Chapter 188

The elderly gentleman's mind wavered between clarity and disorientation. During one particularly confused moment, he glared at his surroundings with a blend of bewilderment and frustration, his trembling fingers reaching up to remove his hearing devices.

Julian Hawthorne acted quickly, calming the older man with soft reassurances until he settled down.

With Julian's support, the distinguished gentleman stepped out of the car. As he regained his balance, sudden recognition flashed across his weathered face. "I've located your cousin. I saw her," he declared with unexpected certainty.

Julian's eyebrows shot up in surprise, a spark of anticipation lighting his eyes. "Is that so? Where exactly did you spot her?"

The older man's forehead creased as he wrestled with the fading memory. "She was right where you collected me. Now remind me - who was she again? What's her name?"

Concerned about overtaxing his grandfather's fragile state, Julian gently suggested they rest while his own mind raced with possibilities.

Though his grandfather's memory came in fragments, the man never spoke without some grain of truth. This claim likely held significance. But who could this mysterious woman be?

Julian's thoughts immediately flew to Evelyn Hartley, the only person who could have persuaded his stubborn grandfather to travel to Eldermere. Given the old man's iron will, few others could influence him so completely. The pieces fit together disturbingly well.

His decision made, Julian issued crisp orders. "Investigate everything about Evelyn Hartley. Arrange a meeting with her in seventy-two hours."

"Understood, sir."

Despite Evelyn's failed attempt to sabotage Olivia Sinclair earlier, her birthday festivities continued without interruption.

At the lavish party, Evelyn delivered an elaborate apology to Olivia, her face a mask of carefully crafted remorse.

Olivia wasn't deceived. She recognized Evelyn's performance as nothing more than a ploy to keep her from leaving.

Then Evelyn presented a gift from Liam Blackwood - a sapphire pendant.

Though not of the highest quality, its value lay in its origin.

"Olivia, I'm truly delighted you could attend my celebration," Evelyn began, her voice dripping with false contrition. "I never imagined things would unfold this way. I've always prided myself on my strong moral compass, and I initially believed you acted impulsively. Now I see I was mistaken. Please accept this peace offering so we can move forward."

As she spoke, Evelyn's eyes shimmered with manufactured sincerity.

The surrounding guests, aware of the tension between the two women, praised Evelyn for her composure and generosity toward Olivia.

But Olivia saw through the charade. The apology's authenticity mattered little. The real purpose behind offering Liam's gift was provocation.

Malice lurked beneath Evelyn's flawless smile and polished beauty.

Olivia knew accepting this token was impossible.

Forcing a polite smile, Olivia gracefully declined the jewelry.

Evelyn feigned hurt, her expression crumbling. "Why won't you accept it? Are you still angry with me? Today's my special day, and while I don't understand why those people targeted you, Olivia, you must see my perspective. I knew it - you loathe me. Perhaps I deserve that."

Onlookers couldn't resist commenting.

"Let's not exaggerate this, shall we? Must the birthday girl beg for forgiveness?"

"Honestly, if someone caused trouble at my event, I'd have them removed immediately, guilty or not. Why single her out unless there's truth to it? Where there's smoke..."

"She must have some skeletons in her closet, no?"

Isabella Rossi cleared her throat calmly. "Miss Hartley, please understand Olivia recognizes this as a misunderstanding. She bears no ill will. This pendant symbolizes your connection with Mr. Blackwood. Though they remain legally married, Olivia genuinely wishes you both happiness. However, given their unresolved marital status, this places her in an awkward position."

Olivia played along, her voice catching as she typed on her phone: "It's fine. I don't believe Miss Hartley meant any harm. I hope she and Liam find fulfillment together. While certain matters between Mr. Blackwood and I require resolution, Miss Hartley, you needn't worry. I'll expedite the divorce proceedings."

Evelyn's perfect smile nearly faltered.

A quiet giggle rippled through the crowd as Olivia secretly congratulated herself on her acting skills.

The guests began regarding Evelyn differently, their expressions shifting noticeably.

Common assumption held that Liam had been with Evelyn first, marrying Olivia out of duty rather than affection. Yet Liam and Olivia remained wed. Evelyn's behavior prompted reevaluation.

"That seems unnecessarily cruel," a male voice cut through the murmurs.

Julian Hawthorne strode forward, his disapproving gaze fixed on Olivia.

"Miss Hartley has apologized. Will you still hold her accountable?"

Olivia studied Julian, perplexed. They'd never had conflicts before, and he'd always been courteous. What had changed today?

Evelyn voiced Olivia's silent question.

Evelyn aligned herself with Julian, saying, "Mr. Hawthorne, I thought you and Olivia were close. What's caused this sudden change? Did you witness what transpired earlier? It was merely a misunderstanding. Olivia would never steal another's husband."

Julian scoffed. "Misunderstanding or not, I wouldn't put it past her."

Gasps erupted. Someone asked curiously, "Who is this gentleman?"

Evelyn introduced him with a smile. "This is Julian Hawthorne, connected to the Whitmore family. His mother is William's youngest daughter, making him Alexander's cousin. He recently rejoined the family fold. Alexander and Olivia were once quite close. I wonder what caused their rift."

Mention of the Whitmore family sparked knowing glances.

It was common knowledge the Whitmores consistently supported Olivia, with Alexander frequently appearing as her public champion.

For Julian, also a Whitmore, to display such open contempt for Olivia suggested deeper complexities.

The crowd's curiosity intensified, their attention riveted on Julian, eager for revelations.

Evelyn turned to Julian in pretended mediation. "You were once friends. If there's been some misunderstanding, why not discuss it with Olivia? Better to part amicably."

Julian responded sharply, his icy stare fixed on Olivia. "There's nothing left to say."

His hostility toward Olivia appeared profound.

Uninterested in unraveling Julian's bizarre behavior, Olivia offered a dismissive smile. She typed on her phone: "Miss Hartley misunderstands my relationship with Mr. Hawthorne. Though connected to the Whitmore family, I've only encountered Mr. Hawthorne occasionally. We've scarcely spoken. I'm unaware of any offense given, but apologize if so. Pressing matters require my attention elsewhere."

With that, Olivia took Isabella's arm and moved toward the exit.

Evelyn caught Julian's attention with a subtle gesture.

Understanding her cue, Julian raised his voice. "Running away because you fear I'll expose your secrets?"