Chapter 37

The moment the USB connected and the banquet hall's projector flickered to life, Victoria Clarke's face twisted in frustration. "Are you serious? Over ten hours of footage? This has to be intentional!"

Liam Blackwood's sharp voice cut through the murmurs. "Just focus on the final result."

Olivia Sinclair glanced at Liam, surprised by his unexpected defense. Victoria's cheeks burned crimson as whispers and stifled laughter spread through the gathered guests.

"Why does Victoria look so guilty? What is she hiding?"

"What possible reason could she have for framing Mrs. Blackwood?"

Victoria's fingers clenched around her skirt fabric, her mind racing for an escape route from the mounting suspicion.

Meanwhile, Olivia expertly navigated the computer and played the restoration video. The high-definition footage zoomed in on the fully restored bracelet - flawless, as if never broken. Even the microscopic seams where fragments had been painstakingly rejoined were invisible to the naked eye.

A collective gasp swept through the room at the impeccable craftsmanship.

The video showed Olivia carefully placing the restored bracelet into a presentation box, which Gregory Thornton had then sealed with his distinctive emblem. Though Gregory himself didn't appear in the footage, his renowned authentication mark was unmistakable.

"You work at Gregory Thornton's restoration studio?" William Hayes exclaimed, rushing toward Olivia with sudden reverence.

Caught off guard, Olivia simply nodded.

William's entire demeanor transformed. "My dear, why didn't you say so earlier? I must apologize profoundly for this misunderstanding. Please forgive my granddaughter's foolishness."

To everyone's shock, William guided Olivia to the seat of honor, treating her with more respect than his own flesh and blood.

Olivia sat stiffly, confusion written across her features.

"Grandfather, I—" Victoria stammered, equally stunned by William's reaction to Gregory's name. Her prepared excuses died on her lips when William cut her off.

"Apologize to Mrs. Blackwood immediately! How dare you accuse someone from Gregory Thornton's studio? This is beyond disgraceful!"

Tears welled in Victoria's eyes as her earlier arrogance evaporated. "I didn't mean to... It was an accident..."

William Hayes was notorious for his temper, especially with family. Privileges could be revoked, allowances cut without hesitation. Despite her hatred for Olivia, Victoria stepped forward with practiced remorse. "I'm sorry, Olivia. I should have been more careful with the bracelet after your incredible work. I never meant to falsely accuse you."

Olivia began to sign her response, but before she could type it out, Liam smoothly interpreted. "Normal wear wouldn't cause this type of damage. Pieces restored by Gregory's studio are nearly as durable as the originals."

Olivia wasn't trying to humiliate Victoria - she simply refused to let anyone believe Gregory's restorations were fragile.

Her hands moved again, pointing at the damaged bracelet as Liam translated. "These fractures weren't caused by accidental drops. Look here - these are clearly hammer strikes. See the distinctive impact marks?"

William hastily put on his reading glasses. After a brief inspection, he inhaled sharply. "She's right! This was deliberate vandalism!"

Victoria's tears flowed freely now - not from guilt, but from her scheme unraveling. She adopted a pitiful expression, hoping for mercy.

William showed none. His palm connected sharply with her cheek. "Don't play the fool with me! Did you think I wouldn't recognize intentional damage when I saw it?"

Victoria clutched her stinging face, too terrified to continue crying.

Her flimsy excuse collapsed under scrutiny. The Hayes family meticulously inspected all gifts before important events. Any damage would have been noticed immediately - meaning this was premeditated.

The slap silenced the room until a young guest whispered, "William's temper hasn't softened. When I was twelve, he caught me climbing his prized magnolia and tanned my hide right there in the garden. I avoided Hayes Manor for years after that."

Turning back to Olivia, William's voice softened. "My deepest apologies for tonight's disgrace. I'll personally visit Gregory's studio to make amends."

Olivia shook her head - the cleared misunderstanding was satisfaction enough.

"Wait... you look familiar," William said suddenly. "Aren't you the Reeves girl? Olivia?"

This recognition was no coincidence. To society, Olivia had always been just Liam Blackwood's silent wife. Now, her proven skill demanded their respect.

Olivia nodded, offering William a warm smile as she signed that she remembered him too.

"I recall your childhood fascination with antiques! I was there when Gregory took you as his apprentice at the Reeves estate!" William exclaimed excitedly.

He turned to his butler. "Bring the Ming Dynasty blue-and-white porcelain set from my study."

Facing Olivia again, William smiled. "I've had this set for decades. Two pieces need restoration - work I believe only you can perform."

Olivia's eyes widened at the unexpected commission.

William announced to the room, "This is my gift to you. I hope you'll accept it."

Shocked murmurs rippled through the crowd.

This porcelain set was William's most prized possession - priceless on the antiquities market. Countless collectors had offered fortunes for it, always refused. Now he was gifting it to Olivia.