Chapter 437

The barrage of reporters' questions hit Olivia Sinclair like a physical blow. "Did Olivia Sinclair actually murder Beatrice Ellington?" one journalist demanded. "You never reported her to authorities. Are you shielding her, or were you involved?"

"You claim she was framed. Then why no police involvement? And where's Beatrice Ellington's body now?"

"You're accusing Victoria Ellington of killing her own mother? But they were inseparable. How does that make sense?"

"Rumor has it Olivia interfered in Victoria and Daniel's relationship. Any truth to that? What do you know about it?"

Olivia's phone clattered to the floor, the screen shattering like her composure. She rose on unsteady legs, shoulders sagging under invisible weight. Never had she imagined Liam Blackwood would endure such public scrutiny without defending himself.

Emotions swirled violently in Olivia's chest. Part of her recoiled at his silent protection. The thought of him suffering for her crimes made her physically ill, though she'd never voice that truth. Instead, she convinced herself it was simply about avoiding further indebtedness.

With sudden determination, Olivia moved toward the door. Little Isabelle clung to her sleeve. "Mommy, please don't leave me! I'm scared you won't come back like before—"

Tears pooled in the child's wide eyes, threatening to overflow.

After a brief hesitation, Olivia arranged for Isabelle to accompany her. The moment they stepped outside, the girl began chattering excitedly.

"When Liam went to handle those mean people hurting you earlier, he wouldn't let me go. Said I had to stay and protect you instead. Are we going to punish them now?"

A lump formed in Olivia's throat. "Did he... say anything else?"

Isabelle shook her head vigorously.

Olivia exhaled slowly. "Sweetheart, from now on, I want you to tell me everything Liam says to you, understand?"

Though confused, the child nodded obediently.

At the press conference, Liam remained unshaken despite the explosive allegations. Methodically, he presented damning evidence accumulated over months. Eyewitness accounts and surveillance footage placed Victoria fleeing the Ellington estate on the day in question.

Victoria had erased all internal security recordings, but missed one critical external camera. While not definitive proof, the timestamped footage shattered her alibi of being abroad during her mother's death.

Previously, Victoria had sworn under oath she'd been overseas, completely unaware of events at the family home. Yet here was irrefutable video evidence of her departure mere hours after Beatrice's estimated time of death.

Most damningly, pharmacy records showed Victoria had purchased the exact neurotoxin found in Olivia's system—during her supposed trip abroad. The mounting evidence left the assembled reporters speechless.

Watching the broadcast, Victoria's triumphant smirk dissolved into horror.

Before today, Liam had always appeared cornered by her maneuvers. How had he amassed this arsenal of proof? And why had he waited until now to deploy it?