phone buzzed - Sebastian calling.

Liam answered silently.

"Mr. Blackwood," came the urgent whisper, "Miss Hartley is refusing treatment at Mercy Hospital. She's demanding to see you. The entire Hartley family is causing a scene, blaming your wife—"

"I'm on my way." Liam cast one last lingering look at Olivia before striding away.

Olivia turned, sensing movement, but found only empty space behind her.

Victoria studied Olivia, sensing the half-truths but feeling her resentment fade. She was beginning to appreciate Olivia's quiet strength.

With a genuine smile, Victoria placed a hand on Olivia's shoulder. "I'll entrust you with my mother's collection. I'm planning an exhibition of her pieces - she had many devoted students. As Gregory's apprentice, this could be your chance to shine."

Olivia startled, typing rapidly. "No, that's unnecessary! Restoration is my job. If there's an exhibition, my involvement doesn't need mentioning."

Victoria shook her head, smiling. "Gregory rejected me, and it wounded my pride. You've helped me see clearly, Olivia. For that, I should thank you."