Chapter 304

The familiar deep voice made Olivia Sinclair question if stress was playing tricks on her mind. The murmurs from the surrounding crowd grew louder.

Liam Blackwood approached with Sebastian Montgomery at his side, his confident stride exuding quiet authority as he faced Donovan Kensington. "Mr. Kensington, I heard about this little gathering at your place. Hope you don't mind an unexpected guest?"

"Unexpected guests often bring the most interesting conversations. You're most welcome!" Donovan replied with an easy smile.

Julian Kensington, who had been observing from the sidelines, suddenly interjected sharply, "Donovan, have you gone mad? Liam wasn't invited. Security! Remove him immediately!"

"No invitation?" Donovan's eyebrows arched as he made a subtle gesture to an attendant.

The attendant promptly produced an engraved invitation, presenting it to Liam with both hands.

"My apologies for the late delivery, Mr. Blackwood. We weren't certain of your current residence," Donovan explained smoothly.

Liam's gaze flickered toward Julian, noting the poorly concealed disdain.

"It seems Mr. Julian Kensington objects to my presence."

Julian's lips curled in a sneer. "I wouldn't dare. It's just that your... reputation precedes you throughout Crestwood."

Liam took three deliberate steps forward, his imposing presence making the space between them feel suddenly smaller.

Julian instinctively took half a step back, his expression flickering with unease.

"Are you referring to those baseless accusations about my mother's death? Do you have proof, or are you just spreading rumors?" Liam's voice cut like steel.

Julian, caught off guard by the direct challenge, recovered with forced sarcasm. "Mr. Blackwood, are you suggesting your own family wronged you? That your expulsion from the Blackwood estate was unjust?"

Liam turned toward the police officers present. "The authorities are right here. Accusations require evidence. Ask them if they've found any proof of these alleged crimes."

The lead officer shook his head, addressing the room. "Our investigation has uncovered no concrete evidence linking Mr. Blackwood to any crime. He remains only a person of interest. Without solid proof, such claims are irresponsible."

Julian's jaw tightened but he gave a stiff nod of acknowledgment.

The officer then turned to Liam, gesturing toward Olivia. "Can you verify your whereabouts with her at the service entrance?"

"Certainly. I needed to deliver something to her. I asked Mr. Donovan Kensington to relay the message, and she met me there to receive the item," Liam stated without hesitation.

Before anyone could react, Donovan confirmed, "That's exactly what happened."

Liam continued, his voice carrying through the hall, "As for the identical dress - Olivia's outfit tonight is quite distinctive. Anyone could have copied it to frame her. And if Olivia truly wanted to harm Seraphina, why would she approach in such recognizable attire rather than changing first?"

Julian scrambled for a response. "Perhaps it was... an impulsive act of malice." His voice lacked conviction.