Chapter 139

Eleanor's trembling subsided, her sobs growing quieter as guilt and fear consumed her.

Julian cursed "fool" under his breath.

Desperate to divert attention from his mother's guilty expression, Julian dropped to his knees with a sharp thud that echoed through the room. He faced the direction of William's ward and repeatedly pressed his forehead against the cold floor in exaggerated submission.

Alexander's expression darkened, his brow furrowing as he watched with silent contempt.

Julian then launched into a dramatic display, wailing loudly. He crawled on his knees toward Alexander and clutched at the hem of his trousers, his desperation palpable.

"Alexander, if it's true that my mother committed such a vile act, then she's worse than an animal. Casting her out would be justified," Julian pleaded, his voice thick with emotion. "But I beg you—investigate thoroughly. My mother is timid. She wouldn't even harm an insect, let alone her own father."

His performance was convincing, tugging at the heartstrings of those present, even drawing tears from some.

Yet Alexander remained unmoved, his gaze steady. "Why the urgency, Julian? I haven't accused her outright. I simply wish to speak with her."

Julian's eyes darted nervously as he continued his theatrical sobs. "I know you resent us for returning to the Whitmore family. You think we don't belong here. But I don't want anything from you—not the estate, not the company. Just show us mercy. Keeping us here is like having two stray dogs in your home."

The murmurs in the room grew louder.

"How could anyone be so cruel? Accusing a woman of killing her own father!"

"Maybe he's using this as an excuse to drive them out."

Whispers spread among the Whitmore family members. Many had long harbored grievances against Alexander but lacked the courage to confront him—until now.

They helped Julian to his feet, and one man stepped forward boldly. "We're family. It's one thing to ignore us, but this? Your own aunt and cousin—how can you be so heartless? Everyone has seen how tirelessly they've cared for William while you barely visit. If they wanted him dead, they would have acted long ago. Or is it you who can't wait for him to die so you can take everything and cast us all aside?"

Alexander's fury erupted. His fist connected with the man's face before anyone could react.

The man didn't even try to defend himself.

Julian, however, seized the moment to escalate the chaos. Covering his face, he cried out dramatically, "Alexander, why attack me? If hitting me makes you feel better, go ahead!"

The scene was captured on video and uploaded online, spreading like wildfire.

Unaware of the truth, the public fell for Julian's act, flooding Alexander's social media with hateful comments. Some even called for a boycott of Whitmore Holdings' products, demanding his resignation.

Meanwhile, Olivia remained oblivious to the online storm.

Tomorrow, she would officially be single again—a milestone that should have brought relief. Yet, restlessness consumed her. Memories of her time with the Blackwood family resurfaced, vivid and unrelenting.

Their wedding day stood out most.

Liam had been visibly unhappy, his expression cold and distant.

Olivia had considered calling it off.

A careless remark she'd made had somehow reached Henry, who then pressured Liam into the marriage.

The ceremony had been lavish, attended mostly by Blackwood family members.

Olivia had been ready to speak to Henry, to stop everything if Liam refused.

But when she approached him, Liam's response had been icy. He gripped her chin, his eyes devoid of warmth. "Still not satisfied? What more do you want? Should I vow to love only you forever?"

His mocking words haunted her.

The next day, on what should have been the happiest day of her life, Olivia found herself in tears.

She couldn't understand why happiness eluded her.

Throughout the ceremony, whispers and jeers had circled her.

Some claimed she was nothing but a mute unworthy of Liam, accusing her of seducing him.

They were right about one thing—Olivia was mute.

Unable to defend herself, she endured the mockery in silence.

After the ceremony, she sought Liam out, only to find him with bodyguards, beating those who had mocked her most viciously.

His voice had been deadly calm. "Who do you think you are to speak of her like that?"

From then on, the taunts lessened.

Olivia had felt conflicted then.

Now, she felt the same.

She didn't hate Liam. But perhaps she should have walked away sooner. Now, even friendship seemed impossible.

She tossed and turned all night, her mind in turmoil.

At six in the morning, a knock sounded at her door.

When she didn't answer, the visitor called louder. "Mrs. Blackwood? We're from the Blackwood family."

Olivia's breath hitched. Liam's people?

Why so early? Did he fear she'd change her mind? A pang of sadness struck her.

She opened the door to find several uniformed bodyguards waiting. They gestured politely for her to follow.

As she approached the car, unease settled in her chest.

This wasn't Liam's usual vehicle.

Still, she climbed in.

Instead of heading to city hall, the car turned toward the Blackwood mansion.

Olivia's pulse quickened.

When she entered the living room, Margaret and Catherine sat waiting, their expressions grim.

Her stomach dropped.

Something was wrong.