Chapter 186

Gasps rippled through the crowd as shocked faces turned toward each other.

Evelyn's blood boiled as she whirled on her staff. "How did Isabella get inside? Weren't you supposed to keep watch? Useless fools!"

The servants trembled under her glare. One stammered, "Miss Hartley, she came through the service entrance. We never imagined she'd find it. And we thought Mr. Blackwood had taken her away, so we assumed—"

Evelyn's palm connected sharply with the speaking servant's cheek. "Are you implying Liam deliberately let her in to protect Olivia?"

The servant clutched her stinging face, eyes wide with fear. "No! Mr. Blackwood had nothing to do with this! I spoke out of turn!"

From across the room, Isabella watched Evelyn unravel. A mocking smile curled her lips. "What's wrong? Did you set this whole thing up to destroy Olivia? Scared your plan's falling apart?"

Evelyn's nostrils flared. "Set up? I don't know what you're talking about. Even if we can't touch her, she's still a husband-stealer. The wife is right here—let her deal with this homewrecker."

The mentioned woman straightened, emboldened. "I'm not afraid! Call the police! Broadcast it live! She's the one who should be ashamed, trying to seduce my husband! Let the world see what kind of woman she really is!"

As the woman advanced on Olivia, hurling vulgar insults, Isabella grew increasingly anxious. Where was Alexander? He should have arrived by now.

A child's piercing scream shattered the chaos. All heads turned toward the entrance where an elderly gentleman gripped a young boy's wrist.

The boy thrashed violently, his face twisted in fear and defiance. When escape proved impossible, he erupted into tears and began screaming profanities at his captor.

"Whose child is this? Such foul language at his age!"

"Clearly lacks proper upbringing."

Evelyn paled when she recognized the boy. "Get them out of here!" she barked at her security. "This event is ruined enough without these disruptions!"

The old man's voice rang clear. "I'm exactly where I need to be." The crowd gasped—Evelyn had hired him believing him mute.

Adjusting his hearing aids, he continued, "I witnessed everything. This young woman saved a wife from her abusive husband. The wife then asked her to watch this boy. She brought him here to rest when he spilled water, causing her to faint."

Olivia spotted them through the crowd and urgently signed to Isabella. Realization dawned on Isabella's face. "So Evelyn used a child to frame you?"

Olivia's bitter smile confirmed it. The involvement of a child had lowered her guard completely.

Evelyn scoffed loudly. "You're just a deaf old man! Don't let pity for this mute girl cloud your judgment—we all saw her disgraceful behavior!"

The elder remained unshaken. "My vision is perfect. If you doubt me, ask the boy yourself." He fixed the child with a stern look. "Remember what happens to children who lie? The shadow man comes to take them away at night."

The boy trembled. "She... she just brought me here to rest. Then she fell down."

"Still unconvinced?" The old man challenged. "Call the authorities. Let's see who's truly guilty here—an innocent woman or those coercing a child to lie."

Evelyn's confidence wavered. This homeless man she'd recruited as part of her humiliation plot was now dismantling her scheme with perfect logic.

Her voice turned icy. "Think carefully, old man. I plucked you from the streets. Without me, you'd still be freezing and starving. You know who I am. Do you really want to cross me?"

The elder met her threat calmly. "Miss Hartley, first—you brought me here against my will. Second, while I appreciate the meals, I won't participate in your cruel games. And finally..." He smiled faintly. "What exactly can you do to me? I've survived worse than your empty threats."

"You senile old—" Evelyn began, but a servant urgently pulled her aside. "Miss Hartley, this isn't working. There will be other opportunities. Don't make a scene here."

Evelyn inhaled sharply, forcing a strained smile. "It seems there's been a misunderstanding. My apologies for the confusion." With that, she stormed out, her composure shattering the moment she turned away.