Chapter 122

The line went dead, leaving Olivia in suffocating silence. She exhaled sharply, forcing down the acrid taste of betrayal rising in her throat. If this was where they stood, then Liam Blackwood deserved nothing more from her.

Her thumb jabbed the end call button with finality.

Olivia refused to drown in self-pity. The torn gown wasn't her fault, but she'd promised Victoria Ellington. A promise was sacred. She'd find a way to make this right.

Across town, Liam's grip tightened around his silent phone. His knuckles whitened.

He strode back into the hospital lounge where Frederick and Beatrice Hartley waited, their faces pinched with anxiety. They scrambled to their feet when he entered.

Frederick cleared his throat. "Liam, Evelyn acted rashly, but her heart was in the right place. The doctors say she's emotionally fragile right now. She needs our understanding."

"Understanding?" Liam's laugh was razor-sharp as he crossed his arms. His glacial stare made Beatrice shrink back. "What exactly would that entail?"

The Hartleys exchanged hopeful glances.

Beatrice ventured, "This is all a misunderstanding. Olivia may feel slighted, but publicly humiliating Evelyn was unacceptable. If Olivia apologizes at Evelyn's bedside, we can put this unpleasantness behind us."

Encouraged by Liam's neutral expression, Frederick added, "Our families are nearly bound by marriage. We shouldn't let an outsider cause discord."

"An outsider?" Liam's smile vanished.

He stood abruptly, looming over them. "I knew from the start Olivia never pushed Evelyn. I came to verify Evelyn's injuries myself - to ensure no mysterious bruises appeared on Olivia later."

Frederick's smile faltered. "What are you suggesting?"

"My mother's matchmaking fantasies are her own. I came to protect Olivia from your retaliation." Liam's voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. "But you actually dared threaten her. Do I look like someone you can manipulate?"

Frederick's face drained of color. "That's not—"

He'd assumed Liam had grown tired of the mute girl. With Liam visiting Evelyn daily and Margaret Winslow's obvious approval, the Hartleys had taken their alliance for granted.

But now Frederick noticed the chilling pattern - Liam only ever asked doctors about Evelyn's recovery timeline. His first question when she woke? Whether she remembered the "accident" clearly.

Liam hadn't been concerned for Evelyn at all. His focus had always been Olivia. The realization struck Frederick like a physical blow.

Beatrice burst into theatrical sobs. "Evelyn adores you! She's sacrificed so much—"

Liam ignored her. He seized Frederick's collar, hauling him up until their noses almost touched. Despite their age difference, Frederick trembled under the younger man's arctic glare.

"You'll control Evelyn. If she touches Olivia again..." Liam's whisper carried the weight of a death sentence. "And those online rumors disappear today. Or you'll regret it."

Frederick nodded frantically.

Satisfied, Liam released him with a disgusted shove. Storm clouds gathered in his eyes as he stalked out, the door slamming behind him like a gunshot.

The moment he left, the room's tension shattered. Beatrice collapsed into hysterical weeping. "Our Evelyn's chances with Liam are ruined!"

"Stop your blubbering," Frederick snapped, face mottled with shame and rage. "Liam and Olivia's breakup was inevitable. She was the Reeves' charity case - of course he'd defend her out of obligation. But Evelyn went too far fabricating that story about the push. For now, she must stay away from their drama. When Liam cools off, he'll remember their years together. He can't possibly—"

Beatrice relayed this to Evelyn, who promptly hurled a vase against the wall. "Wait? I've waited years! If I back off now, Olivia will steal him completely!"

Beatrice gasped as medical equipment crashed to the floor. "Evelyn! Liam clearly cares for you! He's just angry about this incident. Provoke him again, and you'll lose him forever!"

Tears streaked Evelyn's contorted face. "You don't understand!"

The terrible truth dawned on her - Liam's supposed affection had always been a performance to make Olivia jealous.

Evelyn's nails bit into her palms. There was only one solution now. Olivia Sinclair needed to disappear. Permanently. With her gone, Liam would have no reason to reject Evelyn.

Her whisper was venomous as she clutched Beatrice's wrist. "Mother... we need to talk."