Chapter 192

Olivia's fingers slipped from Liam's arm as if all energy had drained from her body. Tears cascaded down her cheeks unchecked.

The agony was so intense it left her numb, unable to even register her own sorrow.

Isabella rushed to Olivia's side, her voice a gentle murmur as she leaned close. "Olivia, think of the baby. You must stay calm. Mr. Hayes just texted—he's on his way. He'll handle everything."

Though Isabella spoke softly, Liam, standing mere feet away, caught every word.

The mention of "the baby" and "Mr. Hayes" only deepened Liam's scowl. His patience snapped. "What are security doing? Remove these people. The celebration continues. We won’t let unworthy guests ruin this night."

Olivia flinched at the word unworthy. Her lashes trembled as she fought back fresh tears.

In that moment, the last shred of hope she’d clung to for Liam vanished. She cursed herself for not seeing his true nature sooner. Had his kindness ever been genuine, or merely obligation to a foster sister?

Perhaps if they’d never married, things wouldn’t have spiraled this far. Maybe their paths should never have crossed at all.

A sharp pain pulsed at Olivia’s temples. Moving felt sluggish. She needed to leave.

"Alright," Isabella murmured, offering her arm. She guided Olivia toward the exit.

Evelyn’s lips curled in displeasure. This wasn’t how the night was supposed to end. She’d envisioned Olivia broken, begging. Leaving now? Unacceptable. She still had one last blow to deliver.

"Olivia, running away so soon?" Evelyn’s voice sliced through the murmurs.

Her mocking gaze locked onto Olivia. "Even if I struggle to believe you’d stoop this low, Mr. Hawthorne’s evidence seems damning. Don’t you have anything to say?"

She tilted her head, venom dripping from her words. "Henry did everything for you—called in favors, secured your future. And this is how you repay him?"

Whispers of agreement rippled through the crowd.

"Disgraceful. If Henry were alive, he’d demand justice," someone muttered.

"First the Blackwoods, now the Hayes family. How does she sleep at night?" another sneered.

Olivia met Evelyn’s taunting stare with icy defiance.

Isabella stepped forward, indignant. "You condemn her based on one man’s lies? If you want to attack her, at least be honest about it."

Evelyn’s sneer shifted to Isabella. "How curious—a Whitmore Holdings employee defending her so fiercely. Are you collaborating? Birds of a feather, after all."

Olivia’s restraint shattered. Insulting her was one thing. Targeting her friends? Unforgivable.

She lunged, her palm cracking across Evelyn’s cheek.

Evelyn gasped, clutching her face.

Olivia raised her hand again—but Liam caught her wrist.

Seizing the moment, Evelyn wailed. "Liam! She hit me! You can’t ignore this!"

Liam drew a sharp breath, but Julian cut in eagerly. "As witnesses saw, we’re the victims. Olivia must kneel and apologize. And return the twenty million my grandfather gave her. She’ll sign an IOU tonight—in front of my lawyer."

Olivia froze. The pieces clicked. They’d planned this. Were they truly this desperate for money?

Isabella scoffed. "That money was an advance for her consultancy work with Whitmore Holdings. Why should she return it? Or did you orchestrate this entire farce just to steal it? Even dragging William’s name through the mud?"

Julian paled, stammering.

Evelyn jumped in, voice shrill. "Ridiculous! Julian is William’s heir. Do you think he’d risk his inheritance over twenty million?"

Julian straightened, adopting a haughty tone. "This is about justice for my grandfather. As his blood, I will protect his legacy."

Murmurs of approval followed. To the crowd, his demand seemed lenient. Others might’ve demanded far worse.

As Julian’s guards advanced, Olivia nudged Isabella. "Run. Now."

Isabella shook her head. "I promised Alexander I’d protect you. He’s almost here."

Olivia’s jaw tightened. This wasn’t fear—it was fury at dragging Isabella into danger. She’d underestimated Evelyn and Julian’s ruthlessness. To slander William, his own grandfather? The betrayal was staggering.

Julian waved a dismissive hand. "Take them. This ends now."

The guards moved—

A voice thundered from the entrance.

"Since when do outsiders dictate Hayes family affairs?"

Alexander.

Isabella exhaled in relief.

He strode in with a dozen men, commandeering the room instantly.

Evelyn’s face twisted. She’d stationed guards to intercept him—how had he gotten through?

This wasn’t part of the plan.

Not at all.