Chapter 386

Olivia realized Catherine was completely missing the point. Her patience wearing thin, she jerked her hand away abruptly.

"Escort her out!" Olivia commanded sharply.

At this, Catherine lifted her chin in defiance, her eyes flashing with contempt as she glared at Isabelle. But she hadn't expected the security team to actually move forward to remove her.

Catherine's bravado evaporated as she stammered, "Mrs. Ellington, what's happening? There must be some mistake! Didn't you like my gift? That's impossible - I spent a fortune on it!"

Beatrice's expression remained icy, forcing Catherine to reassess the situation with her limited understanding.

"You can't treat me like this!" Catherine shrieked. "I invested my entire savings in that gift! You accepted it, and now you're betraying me?"

The moment the words left her mouth, Catherine regretted them, but desperation had taken over.

Confusion clouded Catherine's mind. She couldn't comprehend what had angered Beatrice. The thought of reclaiming the painting crossed her mind - perhaps she could sell it later for some much-needed cash.

Now completely financially dependent on Victor, every extravagant purchase required signing an IOU. Catherine had dreamed of a better life after cutting ties with Liam, but her current situation was far worse than before.

Beatrice trembled with fury, pointing an unsteady finger at Catherine. "You... You..." She struggled to breathe, overwhelmed by Catherine's shameless behavior.

Victoria, seeing her mother's distress, quickly steadied her and snapped, "Remove her immediately! And return that painting to her."

Catherine was unceremoniously dragged out in full view of everyone. With the drama concluded, Olivia decided to take the upset Isabelle home for some rest. She turned to bid Beatrice farewell.

Unexpectedly, Beatrice pulled her aside.

"My dear," Beatrice began with a warm smile. "Were you surprised by my invitation? After all, you had no prior connection to our family. Truthfully, it was all for my daughter's sake."

Olivia frowned slightly. "Mrs. Ellington, what do you mean?"

Beatrice sighed, seeming to wrestle with her words before continuing gently. "Never mind that. My sister was quite rude today. Please accept my apologies on her behalf. I hope you're not too upset."

Olivia nodded understandingly. Victoria had indeed been harsh, but the real issue lay with Catherine and Lillian.

Changing the subject, Olivia smiled. "Mrs. Ellington, I hope you liked the birthday present I chose for you."

Beatrice's face lit up with genuine pleasure. "I adored it. Yours was my absolute favorite gift."

Olivia's gift hadn't been extravagant. She had hand-carved a crane symbolizing longevity - an intricate piece full of meaning, yet not particularly valuable.

Amelia had worried the present might seem inadequate. But Olivia understood Beatrice better. Far from ordinary, Beatrice required a different approach. Having devoted her life to her family, all she truly valued was sincerity.