Chapter 189

The moment Julian Hawthorne made his declaration, the room erupted into pandemonium.

"What kind of secrets? What's he implying?"

"For heaven's sake, can't he just spit it out already?"

"He's clearly trying to cause a scene. Olivia already said she's not close with Julian."

"Are you blind? Even if they're not close, Olivia has deep connections with the Whitmore family. I've always suspected there's more to her."

Dozens of eyes burned into Olivia Sinclair - some curious, some gossip-hungry, others openly suspicious.

Evelyn Hartley fanned the flames with practiced ease. "What exactly are these secrets you're referring to, Mr. Hawthorne? You should be cautious about making accusations in such a public setting. Rumors spread faster than wildfire."

Isabella Rossi had reached her limit. "Enough with the theatrics! If you're planning to spread slander, consider the consequences. Mr. Whitmore treats Olivia like family."

Her words carried an unmistakable warning.

Julian understood the threat perfectly, but gritting his teeth, he countered, "I'm merely stating facts. Olivia has been involved in countless shady dealings under the Whitmore family's protection. My cousin shields her, completely unaware of her true nature. I wouldn't have believed it myself if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes. It's sickening how someone who appears so refined could be capable of such things."

Isabella rolled her eyes dramatically. "Olivia, let's just go."

But Olivia shook her head. The realization had dawned on her - Evelyn and Julian had set this trap together. Whether she stayed or left, the damage would be done. Better to face the storm now than deal with worse consequences later.

Evelyn pretended to defend Olivia. "Mr. Hawthorne, I understand your frustration, but perhaps this should be handled privately. Causing a scene benefits no one."

Julian brushed off Evelyn's hand with disdain. "Miss Hartley, I appreciate your kindness, but I can't stand by while you're being deceived. Today, the truth must come out."

With an exaggerated sigh, Evelyn motioned for security to remove Julian.

The crowd, hungry for drama, immediately protested.

"Miss Hartley, have you forgotten how Olivia treated you? Why protect her reputation?"

"Let Mr. Hawthorne speak! We'll stand with him for justice!"

"Look how furious he is - he must be telling the truth. Go on, Mr. Hawthorne. With us here, Olivia wouldn't dare harm you!"

"Please, continue."

Seeing events unfold exactly as planned, Evelyn stepped aside with a satisfied smirk. "Very well. Let Mr. Hawthorne and Olivia settle their differences."

Despite Julian's accusations, Olivia remained eerily composed, her expression unreadable, as if nothing could shake her.

Julian flashed Olivia a strange, fleeting smile before raising his voice dramatically. "The real reason Olivia has been so close to our family all these years? She's been trying to seduce my grandfather!"

The room fell deathly silent. Even Olivia's mask slipped momentarily - not from fear, but from white-hot rage.

Her hands clenched into fists. William Hawthorne was Julian's grandfather, and to drag her down, he'd sink this low?

"Oh my God!" Evelyn gasped theatrically, covering her mouth. "That can't be true. Your grandfather is an esteemed elder!"

Julian clutched his chest in mock anguish. "Everyone knows how 'close' Olivia and my grandfather supposedly are. You've all heard how they 'bonded instantly,' how he treats her like family. But they share no blood relation. My grandfather is a disciplined man who doesn't suffer fools - so why would he favor an outsider so much?"

His voice dripped with insinuation as he continued, "My mother accidentally overheard my grandfather discussing with his lawyer about leaving part of his estate to Olivia. Suspicious, I installed hidden cameras in his hospital room. What they captured will shock you."

Julian produced his phone, and the crowd surged forward like vultures.

The video showed a hospital room with an elderly man in bed - his features blurred, but everyone assumed it was William.

Soon, a scantily clad woman entered holding documents. She communicated with the man using hand gestures, apparently convincing him to sign.

The man complied.

Mission accomplished, the woman's face lit up with triumph as she leaned down to kiss the man's neck.

The image of the elderly man entangled with the young woman sent waves of disgust through the room.

When the woman glanced up, the camera captured her face in perfect clarity. That aloof beauty could belong to no one but Olivia.

Watching the footage, Isabella's anger spiked. She immediately noticed the hospital room's layout didn't match William's actual room. Moreover, the "sign language" Olivia supposedly used was complete gibberish.

But the crowd, blind to these details, had already made up their minds.

"Oh my God! She's insane - seducing an old man for money!"

"Who would've guessed? Always so proper and reserved, but really this vile?"

"I've got money too. Why go after some old man? She could've come to me."

"Please. She's targeting the Whitmore fortune, not some nobody like you."

Evelyn gasped dramatically. "This can't be right! I remember Olivia always had a soft spot for elderly gentlemen. She was quite fond of Henry. Didn't she meet William through Henry? There must be some mistake."

Her carefully planted words sprouted fresh suspicions.

"I knew something was off! All those powerful old men fawning over her - there had to be a reason."

"Don't just blame those two. This is all on Olivia. Absolutely shameless!"

"Disgusting! I'm recording this."