Chapter 414

"I said leave!" Beatrice Ellington's voice cut through the air like a whip.

Victoria Ellington stood frozen, her face pale with shock. Without another word, Beatrice stormed out and began barking orders at the staff to pack Victoria's belongings.

The world seemed to tilt beneath Victoria's feet. Her hands trembled uncontrollably before she finally collapsed into a chair, utterly defeated. She couldn't comprehend where she'd gone wrong.

All she'd wanted was to protect her marriage, to remove the threat to her husband. Was that so terrible? Why did everyone act like she was the villain? She couldn't accept that she was wrong.

Emotions threatened to drown her as she struggled to breathe. With sudden determination, Victoria pushed herself up and marched out of the study.

She found Beatrice in the hallway, still directing servants to remove her possessions, her expression carved from stone. Though Beatrice's anger burned bright, part of her didn't truly want her daughter gone. Yet seeing Victoria's cold, unyielding stance, she hardened her resolve.

Victoria needed this harsh lesson before she crossed a line that couldn't be uncrossed. The thought of what might happen otherwise made Beatrice's stomach twist.

"Remove every last item!" Beatrice's voice rang out sharply. "I want no trace of her remaining in this house by sunset! Where she goes matters not to me. After her actions, she wouldn't dare show her face here regardless. I no longer claim her as my daughter!"

Beatrice's tirade was abruptly cut off as someone shoved her violently from behind, sending her sprawling to the floor with a startled cry.

Meanwhile, Olivia Sinclair studied Liam Blackwood's stubborn expression. She understood he wouldn't budge. Drawing a deep breath, she felt her patience wearing dangerously thin. The time for games had passed.

"So you refuse to leave?" Olivia's voice was tight with tension. "Fine. Then Isabelle and I will be the ones to go."

Liam remained silent, but the hurt in his gaze spoke volumes.

Sebastian Montgomery cleared his throat awkwardly. "The situation is this, Ms. Kensington: Mr. Blackwood currently has no alternative accommodations in Crestwood."

"What?" A disbelieving smirk tugged at Olivia's lips. "That's the most ridiculous claim I've ever heard."

Wiping sweat from his brow, Sebastian continued with grave sincerity.

"Mr. Blackwood has been disowned by his own family. While the Blackwoods wouldn't dare punish him directly, they're determined to uncover his true identity. Maintaining the persona of Mr. Jack is his only protection. He can't risk losing it. Currently, every hotel and rental agency in Crestwood has standing orders from the family. Any new lease must be reported immediately to the Blackwoods. They've arranged surveillance on all new tenants."

Olivia's scowl deepened. "Do you take me for a fool? How could Victor possibly manage that? Thousands of people rent properties daily."

Sebastian's expression turned deadly serious. "Yet he has. You should understand the Blackwood family's influence in Crestwood. Don't believe me? Test it yourself. Victor likely knows everything about you by now."

Olivia found herself momentarily speechless. While Victor might be incompetent in business, she couldn't deny his extensive network of informants. After all, he'd been the one to orchestrate Liam's downfall years ago. The man clearly had resources.

Still, Olivia refused to yield. "That still doesn't explain why Liam must stay with me. I've crossed the Blackwoods. Why should that be my problem?"

At that moment, Isabelle, who had been quietly observing, suddenly spoke up. "Mommy, the lady who took me mentioned her son's last name was Blackwood."

"Blackwood?" Olivia's head snapped toward Liam, confusion written across her face.

Liam looked almost defeated as he explained, "Richard has an illegitimate son with his mistress, though the boy has never been particularly capable."