Chapter 172

"Don't you recognize her? Or is my decision not worthy of your respect?" Alexander stepped forward, his darkening expression radiating barely contained fury.

At the sight of Alexander, Harrison immediately straightened his posture, plastering on an obsequious smile. "Mr. Hayes, I was merely engaging in harmless banter with her. No offense intended."

Olivia released a scornful laugh, her fingers flying across her phone screen before showing it to Isabella. "Oh? So ridiculing someone's speech impairment and calling them a mute constitutes humor in your world? How amusing that you're not laughing now when the tables are turned."

Harrison's face flushed crimson, his eyes narrowing dangerously. "You're twisting my words!"

Alexander's voice turned glacial as he cut in, "Olivia is an honored addition to our team. If you have objections, I suggest you take them up with my grandfather personally."

Harrison hastily backtracked, "Mr. Hayes, I wouldn't presume—"

"Really? Because you seemed quite presumptuous moments ago," Alexander snapped.

Flustered, Harrison retreated. "I should attend to urgent matters. The project can't proceed without my oversight. The workload has me stretched thin. But rest assured, since this is your decision, I'll support it fully."

With that dramatic declaration, Harrison spun on his heel and marched away, deliberately projecting his voice for all to hear: "Everyone take note! Olivia Sinclair is our distinguished guest. Treat her with utmost respect—she's here for business, not manual labor."

His announcement strategically painted Olivia as a privileged outsider.

"That conniving snake," Alexander muttered through clenched teeth, his fists tightening at his sides.

Sensing Alexander's rising anger, Olivia quickly typed a message and showed it to him: "Let it go. Many assume I got this position through nepotism. It's fine—my work will prove my worth. William believed in me, and I won't disappoint him."

Alexander exhaled sharply, frustration simmering beneath his polished exterior. "Harrison has been with Whitmore Holdings for decades and knows every loophole. Since I assumed leadership, there's been constant resistance, and Harrison leads the opposition. He plays the loyal employee, but it's all theater. The man's a master manipulator. If he's targeting you, it means others disapprove of your presence too. I'll protect you when possible, but I can't be everywhere. If you encounter trouble, you must tell me immediately."

A wave of unexpected emotion washed over Olivia. She hadn't fully grasped that beneath Alexander's composed demeanor lay a battlefield of corporate intrigue and hidden threats.

The various factions within the Whitmore family weren't merely observing—they were actively waiting for Alexander to falter. Whitmore Holdings was a minefield of schemes orchestrated by rivals, all anticipating the family's downfall.

Now, every Whitmore family responsibility rested squarely on Alexander's shoulders. The weight he carried was palpable.

Olivia's thoughts briefly drifted to Liam. Was he enduring similar trials?

She quickly dismissed the notion. Liam was nothing like Alexander. He nursed grudges like prized possessions and tolerated no slights. His methods were ruthlessly direct. She resolved to focus on her own challenges rather than speculate about his.

Reassuring Alexander, Olivia typed: "Don't worry about me. I'll stay vigilant and won't add to your burdens."

Olivia then entered her new office and surveyed the space. Alexander had secured her a prime location.

Floor-to-ceiling windows offered an unobstructed panorama of the city skyline.

The view ignited something within Olivia—an unfamiliar sense of agency, as if she was finally steering her own destiny.

Noticing Olivia's reaction, Isabella remarked, "Mr. Hayes personally oversaw every detail of this office. He studied your preferences and ensured everything met your tastes. Olivia, I've never seen him extend this level of consideration to anyone—not even himself."

Olivia smiled warmly and gestured for Isabella to convey her gratitude.

After a pause, Olivia signed that while William had instructed Alexander, his thoughtfulness exceeded mere obligation. She viewed him as family and was deeply moved by his kindness.

"Just as family?" Isabella probed, unable to mask her curiosity.

Olivia nodded firmly, her expression sincere as she continued signing about her profound gratitude toward William and Alexander, despite lacking blood ties.

Isabella nodded thoughtfully, her features softening.

Alexander, who had just reached the office doorway, caught the tail end of their exchange and froze. A flicker of something unreadable crossed his face. His hand hovered momentarily on the door handle before he quietly withdrew.

As Evelyn's birthday approached, Sebastian began bombarding Olivia with messages. His anxiety was palpable—he seemed terrified she might not attend.

Olivia assumed this pressure stemmed from Evelyn's insistence. Liam would undoubtedly support his beloved's wishes, as always.

Olivia reasoned that even if Liam knew Evelyn's invitation wasn't genuine, he wouldn't deny his darling such a trivial request.

Just then, Isabella entered clutching an embossed envelope—an official invitation to Evelyn's birthday gala.

Olivia gestured toward her phone with an ironic smile, signing about the timing of Sebastian's message.

Isabella remarked dryly, "How predictably coordinated."

Realizing her gaffe, Isabella shot Olivia an apologetic look. "Olivia, I didn't mean—"

Olivia shook her head dismissively—Liam was firmly in her past.

Isabella sighed in relief. "If you'd rather not go, just claim urgent work commitments. If Liam causes trouble, Alexander will intervene. Don't worry—he wouldn't dare cross the Whitmores."

Olivia's gaze dropped, her lips curving into a faint, humorless smile. She reminded Isabella of their existing agreement with Liam regarding the client incident. Refusing the invitation would give Liam justification to confront Alexander.

Besides, Olivia reasoned, with so many attendees at Evelyn's party, no one would risk physically assaulting her there.

Isabella frowned. "But—"

Olivia pressed a finger to her lips, signaling silence. She advised Isabella to play ignorant and avoid mentioning it to Alexander, since Liam surely hadn't included him in the invitations.

Olivia added that if things escalated, Isabella could claim she'd been coerced.

Worry creased Isabella's brow. "Are you concerned for my safety? Olivia, it's you I'm worried about!"

Isabella's expression hardened. "If you won't prioritize your own safety, I'll have no choice but to inform Alexander."

With a resigned sigh, Olivia realized she needed to provide a definitive answer. After consideration, she made her decision.

Signing to Isabella, Olivia conveyed that she could accompany her to the event.