Chapter 128

Olivia Sinclair froze at Victoria Ellington's words. How had Victoria known about the damaged condition of the garments beforehand?

She had contemplated sharing the truth with Victoria but held back, worried it might distress her. Olivia decided to attempt restoring the items herself first, intending to confess only if her efforts failed.

"Thank you," Victoria whispered emotionally, squeezing Olivia's hand. "I don't even know how to express my gratitude."

Curious, Olivia typed on her phone, "Who told you about the damaged clothes earlier?"

Victoria opened her mouth to respond when a deep baritone voice interrupted from behind. Reginald Ellington had arrived.

The usually stern patriarch approached with purposeful strides, his expression softening at Olivia's presence. "Mrs. Sinclair, I've been meaning to personally apologize for my behavior at the gala. Time got away from me. Victoria is my entire world, and my words were out of line. Please accept my sincere apology."

Olivia immediately shook her head, assuring Reginald she bore no ill will.

Victoria carefully handed the restored garments to her father as if presenting sacred relics. "Father, look! Olivia repaired them perfectly. Isn't she incredible?"

Tears welled in Reginald's eyes as recognition dawned. "Your mother wore this one during our first date... and I gifted her that one for her twenty-fifth birthday. Over the years, so many of her possessions were lost for various reasons. I've searched everywhere... I thought they were gone forever. I was—"

"Mrs. Sinclair," Reginald turned to Olivia with profound gratitude, "words cannot express my thanks." He extended a formal invitation. "We'd be honored if you'd join us for dinner this evening."

Seeing the hopeful gleam in Victoria's eyes, Olivia accepted with a warm nod.

The young woman then excitedly proposed creating an exhibition of her mother's cherished belongings.

Reginald's face lit up. "An excellent idea. Let me know how I can assist."

Observing their affectionate interaction, Olivia felt an unexpected pang of loneliness. During her brief time with the Ellingtons, she'd experienced such familial warmth—fleeting moments that now seemed painfully distant.

Yet the atmosphere at the Ellington residence remained welcoming. Despite his naturally serious demeanor, Reginald made concerted efforts to include Olivia in conversation.

Noticing her silence, he summoned a servant fluent in sign language to facilitate communication.

Victoria beamed at her father's thoughtful gesture.

Leaning close, she whispered to Olivia, "Father rarely speaks this much with new acquaintances. He must truly admire you."

Olivia gestured modestly that she'd simply honored her promise—no thanks were necessary.

Victoria's expression suddenly turned serious. "Olivia, there's another matter I wish to discuss. I hope you'll consider it favorably."

Before she could elaborate, a flustered servant interrupted. "Miss Ellington, Miss Hartley has arrived unannounced and insists on seeing you."

Given their recent estrangement, the staff knew better than to admit Evelyn without permission.

Victoria exchanged a meaningful glance with Olivia before shaking her head. "Send her away."

The servant hesitated. "Miss Hartley threatens to camp at our gates if denied entry."

Olivia gestured that confronting Evelyn might be wiser—the woman's notorious stubbornness could create unnecessary drama.

With a resigned sigh, Victoria relented. "Very well. Show her in."

Moments later, a visibly distressed Evelyn entered the hall. "Victoria, I feared you'd never speak to me again—" Her voice caught when she noticed Olivia.

Victoria rose, her expression guarded. "Allow me to introduce my dear friend, Olivia Sinclair. Since you're already acquainted, I'll spare the formalities."

Evelyn's hands clenched into fists. She'd come strategically prepared—pale complexion devoid of makeup, eyes red-rimmed from crying—a calculated display meant to evoke sympathy.

She hadn't anticipated Olivia usurping her place during her brief hospitalization.

"How could you associate with someone I despise?" Evelyn's voice dripped with venom. "Has she deceived you too?"

Victoria's brow furrowed. "Deceived? I'm perfectly capable of discerning character."

Evelyn's face flushed as fresh tears appeared. "Victoria, I only worry for you! Don't you remember our history? How I risked everything to save you? You promised never to forget."

When her emotional appeal failed, Evelyn doubled down on guilt-tripping.

Victoria's resolve wavered momentarily. Observing this, Reginald cleared his throat pointedly.

"Your heroic act is something I'll always appreciate," he stated firmly. "As my only child, Victoria is precious to me, and by extension, so were you. Miss Hartley, Victoria has supported you unquestioningly through every hardship. The Ellington family has extended considerable generosity. A true friend wouldn't exploit that."

Evelyn protested hastily, "I would never—"

Under Victoria's piercing gaze, she faltered.

As anger simmered within her, Victoria realized how Evelyn had manipulated her trust, nearly placing her in an untenable position. Had she rejected Olivia yesterday on Evelyn's behalf, she would have borne the consequences when the truth emerged—potentially tarnishing the Ellington name irreparably.