Chapter 180

Victoria Ellington elegantly handed a cocktail to Evelyn Hartley, her smile laced with subtle admiration. "I've heard countless stories about you. Seeing you in person today, it's obvious you're in a league of your own."

Evelyn returned the smile, warmth and distance perfectly balanced. "We're all human, just packaged differently. What makes me so special?"

"Oh, but you are," Victoria insisted, leaning in conspiratorially. "You carry yourself with a magnetism most people spend lifetimes chasing but never quite grasp."

"You know Olivia Sinclair, don't you?" Victoria continued, her tone shifting. "She plays the fragile, innocent mute, but beneath that facade, she's a master manipulator. Even though she was raised among the Blackwoods, she’s nothing like them. Compared to you? Worlds apart. She doesn’t even come close."

Evelyn’s expression flickered with surprise. "You know Olivia?"

"Of course," Victoria said, patting the seat beside her in invitation.

She launched into a detailed account of Olivia’s supposed schemes, sparing no detail. "I know about her past with your husband. He’s a gentleman, but Olivia exploits her connection to Natalie Bennett to get close to him. And it’s not just him—she’s also entangled with Alexander Hayes. Somehow, she’s wrapped him around her finger too. She juggles men effortlessly. I can’t fathom what spell she’s cast over them."

As Victoria spoke, Evelyn’s face darkened. "I haven’t been in this city long, so I don’t know much about Olivia. I only knew she had ties to my husband’s family. Without your insight, I’d have remained in the dark. I had no idea she was so… skilled."

Noticing Evelyn’s distress, Victoria took her hand sympathetically. "It infuriates me to see someone like you being played. I know you’re not the type to tolerate this. Why don’t we team up against her? I have no ulterior motives—I just want her to learn her place. After tonight’s party, come to my place. We’ll strategize."

Victoria’s eyes gleamed with cunning. She was already envisioning how Evelyn’s influence could crush Olivia once and for all.

"Unfortunately, I have prior engagements tonight," Evelyn replied, her polite refusal catching Victoria off guard.

Victoria pressed on. "No worries. If tonight doesn’t work, we’ll find another time. Let’s exchange contacts."

Evelyn didn’t reach for her phone. Instead, she offered a cool, distant smile and adjusted her hair with effortless grace.

"While I’ve enjoyed our chat, you must understand—I don’t form alliances lightly. Besides, if you’re married into the Hartley family and hoping to use my connection to the Ellingtons for your own ends, you’ve misjudged me." Her tone was firm, leaving no room for argument.

Victoria’s smile tightened, barely masking her frustration. She couldn’t fathom Evelyn’s indifference and seethed at the dismissal. She swore Evelyn would regret this.

"You misunderstand," Victoria pressed, voice sharp. "This isn’t about ingratiating myself with the Ellingtons. We both stand to gain by taking down a mutual enemy. I know Olivia’s weaknesses—ones I can’t exploit alone, but you could. Doesn’t it bother you, knowing your husband might still care for her? Especially after you married Daniel, believing it was love at first sight?"

"Enough!" Evelyn snapped, rising abruptly, eyes blazing. "This conversation is inappropriate. Olivia is your enemy, not mine. I won’t be part of your schemes, Miss Hartley. I have more important matters to attend to. Enjoy the gift I brought."

She turned and strode away, leaving Victoria fuming. A servant quickly intervened, whispering a reminder—too many eyes were watching, and their real target tonight was Julian Hawthorne’s plan against Olivia.

Victoria forced composure, glaring at Evelyn’s retreating figure. "She’ll regret this."

Olivia, observing from a distance, didn’t catch their words, but Evelyn’s icy departure and Victoria’s stormy expression told her enough. She excused herself, feigning a need for air, and hurried after Evelyn.

Catching up wasn’t easy—Olivia couldn’t call out. Instead, she darted ahead, planting herself in Evelyn’s path.

Evelyn’s mood had already soured, and Olivia’s sudden appearance deepened her scowl. "What do you want? I’m busy. If this is about Daniel, save your breath. There’s nothing to discuss. And don’t think I’ll fall for your tricks."

Olivia shook her head, quickly typing on her phone and holding it up: "I need to talk to you about Daniel. Five minutes. Please."

Evelyn crossed her arms, smile razor-sharp. "Make it worth my time. I’m not patient, and I have a temper. Remember—you approached me. If I react poorly, that’s on you."

Olivia nodded, then typed with deliberate calm, laying out the history between her and Daniel without pride or shame. Her honesty caught Evelyn off guard.

Olivia kept typing.