Chapter 121

Olivia stopped protesting when Victoria spoke.

After saying goodbye to Victoria, Olivia left the Ellington estate.

Though most guests had departed, whispers about the banquet's dramatic events still lingered among the stragglers.

Evelyn might have silenced Olivia temporarily, but she couldn't stop the gossip spreading through high society.

By now, Nathaniel had probably convinced Westfield University officials to clear Olivia's name and expel Harrison.

Everything appeared to be falling into place.

The crisp night air sharpened Olivia's thoughts as she pulled out her phone to call a cab, completely missing the familiar black sedan parked nearby.

She was about to walk past when a sharp honk froze her in place.

Olivia's pulse quickened at the sight of the luxury vehicle. Could it be Liam?

When Daniel stepped out from the driver's seat instead, disappointment flashed across Olivia's face before she schooled her features.

Daniel greeted her with his usual charming smile.

Regaining her composure, Olivia approached him and explained the banquet incident had been resolved.

"I know, and I owe you for intervening," Daniel said, his eyes softening with sympathy. "Things have been difficult with Liam lately, haven't they?"

Olivia shook her head dismissively. She gestured that aside from Evelyn's antics, the situation had been manageable. More importantly, she'd gathered crucial evidence during the ordeal. Given the chance, she'd make the same choice to stay under Liam's roof again.

Daniel moved to open the passenger door. "You don't need to return to Liam's place. I've arranged secure private accommodations where you won't face similar disruptions."

Olivia remained rooted to the sidewalk, shaking her head gently. Her refusal carried more weight than just declining his offer.

Daniel's smile faltered, his voice turning urgent. "Olivia, please understand - this isn't about obligation. I'm just concerned as a friend."

Despite his earnestness, Olivia stood firm. She explained that with divorce proceedings imminent, she and Liam wouldn't remain friends, making it inappropriate to impose on Daniel either. True friendship shouldn't involve such burdens.

A bitter taste rose in Daniel's throat. "At least let me drive you home. After seeing Liam rush to Mercy Hospital where Evelyn was admitted, I assumed he'd left you stranded."

Olivia appeared unfazed, waving her phone to show she'd already booked a ride.

Just then, a taxi pulled up to the curb.

Daniel reached out instinctively, then let his arm drop. Natalie had been right - he needed to move forward instead of clinging to the past.

His phone rang with Natalie's call.

"Where are you?" Her voice was barely audible over background chatter. "Can you come back?"

Daniel frowned. "What's wrong? Is it urgent?"

Natalie sounded uncomfortable. "Just come see for yourself. I can't handle this alone."

Understanding dawned. "Another arranged match? Or another childhood engagement sprung from nowhere?"

Natalie's silence confirmed his suspicion.

Daniel massaged his temples as a headache formed.

"You don't have to come," Natalie whispered. "I only called because they pressured me in front of everyone."

Watching Olivia's taxi disappear, Daniel exhaled sharply. "Tell them I'll be there in twenty minutes."

"But—" Natalie sounded confused.

"Twenty minutes," Daniel repeated firmly before ending the call.

Natalie stared at her phone, emotions warring on her face.

Meanwhile, Olivia headed straight back to Liam's penthouse to collect her remaining belongings.

Confident that Evelyn's hospital stay and Liam's presence there would ensure she avoided them both, Olivia felt an unexpected lightness.

But her brief cheer evaporated when she arrived to find the door ajar.

Dread pooled in her stomach as she stepped inside.

Chaos greeted her - two gift boxes torn open, their contents shredded and scattered across the floor.

Evelyn's smug smile from earlier flashed through Olivia's mind.

She'd suspected Evelyn might tamper with the outfits during their Ellington visit, but hadn't realized the sabotage had been premeditated.

Which raised a disturbing question: how had Evelyn accessed the locked room?

The only explanation was that she'd obtained a key.

Hands trembling, Olivia dialed Liam's number.

The first call disconnected abruptly.

She tried again. And again.

On the fourth attempt, Liam finally answered with derision. "Why keep calling? Unless Ethan wants to speak, I'm busy."

Refusing to be dismissed, Olivia activated video call, her frantic gestures conveying distress. Though tears welled in her eyes, the distance prevented Liam from seeing them clearly.

Still, he noticed something amiss in her expression.

Olivia gestured sharply, demanding to know if he'd given Evelyn access to her room. She argued that even as a foster daughter, she deserved basic respect and privacy.

Liam's expression darkened. "What are you implying? What did she do?"

Olivia fought back tears, nearly showing the destroyed garments before stopping herself.

Her gestures turned furious as she practically shouted through sign language, "Just tell me - did you give her the key? You must have known her intentions weren't innocent!"

She could picture it - Evelyn clinging to Liam's arm, sweet-talking him into handing over the key without considering the consequences for Olivia.

Liam's grip tightened on his phone, veins standing out along his forearm. Olivia's direct accusation struck a nerve.