Chapter 24

"Ugh, I could detect that rancid stench from across the street. Turns out it's just some human trash!" Evelyn's companion had a tongue sharper than a razor and cruelty etched into her bones. She dramatically pinched her nose, shot Olivia and Natalie a withering glare, and rolled her eyes so hard they nearly disappeared.

"Barking bitches are common, but ones that actually speak? Now that's a novelty," Natalie fired back without hesitation. "This is an exclusive club, not some public dog park. Manager! Are you seriously allowing these gutter rats inside?"

"Who the hell are you calling gutter rats?" Evelyn's friend exploded, her face turning crimson with rage.

Natalie stood her ground, unfazed. "The shoe fits, doesn't it? Or are you too dense to understand basic English? My god, the stupidity is painful."

The club manager rushed over immediately. Elite establishments like this only catered to society's crème de la crème. The Bennett family was local aristocracy, so the manager recognized Natalie instantly. "My deepest apologies, Miss Bennett," he said, bowing slightly. "Is there anything I can do to remedy this situation?"

Natalie yanked out her platinum membership card and slapped it onto the reception desk. "I brought my best friend here for relaxation. Where's your VIP thermal spring suite? Book it immediately!"

"I want that same suite," Evelyn interjected suddenly.

"Um, miss..." The manager hesitated, not recognizing Evelyn and noting her conflict with their esteemed guest Natalie. "I'm afraid that requires prior reservation—"

"Neither has she!" Evelyn countered sharply, producing a black titanium card from her designer purse.

The manager's eyes widened in shock—he'd never seen this woman before. "My apologies, but may I inquire whose membership this is?"

"Liam's," Evelyn said with a smug smile, "Liam Blackwood."

At the mention of the Blackwood name—far more influential than the Bennetts—the manager's demeanor shifted instantly. "Of course! Right this way, madam!"

"Hold it right there!" Natalie stepped forward, blocking their path.

"I'm terribly sorry, Miss Bennett," the manager said, sweat beading on his forehead. He knew neither he nor the Bennetts could afford to cross the Blackwoods.

"But how do we know that's actually Liam's card?" Natalie challenged, eyeing Evelyn with open suspicion. "What if she stole it? Aren't you going to verify its authenticity?"

The manager wavered under Natalie's intense scrutiny.

"Accusing me of theft now?" Evelyn sneered, not waiting for the manager's response. She pulled out her phone with a flourish. "Fine. I'll call Liam right now and have him come settle this. Then we'll see who's telling the truth!"

With that, Evelyn dramatically flopped onto a lobby chaise and made the call. Meanwhile, Natalie calmly guided Olivia to sit beside her. Olivia looked anxious, tugging at Natalie's sleeve as if wanting to avoid confrontation.

"What's there to fear?" Natalie whispered confidently. "When Liam gets here, he'll take your side without question!"

Natalie's confidence wasn't unfounded. During Olivia's recent hospital stay, Liam had visited daily—sometimes bringing breakfast, sometimes dinner—his demeanor toward Olivia noticeably softer.

This had improved Natalie's opinion of him. She still held out hope that Olivia and Liam might eventually reconcile.

But Olivia remained skeptical of Liam's sudden kindness, unconvinced it signaled genuine remorse. She shook her head and typed rapidly on her phone: "He won't hold Evelyn accountable. Remember the arson incident? Evelyn walked away unscathed, didn't she?"

Indeed, Evelyn had likely orchestrated that near-fatal "accident," though no concrete evidence ever surfaced. Despite everything, Liam's relationship with Evelyn appeared unchanged. He never suspected her.

Reading Olivia's message, Natalie's face fell. She stood abruptly, pulling Olivia up with her, but Evelyn's friend was quicker.

"Oh? Running away now?" the woman taunted loudly. "Scared of what Mr. Blackwood will do when he arrives?"

"It's not certain who should be scared!" Natalie retorted, plopping back down defiantly. "We'll wait and see!"

The minutes stretched unbearably until Liam finally arrived. Despite being in the middle of critical negotiations, he'd dropped everything at Evelyn's summons and rushed over immediately.

Seeing Liam stride through the doors sent a sharp pang through Olivia's chest. The man she loved remained at another woman's beck and call...

"Liam!" Evelyn squealed, rushing to him like an excited puppy.

"Mr. Blackwood!" Evelyn's friend gushed, practically curtsying in his presence.

But Liam's expression darkened the moment his gaze landed on Olivia across the room. "What are you doing here?" he demanded, his voice laced with icy disapproval.