Chapter 179

Natalie scoffed, rolling her eyes dramatically. "Honestly? If these brats were mine, I'd trade them for a goldfish in a heartbeat."

Her sharp words hung in the air like daggers, silencing the rude onlookers. Their faces burned crimson with humiliation, but the crowded venue kept their tempers in check. With venomous glares thrown at our trio, they stormed off in a huff.

Olivia turned to us, her expressive eyes shimmering with both gratitude and worry. She motioned hastily, insisting we shouldn't have provoked them for her sake.

Natalie crossed her arms, her brows knitting together. "Stop that right now. If you keep talking like we're strangers, I swear I'll scream."

Isabella nodded vigorously in agreement.

The sudden silence made us turn. The elderly pianist was rising unsteadily from his bench. Olivia's breath caught when she noticed his hearing aid - meaning he'd heard every cruel whisper, yet played flawlessly without missing a single note.

A cold realization washed over Olivia. Evelyn's plan became painfully clear - she'd hired this man specifically to humiliate Olivia. Worse, Evelyn would likely punish him afterward. Guilt gnawing at her, Olivia approached the pianist and gently tapped his shoulder.

When he turned, Olivia's radiant smile greeted him. Her eyes sparkled like constellations, warm and inviting. Using graceful hand movements, she praised his magnificent performance.

To her astonishment, the man responded fluently in sign language. When Olivia indicated her voicelessness by touching her throat, he simply smiled and signed that limitations meant nothing. He was certain her spirit would sing beautifully if given the chance.

Something deep within Olivia trembled at his words.

His gentle smile held such kindness that Olivia's guilt intensified. She'd meant to comfort him, yet found herself comforted instead.

Determined to protect him from Evelyn's wrath, Olivia urgently signed that the host had ulterior motives. She offered to double his payment if he left immediately. But the old man shook his head - money wasn't why he stayed. He was searching for someone.

Confused, Olivia asked if he sought a man or woman, offering her friends' help in the search. She pleaded with him to leave before facing mistreatment.

His resolve remained unshaken. He signed that though he couldn't remember who he sought, he must continue his quest.

Respecting his decision, Olivia stepped back, concern etching her features.

Suddenly, Natalie appeared, gripping Olivia's arm urgently. "Olivia! Come quick - it's important."

Nodding, Olivia signed a quick farewell to the pianist. As she walked away, the old man stared after her, overcome with inexplicable familiarity. Could she be the one? His memory failed him - who was he searching for?

His thoughts tangled like knotted strings. The face in his mind blurred and shifted. The harder he grasped at the memory, the more it slipped away. Clutching his temples, he slumped into a corner, muttering incoherently.

A group of servers approached moments later. One shoved him roughly. "Get up, old man. The mistress wants you playing, not lazing about."

"Don't bother - he's deaf as a post," another sneered.

"Oh right," the first laughed cruelly.

Their mocking laughter shattered the air. The old man's eyes flew open, his entire demeanor transforming as he stood abruptly. "What did you call me?" His voice boomed with unexpected authority.

The servers recoiled, stunned by both his hearing and commanding presence. Only when he strode away did they regain their voices.

"He could hear us this whole time?"

"Did you see those hearing aids? That cunning old-"

"Enough. Did you feel that? He's no ordinary man."

"Don't be ridiculous. Miss Hartley picked him up off some foreign street corner."

"Yeah, just some wandering musician she took pity on."

"Whatever. Not our problem."

They scattered quickly, eager to forget the unsettling encounter.

Meanwhile, Natalie pulled Olivia through the glittering crowd. Olivia's unease grew with each step, matching Natalie's grim expression. Just as Olivia began to sign a question, Natalie stopped abruptly and pointed.

Olivia followed her gaze - and froze. There stood Evelyn, chatting animatedly with none other than Victoria Ellington, Daniel's wife.

Olivia knew Victoria despised her, but seeing her with Evelyn was unexpected.

Natalie exhaled sharply. "They just met tonight. I never wanted you dragged into my brother's marital drama, but here we are." She bit her lip. "Victoria comes from serious political power. She's obsessed with Daniel and not someone to cross. The last thing I want is you two as enemies."

Natalie's hands trembled slightly as she continued. "Seeing her with Evelyn... it terrifies me."

Her worried gaze locked onto Olivia.

A heavy weight settled in Olivia's chest. She'd unwittingly made a formidable enemy.

Quickly, Olivia signed reassurance. "Don't worry. If I stay out of her way, even her influence can't touch me."

She paused, then added that she'd find a way to speak with Victoria - explaining that causing conflict would only push Daniel further away if Victoria truly wanted their marriage to work.

Natalie sighed in frustration. "This is all Daniel's fault. He never should've brought Victoria tonight."

Olivia shook her head with a knowing smile, signing that Daniel was thoughtful - he must have his reasons, likely knowing Victoria wouldn't be easily manipulated.

Natalie blinked in surprise. "You've never even met her. How can you be so sure?"

Olivia merely smiled enigmatically, her eyes twinkling with secret understanding.