Chapter 173

Olivia gave Isabella a reassuring gesture, indicating she could accompany her to Evelyn's birthday celebration.

Isabella visibly relaxed, nodding eagerly. "Perfect! I'll arrange for a top stylist to prepare your look beforehand. We can't have Evelyn stealing your spotlight at her own party."

A genuine smile curved Olivia's lips as she responded.

Rising from her seat, Olivia embraced Isabella warmly. The comforting hug instantly melted away Isabella's lingering worries.

Though Isabella returned the smile, confusion still flickered in her eyes. How could Liam betray someone as remarkable as Olivia? What spell had Evelyn cast over him? Did elite families truly place such importance on superficial perfection?

Olivia's eyes sparkled as she signed, emphasizing that Isabella and Natalie were her dearest friends.

"Dearest friends?" Isabella repeated, feeling warmth spread to her cheeks.

A pang of guilt struck Isabella as she recalled her initial coldness toward Olivia. She'd been no better than the judgmental outsiders who dismissed Olivia because of her muteness. Yet Olivia had proven herself more capable and courageous than anyone she knew.

Clearing her throat, Isabella quickly changed the subject. "I'll handle all the preparations. Since you're bringing me as your plus-one, you must promise to call me. Don't you dare forget!"

Olivia nodded firmly in agreement.

The day before Evelyn's birthday gala, Olivia returned to the Blackwood estate.

As a servant escorted Olivia through the courtyard, raucous laughter and animated conversation spilled from the grand hall.

Even before entering, Olivia recognized the voices. Margaret and Catherine were present, and surprisingly, Richard too.

Evelyn sat nestled between Margaret and Catherine, playing the delicate ingénue to perfection. Despite years as part of this family, such warm family gatherings remained foreign to Olivia. The three Blackwoods and Evelyn looked like the picture-perfect family.

Had it not been for Liam's insistence, Olivia would have gladly avoided this gathering altogether.

When Olivia entered, the cheerful atmosphere evaporated instantly.

Margaret stiffened, her expression turning glacial. She scrutinized Olivia with disdain. "What brings you here? Surely you're not expecting a welcome?"

Catherine dramatically pinched her nose. "Goodness, the stench of desperation is overwhelming. Couldn't cut it on your own, so you came crawling back? Liam already has someone far more suitable now. Know your place."

Olivia met their hostile gazes with icy composure, refusing to justify her presence.

Evelyn rose with a smirk, announcing loudly, "Don't be cruel! We have more than enough to share with Olivia. Given her... special circumstances, I'd never dream of mistreating her. Wouldn't want people accusing me of bullying the disabled."

Cruel laughter filled the room. Olivia remained unshaken, though her fists clenched tighter. She retrieved her phone and typed: "If my presence bothers you so much, take it up with Liam. One word from him, and I'll leave immediately."

Evelyn's smirk faltered. "Liam only keeps you around out of pity. You're exploiting his kindness."

Olivia arched a challenging brow and typed: "The world's full of pitiable souls. Why should his compassion be reserved for me alone?"

Evelyn's composure shattered. Her hand flew up, poised to strike.

Just before contact, Liam's voice cut through the tension. "What's all this about?"

Evelyn's demeanor transformed instantly. Tears welled in her eyes as she rushed to Liam. "Your family came for a lovely reunion, but Olivia showed up uninvited, provoking me! She said I don't belong here and should leave."

"Is that so?" Liam's piercing gaze shifted to Olivia.

Olivia averted her eyes, her expression carefully blank as she stared into the distance.

A pang of sorrow struck Liam. This was how she always was with him - more distant than even during her arguments with Evelyn.

Catching himself staring too long, Liam looked away.

Unaware of the undercurrents, Evelyn clung to Liam's arm. "You can't possibly take her side! Your mother and sister-in-law witnessed everything!"

Only then did Liam glance at the others lounging on the sofa. A cold smile touched his lips. "Ah, so they're here too?"

Catherine and Richard avoided his gaze. Richard cleared his throat awkwardly. "This is your family matter, Liam. We won't interfere."

Margaret's face hardened. "You should have sent Olivia packing when the divorce was finalized. Bringing outsiders into our home brings bad luck. Since when did you become so soft-hearted?"

Ignoring Margaret's barbed comments, Liam turned to Evelyn with a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "If Olivia troubles you so, the solution is simple. Sebastian, confine her. Ensure she doesn't leave the estate for several days."

Evelyn's eyes widened in alarm. "But she's supposed to attend my birthday party!"

Liam shrugged indifferently. "Birthdays should be joyous occasions. Why invite someone who upsets you? I have prior commitments and won't be hosting anyone."

With that, Liam turned on his heel and left.

Sebastian motioned for Olivia to follow him. Though confused, Olivia complied. Something about the situation felt... off.

Now only the three Blackwoods and Evelyn remained in the hall.

Margaret hurled her glass to the floor in fury. "Did you see how he looked at me? As if I'm his enemy rather than his mother!"

Richard offered hollow comfort. "Mother, you know how Liam can be. He'll come around."

Catherine nodded. "He's upset with me. I'll apologize later."

This only fueled Margaret's rage. "You're his sister-in-law! Why should you apologize to him? Does he expect Richard to grovel too?"

Evelyn seized the opportunity to intervene. Approaching Margaret, she soothed, "Don't be angry. Liam wasn't always like this. When we were together, he often praised you, promising to care for you in your golden years. I suspect Olivia's been poisoning his mind against you."