Chapter 383

Olivia Sinclair slipped into the grand hall unnoticed, her presence like a shadow amidst the glittering crowd. Without hesitation, she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Lillian Winslow, her tears flowing freely. "Lillian! My poor darling! Why didn't you tell me you were being bullied? People must think I'm weak, that's why they targeted you. This is all my fault!"

Lillian clung to Olivia desperately, their shared sobs creating a pitiful spectacle. To any observer, they appeared as the wronged victims of some terrible injustice.

Victoria Sinclair regained her composure and turned blazing eyes toward Isabelle. "Are you satisfied now, seeing how this has ended?"

Isabelle let out a scornful laugh. "Need I remind you who created this scene? Who tried to throw my daughter out without hearing both sides? I know you look down on us, but my daughter is my line in the sand. Come after her, and you come after me."

A hush fell over the gathered guests, though Victoria still muttered under her breath, "Is that a threat? Who do you think you are? The audacity!"

Despite Victoria's obvious contempt, the crowd knew better than to cross Olivia Sinclair. News of her recent acquisition of Newport's largest auction house had spread like wildfire through high society. The Sinclair name now carried weight none could ignore.

Their earlier boldness had stemmed from seeing Olivia as just another divorced woman with a child. But her fierce protection of Isabelle had caught them off guard. Olivia turned her icy gaze on Catherine Winslow. "Catherine, have you forgotten your promise to me?"

Catherine froze at Olivia's words, her dramatic display faltering momentarily.

A flicker of panic crossed her features before she composed herself. After all, the Kensington family's influence in Crestwood far surpassed that of the Blackwoods. With this thought, Catherine regained some confidence. She rose from her kneeling position, maintaining her carefully crafted look of distress. "Olivia, I know you resent me for our past disagreements. I don't want to fight, but you shouldn't have dragged my child into this. You forced Lillian to confess to protect Isabelle. Is this how you raise your daughter?"

Olivia's lips curled in a cold smile. Clearly, Catherine had found herself a powerful ally.

"I knew it! You viper! You coerced her daughter into taking the blame. Your presence disgusts me. Get out!" Victoria's voice rang through the hall as she signaled to her security.

"Today is your sister's birthday celebration. We're all here for her. You can't simply eject a guest. Don't you care about your sister's feelings?" Natalie Bennett stepped forward, positioning herself protectively in front of Olivia as she glared at Victoria.

Victoria smirked. "And who are you? My cousin merely married into your family. That doesn't make you important. Move aside or I'll have you removed too."

Seeing Victoria's determination, Olivia knew the woman would follow through. Having accomplished what she came for, Olivia saw no reason to stay. She turned to Catherine, who now cowered behind Victoria. "Catherine, that painting you begged me to give you freely now serves as your gift to Beatrice Ellington. Is this how you repay kindness?"

Feeling the weight of judgmental stares, Catherine quickly denied the accusation. "No! Everyone, please listen! I paid good money for that painting. Olivia, stop spreading lies! How could it possibly be a gift from you? Mrs. Ellington loves the painting, and now you're trying to steal my credit, aren't you?"