Chapter 198

"I need to rest now. You should go," Liam declared, his voice heavy with exhaustion.

Evelyn nodded, worry lines creasing her forehead. "Of course, Liam. Just know the hospital can contact me immediately if anything changes. Please, get some proper rest," she murmured before slipping out quietly.

The moment Evelyn's footsteps faded, the warmth in Liam's eyes vanished, replaced by an arctic sharpness.

Snatching his phone, Liam dialed Sebastian. "Track down the physician who treated Olivia's case before. I require a private consultation. Ensure absolute discretion."

Meanwhile, Olivia stepped through the wrought-iron gates of the Whitmore estate, flanked by Julian and other family members.

Gone was Julian's characteristic arrogance as he crossed the threshold this time. His shoulders slumped in defeat, gaze fixed on the marble floor.

Alexander turned to Olivia with genuine remorse. "I never should've subjected you to this spectacle. But considering how Julian and Eleanor conspired against you, you deserved to witness their downfall firsthand." His voice thickened. "Forgive me for today's unpleasantness. The Whitmores should've uncovered their schemes sooner."

Olivia responded with a gentle headshake and understanding smile, silently conveying she held no blame toward the Whitmore family for Julian and Eleanor's misdeeds.

Alexander's lips curved slightly in wordless gratitude, their shared comprehension needing no further explanation.

William's aged hands trembled as he pushed himself from the wheelchair to claim the head chair in the grand hall.

Watching this, the kneeling Julian and Eleanor blanched like ghosts.

"You...you're not ill at all!" Eleanor shrieked, realization dawning. "This was all an act!"

William regarded them with glacial detachment, though sorrow flickered beneath his steely gaze.

How could he not grieve? Eleanor was his flesh and blood, and though Julian hadn't been raised under his roof, they shared the same lineage. Yet these two had plotted not only his demise but the usurpation of the entire Whitmore legacy.

Since their return, William had instructed Alexander to treat them fairly.

But their actions continually tested Alexander's patience - nearly selling family secrets multiple times. Left with no choice, William had warned Alexander to remain vigilant against the treacherous pair.

The final straw came when Julian sought alliance with Liam.

While Liam publicly played along, he privately alerted William to the conspiracy.

The betrayal forced William into this elaborate charade.

"Treacherous snake!" William roared, his cane striking the floor as he surged to his feet.

With startling speed for his age, he crossed to Julian and delivered a stinging slap that echoed through the hall.

Eleanor howled like a wounded animal, launching herself at William with venomous hatred. "How dare you strike my son! He's your own grandson! If he suffers for this, you'll regret it till your dying breath!"

Alexander's face twisted in pained disbelief. "Mind your tongue when addressing Grandfather. Have you forgotten he's your father? Or does Julian alone hold your loyalty?"

Eleanor's eyes burned with defiance. "Julian is my only family. Why should I care about any of you? Did you spare a thought for my suffering during those years with the Hawthornes?"

William's chest heaved with barely contained fury, his trembling finger pointing accusingly at his daughter.

Olivia moved swiftly to steady William, shooting Eleanor a withering glare.

Secretly, Olivia seethed with resentment.

Born into privilege, Eleanor had squandered her birthright. Spoiled and naive, she'd thrown away everything for a worthless man's empty promises.

Some might call it poetic justice. Convinced she'd found true love despite her family's warnings, Eleanor had severed ties with them.

Though William couldn't bring himself to visit, he'd consistently supported Eleanor financially from his personal funds.

Not extravagantly, but enough for comfort.

Yet their greed proved boundless. Julian's father succumbed to gambling debts, bankrupting them.

When William offered them sanctuary within the Whitmore fold, Eleanor had not only refused but demanded continued subsidies.

Naturally, William refused.

So Eleanor cut contact entirely.

While her youthful mistakes could be attributed to naivety, her subsequent choices were hers alone.

Olivia thought bitterly - if she had family like William, she'd cherish them beyond measure.

Despite everything, William still offered Eleanor redemption.

Composing himself, William spoke calmly. "Eleanor, I understand you're easily manipulated and lack conviction. Was this all Julian's doing? Confess now, and I'll arrange for you to live abroad comfortably. We need never meet again, but you'll want for nothing."

It was practically absolution.

Even Julian gaped at such leniency. Why couldn't he receive similar mercy?

Eleanor's jaw set stubbornly. "I'll always choose my son over you, old man. Nothing will ever come between us!"

Her declaration shattered when Julian suddenly crawled to William, clutching his trousers like a beggar.

"Grandfather, please!" Julian whimpered. "The plots to return and poison you were Mother's schemes! I'm innocent! How could I conceive such wickedness? She filled my head with lies about you since childhood!"

Eleanor swayed as if struck, her breath coming in ragged gasps of betrayal.

William studied Julian with disgust before delivering a brutal kick to his ribs.

"Pathetic worm!" William thundered. "You'd sell out the woman who bore you? Without her, you wouldn't exist!"

Julian's pained cry filled the hall as Eleanor stood frozen, tears carving silent paths down her ashen cheeks.