Chapter 191

The Sinclair family valued their reputation above all else.

Most guests assumed Liam maintained his composure only because it was Evelyn's birthday celebration. Their assumptions were quickly confirmed.

"Let me make one thing clear," Liam's voice cut through the murmurs like ice. "I won't tolerate any more slanderous rumors about my grandfather. The next person who spreads such lies will face legal consequences. Test me if you dare. The only reason I'm letting this slide today is out of respect for Evelyn's special day."

Hearing this, Evelyn's expression softened instantly. That Liam still considered her feelings filled her with warmth, making her lips curve into a satisfied smile.

She glided toward Liam, slipping her hand through his arm. "I'm so sorry, darling," she cooed. "I was just so shocked by those vile accusations that I froze instead of defending Henry. We all know he would never do such things. It's Olivia who's behaved disgracefully."

Meanwhile, Olivia remained restrained by Isabella, her tear-streaked face flushed with anger rather than sorrow.

Through her blurred vision, Olivia searched Liam's face desperately. He knew the truth about why William had always been kind to her. She didn't expect him to defend her, but surely he'd speak up for William's honor?

Nathaniel had warned her that William's condition was deteriorating rapidly after regaining consciousness. He could pass away any moment now.

Olivia couldn't bear the thought of William leaving this world under such false accusations. The injustice of it burned through her like acid.

Liam felt the weight of Olivia's gaze like physical blows. Each glance shredded his composure until he had to clench his fists to stop himself from reaching for her. The pain was so intense he could barely breathe.

Evelyn watched Olivia with malicious satisfaction. She willed Liam to deliver the final crushing blow that would break Olivia completely.

"Liam," Evelyn purred, pressing closer. "You've known Olivia since childhood. Surely you can clear up these... misunderstandings?"

The ballroom fell deathly silent. All eyes turned to Liam, including Olivia's.

Olivia clung to one fragile hope. Their childhood friendship had been genuine. Back then, the reserved Liam had always appeared when she needed him most.

She remembered middle school vividly - when her beauty first blossomed but her shyness made her an easy target. The Blackwood name had protected her at first, until everyone realized she was just a foster child.

The school's most notorious bully had set his sights on her. When his fan club cornered Olivia in a remote part of campus, accusing her of seducing him, it was Liam who'd appeared like a dark knight.

"You really think Olivia would ever look twice at someone like you?" Liam had sneered at the bully then. When the boy tried blaming Olivia, Liam had shut him down with, "Why would I believe an outsider over my own family?"

Remembering this, Olivia felt certain Liam would defend her now - if not for her sake, then for William and Henry's honor.

But when Liam's eyes finally met hers, they were utterly devoid of recognition. His voice was colder than she'd ever heard it. "We were never close. I don't know her well, and frankly, I don't care to."

His refusal to deny the accusations was as good as confirmation.

Olivia's ears rang. She must have misheard.

Evelyn's smile widened. "Oh Liam, must you be so harsh?" she teased, her voice dripping with false concern. "Think of the poor girl's feelings."

Isabella, seeing Olivia's devastation, shot Liam a venomous glare. "When the truth comes out, Olivia will never forgive you for this."

Suddenly, Olivia wrenched free from Isabella's grip and seized Liam's wrist.

Evelyn moved to intervene, but Olivia fixed her with such a glacial stare that Evelyn faltered.

"Husband," Olivia rasped, the single word tearing from her damaged vocal cords.

It was a stark reminder to everyone - especially Evelyn - that their marriage still stood. While others might interfere, Evelyn had no right.

Evelyn's lips twisted. "Oh, so the mute finally finds her voice," she sneered.

Isabella caught Evelyn's wrist mid-swing. "This is between husband and wife, Miss Hartley. Know your place. Olivia may be forgiving, but I'm not."

Evelyn yanked her arm free with a glare, though she wasn't overly concerned. Liam's obvious distaste for Olivia suggested he'd be eager to divorce her soon enough.

What Evelyn didn't see was the tortured look Liam gave Olivia when her back was turned - an expression filled with such pain and longing it would have shattered her triumphant smile.

Blinded by her own anguish, Olivia missed Liam's silent agony. She had to know - why was he being so cruel? And why wouldn't he defend William?

With trembling hands, she signed that she understood his hatred for her, but begged him to clear William's name.

Liam's response was brutal. "I've told you - this mess is yours alone. If you didn't want the consequences, you shouldn't have done it."

His words, sharp as daggers, pierced Olivia's heart anew. The tears came faster now, each drop a silent scream against the injustice.