Chapter 375

Olivia's eyes turned icy. "I have both the funds to pay for your services and the means to protect my interests. Are we clear?"

The man paled instantly. "Yes," he stammered, nodding frantically before clutching the money and scurrying away.

Exhausted, Olivia collapsed onto the sofa.

Amelia returned after completing her tasks, her heart aching at Olivia's distress. "Olivia, I know you're worried, but if you fall apart, Isabelle will sense something is wrong," she said gently.

Olivia drew in a sharp breath. "You're right. But how can I stay calm when Alistair is missing and we have no leads?"

Amelia slid an envelope across the desk toward her. "Take a look at this first. And please, try to rest."

Frowning slightly, Olivia picked up the envelope and opened it. Inside was an invitation—from the Ellington family, requesting her presence.

Confusion flickered across her face.

"Why would the Ellingtons invite me?"

During her time with the Blackwoods, Olivia had deliberately kept her distance from the Ellingtons. Now, out of nowhere, they wanted her at their banquet.

Seeing her hesitation, Amelia offered, "Olivia, if you're uncomfortable, I can decline on your behalf. The messenger is still waiting outside."

Olivia shook her head, studying the invitation closely. Her finger traced the embossed emblem. "Look at this—this symbol marks it as a VIP invitation. Whatever their motives, sending this personally means they're serious."

A faint smirk curled her lips. "It's fine. I'm curious to see how Catherine will react when I show up unannounced."

Amelia nodded. "Understood."

Just then, Olivia's phone rang insistently. Sebastian's name flashed on the screen. The line was silent until Olivia, impatient, broke it. "Sebastian, I'm busy. If you have nothing to say, I'm hanging up."

"Olivia, wait!" His voice was rushed, laced with urgency.

"I'm calling about Evelyn. If this angers you, take it out on me—I won't fight back. But I need to warn you—if this continues, it won't end well for you. You know how the Hartleys operate."

Olivia laughed, her tone cool. "I doubt the Hartleys are any real threat to me right now. Sebastian, if you're in trouble, just say so. We've known each other long enough—I won't hold it against you."

Her calmness only deepened Sebastian's guilt. He exhaled shakily, voice thick with regret. "I need to get Evelyn out. She can't stay in this situation any longer."

Olivia didn't hesitate. "Fine. Come and get her."