Chapter 178

Daniel froze momentarily, but the woman beside him merely arched a perfectly sculpted brow. "How unexpectedly charitable of you. The rumors painting you as heartless seem quite unfounded, don't they?"

Though her words sounded like praise, Olivia detected an undercurrent of venom beneath the saccharine tone. The woman's gaze held a glacial sharpness that made Olivia's skin prickle with unease.

Until this moment, Olivia hadn't even known Daniel was married. She'd deliberately maintained distance, yet now found herself entangled in this uncomfortable dynamic. Natalie swiftly intervened, positioning herself as a buffer with practiced grace. "Daniel, why don't you give your wife the grand tour? We'll be heading inside."

Daniel's eyes lingered on Olivia with unspoken regret. "Of course. See you inside."

As the group dispersed, Victoria Ellington dropped her polished facade. Her porcelain features twisted into something ugly. "So she's the one who haunts your thoughts? What could possibly be so remarkable about a mute woman? How am I not enough?" Each word dripped with escalating bitterness.

Daniel's jaw tightened. "That chapter is closed. You saw for yourself—nothing inappropriate occurred."

Victoria's manicured nails dug into her palms. "Only because I was present, and your sister had already announced our marriage before my arrival. Don't be fooled—that woman is far more calculating than she appears. Given the chance, she'd—"

"Enough!" Daniel's voice cracked like thunder, his composure shattering. "Olivia has done nothing wrong. Must you vilify her at every turn?"

Victoria recoiled as if struck, her eyes shimmering with wounded pride. "There you go again—leaping to her defense without hesitation. I'm your wife. Your loyalty belongs to me, not some pathetic mute!" Her voice broke as tears spilled over, each droplet a calculated performance.

Daniel exhaled sharply, confronting the brutal truth—he felt nothing for Victoria. Their union had been born from deception; a drug-induced haze leading to irreversible vows. Though resolved to honor his commitment, he couldn't fabricate affection.

Victoria's tears dried abruptly, replaced by cold determination. "Silent treatment? Fine. Let's see how long you stay quiet when I make Olivia's life a living hell."

She spun on her stiletto heels, the sharp clicks echoing her fury. Daniel reached out but grasped only air.

Fumbling for his phone, Daniel dialed Natalie. She answered instantly, irritation lacing her tone. "Daniel, I understand this marriage isn't what you wanted, but it's done. You need to stay away from Olivia—completely."

A humorless laugh escaped him. "Do you truly believe that's possible?"

Natalie hesitated. The impossibility hung between them, yet no alternatives presented themselves.

"I'll keep Olivia occupied on the opposite side of the venue," Natalie conceded. "But you need to resolve this. This limbo helps no one."

Daniel massaged his temples. "I know. I've made my decision—I'll let go. If Victoria can find contentment, I'll dedicate myself to being the husband she deserves."

Natalie's relieved sigh carried through the receiver.

Unbeknownst to them, Olivia had overheard the entire exchange. A frown creased her brow as realization dawned—she'd unwittingly become a wedge in this marriage. Avoidance wasn't a solution; perhaps a direct conversation with Victoria was necessary.

The absurdity struck her. She was married herself, albeit to a crumbling union with Liam. Pregnant with his child, she had zero interest in romantic entanglements. How had she become perceived as a threat?

Raucous laughter erupted from an adjacent room, shattering her thoughts.

"Seriously? They invited a deaf musician? What's next—circus freaks?"

"Give him credit—he's talented despite the disability."

"Why would Evelyn invite geriatric performers? Oh wait..." A dramatic pause. "To pair the deaf with the mute! Poetic, isn't it?"

Isabella had heard enough. She surged forward, but Olivia caught her wrist.

The space served as a green room for the evening's performers. A clique of trust-fund brats lounged like pampered cats, their cruelty unchecked. Though renowned artists mingled nearby, none dared challenge these spoiled elites.

When Olivia's group entered, the laughter died abruptly. Natalie, known for her fiery temper, stepped forward. "Care to share the joke? We'd all love to laugh."

Most shrank under her glare, but one brazen socialite smirked. "Just admiring how the mighty Bennett heir has become a mute's lapdog. What's wrong—can't take a joke about precious Olivia?"

Natalie's hands balled into fists, but Olivia restrained her with a calming touch, signaling that reacting would play into Evelyn's hands.

The provocateur sneered. "What's the matter? Can't defend yourself without your rich friends? At least we can speak—how are we inferior to a defective creature like you?"

Isabella's voice turned arctic. "Olivia was raised by the Winslows, yes—and she doesn't speak. But she's also Gregory Thornton's protégé and Whitmore Holdings' lead consultant. Every achievement is earned. Whereas you..." Her gaze swept over them disdainfully. "What have you accomplished beyond squandering family fortunes in Montecarlo casinos?"

Natalie's sudden laughter was razor-sharp. "Oh darling, you flatter them. These parasites couldn't earn a penny if their lives depended on it."

The tension crackled like live wire, the air thick with unspoken challenges.