Chapter 187

The couple exchanged uneasy glances, realizing Evelyn had abandoned them. Under the judgmental gazes of the assembled guests, they had no choice but to slink away in shame.

As Evelyn departed, the crowd inside gradually dispersed, following her like obedient sheep.

Only then did Olivia allow herself to relax. She took a steadying breath and smoothed the wrinkles from her dress.

Approaching the elderly gentleman, Olivia bowed deeply. Her eyes shimmered with gratitude as she silently mouthed her thanks for his timely intervention.

The old man waved dismissively. "Truth needs no thanks. Besides, you once helped me when I was in trouble. This was merely returning the favor."

With a gentle push, he guided the trembling boy toward Olivia.

"Young man, this lady will take care of you now."

The child stood frozen, his small frame shaking, unable to meet Olivia's gaze.

Though the boy had deceived her earlier, Olivia's heart ached at his obvious distress. She knelt to his level, typing rapidly on her phone before letting the mechanical voice speak for her.

"I understand children sometimes make mistakes without realizing the consequences. I won't punish you for this."

The boy peeked through his fingers. "R-really? You won't call the police?"

Olivia shook her head firmly, her expression softening as she studied him closer. The ill-fitting suit hung awkwardly on his thin frame, revealing frayed clothing beneath.

It became clear this wasn't Evelyn's child, but some impoverished boy she'd manipulated into participating in her scheme - likely with promises of food or money.

To a starving child, the line between right and wrong often blurred.

The boy suddenly broke down, fat tears rolling down his cheeks. "I'm sorry! The scary lady said she'd have me arrested if I didn't help. I just wanted some of the leftover food from the party..."

Olivia sighed, torn between frustration and pity. She turned to Isabella, gesturing for help locating the boy's real family.

Isabella frowned. "This child could expose Evelyn's scheme. Are you truly letting this go?"

Olivia shook her head sharply. She had no intention of forgiving Evelyn, but dragging an innocent child into their feud would only bring him harm.

Her expression darkened as she considered Liam's likely reaction. He'd been present during the earlier confrontation. If he saw this boy now, he'd understand everything.

Yet Olivia doubted Liam would side with her. More likely, he'd protect Evelyn's reputation at any cost.

For now, she had to retreat - but silently vowed this debt wouldn't go unpaid.

As Isabella led the boy away, Olivia noticed the elderly gentleman studying her intently, his gaze oddly familiar.

Curious, she gestured if he'd found the person he sought.

The old man sighed. "Her face eludes me, but my heart knows I must find her."

Olivia offered her network's assistance, but he declined politely, insisting this was a personal journey.

After their exchange, the gentleman slipped out quietly through a side exit - unaware of the danger awaiting him.

Evelyn's lackeys materialized from the shadows, surrounding him with malicious grins.

"Old man, you messed with the wrong people," one sneered, cracking his knuckles.

The gentleman stood unflinching. "Stand down," he commanded with surprising authority.

Their laughter died when several imposing bodyguards intervened, swiftly subduing the attackers.

A sleek convoy arrived, its centerpiece a stretched Lincoln. A distinguished man emerged, assisting the elderly gentleman inside with reverence.

The would-be assailants gaped as their prey was whisked away in luxury. Who was this unassuming old man?

One bodyguard pressed his boot against a thug's wrist. "Disrespect your elders again," he hissed, "and you'll regret being born."

Nearby, the tinted window of a Maybach lowered slightly. A bespectacled man observed coldly before ordering, "Drive. This isn't worth our time."

As the car pulled away, his driver ventured carefully, "Sir, your grandfather's condition worsens. Three months chasing him across Eldermere..."

"Are you suggesting family is a waste of time?" came the icy reply.

The driver paled. "N-no, sir! I merely meant...if he truly wishes to find..."

"Let him search," the man interrupted, adjusting his cufflinks. "After all, she's my aunt's daughter. The entire Kensington family awaits her return." His gaze hardened. "Triple grandfather's security. Anyone who threatens him again will wish they'd never been born."

"Yes, Mr. Kensington."

The man absently twisted his signet ring. "That woman who exploited grandfather's condition - Hartley, wasn't it?"

"Evelyn Hartley, sir."

"Investigate thoroughly."

The convoy arrived at the city's most exclusive estate. Alighting, the man muttered, "Grandfather insists on maintaining this relic despite our holdings abroad. Sentimental nonsense about 'roots.'"

Aides murmured sycophantic agreement as he helped the elderly gentleman inside.

"Welcome home, Grandfather," he said softly.

The massive doors swung shut behind them.