Chapter 28

Olivia stood frozen in the center of the chaos, her fingers trembling around an empty champagne flute. The weight of accusing stares pressed against her like a physical force. She searched desperately for words that might dissolve the tension, but only managed a helpless shake of her head.

Liam cut through the crowd with effortless authority, his broad shoulders parting guests like a ship through waves. Without hesitation, he shrugged off his tuxedo jacket and draped it around Evelyn's shoulders - a silent declaration of allegiance that made Olivia's stomach twist.

Her eyes followed Liam's every movement, brimming with silent pleas for understanding.

But when their gazes finally met, Liam's expression remained as unreadable as polished marble. He dismissed Olivia with a single glance before turning his full attention to Evelyn.

"Are you hurt?" His voice carried intimate concern that stung Olivia's ears.

Evelyn clutched at Liam's arm dramatically. "My ankle's throbbing, my dress is ruined, and I'm absolutely humiliated. I don't think I can walk..."

A hush fell over the gathered guests, though their whispers slithered through the silence like snakes. Olivia caught fragments that pierced deeper than any blade.

"That mute wife of his is more dangerous than she looks. Who knew such venom hid behind those pretty eyes?"

"Mr. Blackwood plays the game well - respectable marriage for appearances while keeping his real companion close."

"Pathetic, really. With all their wealth, you'd think she'd have more dignity than this petty jealousy."

Each word carved deeper into Olivia's composure. She longed to scream the truth - that she'd offered Liam divorce papers weeks ago. That Evelyn had orchestrated this entire scene.

Yet somehow, she'd become the villain in their narrative.

Liam's stormy gaze locked with Olivia's one final time, a silent tempest passing between them. Then, without a word, he swept Evelyn into his arms and turned away, his rejection as final as a slamming door.

The crowd parted like the Red Sea before them. As Evelyn nestled against Liam's chest, she turned her head just enough to meet Olivia's eyes.

To the room, she appeared the picture of wounded fragility. But Olivia alone saw the triumphant gleam in Evelyn's gaze - the smug victory of a predator claiming its prey.

With their departure, Olivia could finally breathe. She wove through the lingering guests, their speculative stares burning against her skin, until she burst into the cool night air.

Freedom never tasted sweeter. She gulped down deep breaths, letting the breeze soothe her frayed nerves.

Reality quickly intruded. Liam had been her ride, and now he'd left with Evelyn. Stranded in an evening gown with no purse or phone, her options were limited.

Just as panic began to set in, sleek black headlights glided to a stop before her. The driver's door opened to reveal Daniel.

"Olivia? What are you doing out here alone?"

His warm smile felt like salvation. "Let me take you home."

Daniel held the passenger door with gentlemanly grace. Olivia hesitated only a moment before sliding into the butter-soft leather seats. Meeting Daniel tonight felt like divine intervention.

Once settled, Olivia pulled out her phone and typed: "What brings you here?"

Daniel glanced at the screen before focusing on the road. "Friend's event. Left early. Figured I'd offer you a ride." His casual tone didn't quite match the tension in his knuckles on the steering wheel.

The truth was simpler - Daniel had seen the social media frenzy about Liam Blackwood's mute wife making a rare public appearance. When Olivia's name surfaced in the group chat, he'd come immediately.

"Thank you," Olivia typed, her gratitude sincere.

"Been learning sign language," Daniel announced suddenly, demonstrating a few clumsy gestures. "Getting better every day. Soon we won't need this." He tapped her phone screen playfully.

Olivia's lips curved in the first genuine smile all evening. Daniel's heart stuttered at the sight.

"Where to? Natalie's place?" he asked.

Olivia shook her head and showed him the address of the Blackwood estate. Even when Liam failed in his vows, she would keep hers.

Daniel's jaw tightened almost imperceptibly as he entered the coordinates. The remainder of the drive passed in comfortable silence until the imposing iron gates came into view.

The butler emerged, surprise flickering across his features. "Mrs. Blackwood! We weren't expecting—"

"She's with me," Daniel cut in, exiting the vehicle before Olivia could protest. She watched, bewildered, as he approached the staff.

"I heard about tonight's events. How Liam abandoned his wife to run off with Evelyn Hartley." Daniel's voice carried deliberate accusation.

Olivia's breath caught. He'd known all along.

The butler stiffened under Daniel's scrutiny.

"If Liam can't appreciate what he has," Daniel continued, voice dropping dangerously, "perhaps he should set her free. There are plenty who would value her properly."

Olivia rushed forward, grasping Daniel's sleeve in warning. The last time these two men clashed, Daniel had spent the night in jail. Provoking Liam on his own doorstep was madness.

"Message received, Mr. Bennett," the butler replied evenly.

Daniel turned to leave, but not before calling over his shoulder: "If you need anything - anything at all - you know where to find me."

Olivia's pulse hammered as she typed frantically: "Please don't mention this to Liam. Daniel was just being kind. He'd been drinking and didn't mean—"

Her fingers stilled as she realized the implication. She cursed her clumsy excuse.

The butler cleared his throat uncomfortably. "Madam..."

Before he could continue, a shadow moved in the doorway. Liam stood framed in the entrance, his expression thunderous.

"Why are you defending him?" The question cracked through the night like a whip.