Chapter 318

Marcus Whitmore's voice carried a conspiratorial tone as he leaned closer to Olivia Sinclair. His sharp eyes darted toward her reaction before continuing. "There's something even more peculiar. The Winslow family appears to be crumbling, yet they're living like royalty."

"You might find this interesting," he added, lowering his voice. "Richard has transferred control of Blackwood Enterprises to Victor - their bastard son."

A sardonic smile played on Marcus's lips. "Rumor has it the boy showed up on their doorstep uninvited. Richard's forbidden anyone from speaking about it. And get this - the Winslows and Hartleys just hosted an engagement gala that could bankrupt a small country."

Olivia's perfectly shaped eyebrows shot up. An illegitimate son? That had to be Victor.

An engagement between the Winslows and Hartleys? That made no sense. Hadn't Liam severed ties with his family? Which meant Victor was now engaged to Evelyn. What twisted fate brought those two together?

Marcus mirrored Olivia's bewildered expression.

The Winslow fortune was dwindling, yet they threw money around like confetti. As Olivia processed this paradox, realization struck like lightning.

Liam had once confessed that her parents and Henry had left her substantial assets, systematically stolen by Margaret over the years. Those resources were undoubtedly funding Richard and Victor's extravagant lifestyle. Essentially, the Winslows were thriving on stolen inheritance - hers.

Olivia's delicate features twisted in contempt. Just because she'd been too preoccupied to deal with them didn't mean she'd forgotten. It was time they repaid every stolen penny - with substantial interest.

Turning to Marcus, her emerald eyes softened with genuine gratitude. "Thank you. I know you've been monitoring this situation for me."

Marcus waved a dismissive hand, his aristocratic features schooled into indifference. "Don't flatter yourself. I simply enjoy high society gossip."

Olivia couldn't suppress the melodic laughter that bubbled up.

Clearing his throat, Marcus added with uncharacteristic seriousness, "Truthfully, I despise what the Winslows have become. Under Liam's leadership, they were Crestwood's most respected dynasty, governed by honor. Now? They're just vulgar social climbers with more money than class."

Olivia exhaled quietly, troubled by his accurate assessment. If Henry knew how far his family had fallen, it would break his heart.

Eager to change the subject, Olivia expertly steered the conversation toward Marcus's latest art exhibition. She selected several exquisite pieces as gifts before returning to her penthouse.

She'd planned to present Donovan Kensington with his birthday gift immediately, but the usually predictable man was conspicuously absent.

Donovan, despite his flamboyant personality, had declined any birthday festivities this year.

Leadership suited Donovan perfectly. His days were consumed by boardroom battles and international deals, leaving little time for personal indulgences.