Chapter 441

The room plunged into silence. No one dared to challenge her presence.

Eleanor Blackwood commanded respect with just her presence. Crossing her meant inviting instant social ruin, becoming the target of vicious gossip.

Liam Blackwood glanced up at Eleanor, his brow furrowing slightly. "You didn't have to return for this," he murmured.

Eleanor's lips curved into a playful pout, softening her usually stern expression. "I missed you terribly," she confessed with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Don't you miss me at all?"

Liam remembered his role as her brother. Maintaining his cover was crucial. "Naturally," he forced himself to reply.

A radiant smile illuminated Eleanor's face.

To any observer, it appeared to be nothing more than a tender sibling moment.

Victor Blackwood paled dramatically. So this wasn't Liam? Damn! He'd just insulted someone extremely powerful.

Evelyn Hartley panicked even more. She sprang to her feet, nearly tripping in her haste. If this man was truly Eleanor's brother, Mr. Jack, then Olivia would gain even more leverage against her. Blast it! Why did Olivia always—

An idea struck Eleanor, and she turned her icy gaze toward Olivia.

Olivia wasn't certain if she imagined it, but Eleanor's eyes seemed to hold a dangerous glint when looking at her.

Suddenly, Eleanor pointed an accusing finger at Olivia. "He's my brother, but I've never seen this woman before. She certainly wasn't the one who rescued him abroad. She's clearly using him for her own purposes."

Gasps filled the room at Eleanor's shocking accusation. Evelyn exhaled in relief, settling back into her chair with a triumphant smirk as she watched Olivia's face drain of color.

Liam grabbed Eleanor's arm and pulled her aside, his voice a low, dangerous growl. "What the hell are you playing at?"

Eleanor blinked innocently before whispering, "You're impersonating my brother, so I must tell the truth. If I hadn't returned, this woman would have exposed you. Oliver's right—she's trouble. I'm helping you. Can't you see that?"

Her expression shifted to one of genuine concern mixed with frustration. "You've maintained this identity flawlessly for years. I won't let you throw it all away for some woman!"

With a regal wave of her hand, Eleanor commanded the gathering, "Detain that woman immediately! She's an imposter claiming to have saved my brother!"

Evelyn eagerly added fuel to the fire. "Miss Blackwood, she's also a murder suspect! She deceived your brother, hoping he'd help her escape justice. Don't let her get away!"

Eleanor's piercing gaze locked onto Olivia, burning with intensity. "You're absolutely correct. She won't escape."

Liam released Eleanor's arm, his voice cutting through the room like ice. "I dare anyone to lay a finger on her! Whether she saved me or not is irrelevant now. What matters is that I love her."