Chapter 183

Natalie arched an eyebrow at Isabella. "Alexander went through all that effort for Olivia? Is he in love with her?"

A shadow of uncertainty flickered across Isabella's face, betraying her inner turmoil. "That's between them. I can't say for certain, but Olivia has always seen Alexander as nothing more than a brother."

Natalie nodded in comprehension. "That tracks. Given her current situation, romance is probably the last thing on her mind. At least she has friends like us. Counting on a man for her and Sophie's future would be risky."

The rhythmic thud of helicopter blades suddenly drowned out their conversation.

All eyes turned upward as a chopper descended, unleashing a torrent of flower petals in its wake - a gaudy floral spectacle.

Thud! A festively wrapped gift box attached to a miniature parachute landed perfectly at Evelyn's feet.

Evelyn's cheeks flushed with delight as she cast adoring glances at Liam beside her.

For Evelyn, the extravagant presentation mattered far more than the gift's contents. The grand romantic gesture was everything - especially coming from Liam.

She could already envision tomorrow's society columns buzzing about her magnificent birthday celebration. The entire city would know how deeply Liam adored her.

Natalie, mildly surprised but amused, couldn't resist commenting. "Since when did Liam develop such terrible taste? These petals look cheap and obviously artificial."

Isabella suppressed a chuckle, leaning toward Natalie. "Years ago I attended a golden anniversary where they hired an event company. The decorations looked exactly like this - flashy but painfully tacky."

Natalie caught her meaning immediately. "Oh, you mean-"

Isabella gave a knowing smile but didn't elaborate further.

Their gazes drifted back to Evelyn and Liam.

Evelyn glowed with happiness while Liam wore an expression of utter disinterest.

The irony of the situation wasn't lost on anyone amidst the shower of garish petals.

Natalie smirked. "Evelyn thinks she's won the jackpot, not realizing she's just claimed someone else's discarded prize."

Isabella scanned the crowd, her thoughts turning to Olivia. Olivia had been conspicuously absent earlier, possibly by design, but even now during this spectacle, there was still no sign of her.

Despite the icy relationship between Olivia and Liam, Isabella had noticed moments when Olivia seemed unable to completely detach herself.

Given the circumstances, Olivia's continued absence puzzled Isabella.

A sense of unease settled over her.

Suddenly, loud curses erupted from a nearby room, a woman's shrill voice cutting through the festivities.

Evelyn perked up immediately, deliberately raising her voice. "What's happening over there? Let's investigate!"

Isabella acted swiftly, discreetly pressing a business card into Natalie's hand. "Olivia might be in trouble. Evelyn's people could be watching. This is Alexander's contact. Call him when you get the chance."

Natalie understood immediately, pocketing the card and slipping through the crowd.

Liam's expression darkened as he followed Evelyn toward the commotion.

Inside, the swearing intensified. A woman had apparently caught her husband cheating, discovering him in bed with another woman.

The man desperately defended himself, claiming drunkenness and insisting the woman had taken advantage - a complete misunderstanding.

Evelyn offered a barely concealed smile before stepping forward. "I'm so sorry for this disruption at my party. Let's help this couple resolve their issues privately without spreading rumors."

Her words rang hollow - she might as well have encouraged gossip, given how many guests already had their phones out recording.

As Evelyn reached for the door, Liam caught her wrist. "Leave it. There's nothing worth seeing. It's indecent. Take the guests to the main hall. I'll handle this."

Evelyn frowned. "I don't see the problem. This is my event. If some shameless woman is breaking up a marriage here, it reflects on me." She fluttered her lashes. "I appreciate your concern, Liam, but I can handle it."

Liam's grip remained firm.

Evelyn eyed him suspiciously. "What's really going on? You said today was my day. Unless...do you know who this woman is?"

Liam gave a soft chuckle. "Why would I?"

He finally released her, warning again. "Just be careful."

But his eyes betrayed turbulent emotions.

Evelyn relaxed, grinning mischievously. "I knew it. You can't help worrying about me."

As Evelyn pushed the door open, several bold guests slipped in behind her.

Seizing the moment, Liam quickly texted Sebastian.

The crowd surged into the room, creating chaos.

Olivia's cheeks burned, still feeling the drug's effects. Her limbs felt weak and heavy.

Harsh words buzzed around her, a woman's shrill voice occasionally punctuated by painful pinches and insults.

The pain jolted Olivia awake. She blinked, struggling to comprehend her surroundings.

"My God!" Evelyn's voice rang out as she drew people closer. "Can you believe this? We actually know this woman!"

Olivia lay disheveled on the bed beside a shirtless, equally confused man.

The room descended into pandemonium.

Someone shoved a phone in Olivia's face, snapping pictures.

Slowly, Olivia propped herself up, piecing together the situation.

The man, seeing Olivia awake, seemed to view her as his salvation. He dropped to his knees with a thud. "Miss, please explain to my wife! You said you felt ill from drinking, and I was just helping you rest!"