Chapter 129

The realization hit Victoria like a thunderbolt. Evelyn's motives for causing chaos at her birthday party became crystal clear. She had been set up to take the fall.

It was Reginald's revelation that finally made everything click into place. Victoria stood abruptly, gripping Evelyn's wrist with surprising strength as she marched them both outside. "You might think I'm cruel, but this friendship ends here."

Evelyn's tears flowed freely, yet her gaze burned with stubborn defiance.

Even at the threshold, Evelyn refused to leave gracefully. "Victoria, I admit I was wrong. I let my anger control me. Liam and I were fine until Olivia interfered. I lost my head and made a terrible mistake. Please don't cut me out of your life."

Victoria's expression remained icy, her voice cutting. "I've known Olivia longer than you've breathed. I don't need lectures about her character from anyone."

Evelyn's lips quivered violently. "You're right. This was all a misunderstanding. My fault entirely. Are you really going to throw away years of friendship over this?"

Her eyes brimmed with fresh tears as she played her trump card. "I remember your passion for antique restoration. Liam never appreciated your talent, but I've got connections. There's a world-renowned expert looking for apprentices. If you're interested, I can arrange an introduction. Besides, Olivia is one of Gregory's apprentices, and she's never said a kind word about you to him."

Victoria's face darkened further at this revelation, prompting Evelyn to backtrack hastily. "Though I'm sure Olivia has her reasons..."

A curt nod was Victoria's only response. "Appreciate the thought, but unnecessary. I've already found a superior mentor for my restoration work."

Evelyn's jaw dropped. "Who could possibly be better?"

A humorless smile touched Victoria's lips. "Truthfully? Olivia's exceptional. If she'll have me, I'll be her apprentice. So you needn't concern yourself with my career."

Disbelief twisted Evelyn's features. "Victoria, you can't be serious! Why her?"

Victoria offered no explanation.

Just then, the car arrived. Victoria held the door open. "Miss Hartley, I have prior commitments. I won't be seeing you off."

Evelyn's face flushed crimson as she bit her lip hard and climbed inside.

As the car began moving, rage overcame Evelyn. She suddenly bolted from the vehicle and stormed into Liam's car.

Liam frowned in annoyance. "Finished causing scenes?"

Evelyn's voice trembled with indignation. "Liam, they treated me horribly! Don't you care?"

His lips curled in a mocking half-smile. "I warned you Victoria's no pushover. You chose to provoke her. This is on you."

Humiliation burned Evelyn's cheeks as tears spilled over. She clutched at Liam's hand desperately.

His expression darkened with irritation. Reaching his limit, Liam abruptly exited and strode toward another vehicle.

Evelyn stared in shock as he walked away without a backward glance. Scrambling out in her heels, she ran after him. "Liam! You promised a trip to cheer me up! What am I supposed to do now?"

He shot her a dismissive look. "Plans change. You're insufferable right now. Don't worry - someone else will entertain you."

Evelyn paled but forced a shaky smile. "You're joking, right?"

Without responding, Liam gestured sharply. Several bodyguards materialized, surrounding Evelyn. Ignoring her pleading eyes, they guided her firmly into a different car.

Trapped between two guards with no escape, Evelyn overheard Liam's chilling instructions to Sebastian: "Keep her out of my sight. I can't stand her right now, but make sure everyone thinks she's still with me."

Horror dawned on Evelyn's face as she understood - she was being used again as a pawn in Liam's game to make Olivia jealous.

Sebastian hesitated. "Mr. Blackwood, is this truly necessary?"

Liam's glacial stare silenced him. "Since when do I justify my decisions to you?"

Sebastian immediately set about executing the orders.

As Evelyn's car drove away, Liam didn't spare it a glance. His expression darkened as he took one last look at the Ellington estate before turning on his heel.

Three days later, Evelyn found herself abandoned in a remote village thousands of miles from civilization.

Liam had praised the location's fresh air and tranquility, claiming it was perfect for her to "recover."

Dragging her suitcase through mud, Evelyn's frustration mounted. Her parents had actually approved this exile, believing any connection to Liam was worth maintaining, regardless of her suffering.

Blind rage overtook her. She hurled her suitcase violently, losing her balance and tumbling into the mud.

Drenched and filthy, the polished socialite was unrecognizable.

"Bitch! Whore!" she screamed, directing her fury at Olivia and Victoria since she couldn't attack Liam directly.

Eventually, Evelyn calmed enough for clarity. One realization stood out - she still held leverage over Victoria.

The exhibition of Victoria's mother's belongings had been a resounding success, attended not just by students and beneficiaries but by society's elite.

During the event, Victoria had publicly praised Olivia, even declaring her as her closest friend.

This endorsement had shocked those who'd previously scorned Olivia, given the Ellington family's prestige.

Evelyn's own social standing had largely depended on her association with Victoria.

Once viewed as a disposable woman the Blackwoods would discard, Olivia's fortunes had reversed thanks to Victoria's support.

With such powerful backing, high society began reevaluating their stance toward Olivia. At minimum, they could no longer openly dismiss her.