Chapter 451

"Apologize immediately if you've done something wrong," Margaret Sinclair commanded sharply, her voice cutting through the tense air. Oliver Thompson flinched, tears pooling in his wide eyes as he faced Olivia Sinclair.

"You always told me we were the most unfortunate children in the world," Oliver choked out between sobs. "That the universe owed us. You said everything I did was justified. So why am I being punished now? I didn't think teasing her was wrong. You never corrected me before!"

"Silence!" Margaret's complexion turned ghostly pale. The unexpected revelation from the child left her momentarily speechless.

Margaret had always believed these street children were naturally rebellious and impossible to discipline. It had been easier to let them run wild than to actually parent them - a convenient excuse to maintain her charitable facade.

Olivia observed Margaret's guilty expression and added pointedly, "If you're truly incapable of raising them properly, perhaps they'd be better off in state care. You're doing them no favors by permitting this behavior."

"How dare you judge me?" Margaret snapped, her temper flaring. "I give them everything! Some children simply won't listen. I never taught him to lie or bully others. Heaven knows where he learned such things."

Turning back to Oliver with a threatening glare, Margaret hissed, "If you don't apologize this instant, I'll send you back to the gutters where I found you!"

Trembling violently, Oliver shuffled forward. "On your knees! Now!" Margaret barked, her patience completely spent.

The boy dropped to his knees, offering a pitiful, whispered apology. He looked every bit the tragic orphan - a child who'd never been taught right from wrong. Olivia remained unmoved by his display. She'd done nothing to deserve his cruelty.

As they prepared to leave, little Isabelle tugged at Olivia's sleeve. "Mummy, why didn't we just leave earlier? They were both so mean. But... Oliver looked really sad at the end," she said with innocent curiosity.

Olivia smiled wistfully, remembering how her own gentle nature had once made her a target for bullies - kindness that was never reciprocated. Kneeling to meet Isabelle's gaze, Olivia spoke softly but firmly.

"Darling, it's vital to stand up for yourself. When someone hurts you, they must make amends. Never feel sympathy for those who cause you pain."

Isabelle frowned, struggling to comprehend the lesson. Olivia gently pinched her daughter's cheek, silently promising there was no rush to understand. Suddenly, Olivia's hand brushed against her empty pocket where she'd secured the jade earlier. Her blood ran cold - it was gone.

Without hesitation, Olivia sprinted back toward the beach, scanning the sand desperately. The crowds had dispersed. Margaret and Oliver had vanished. Despite an exhaustive search, the precious heirloom remained missing. Olivia knew with certainty it hadn't simply fallen out - it had been stolen during the confrontation.

Her expression hardened into steel. "Monitor all major antique markets in Newport," she instructed her team sharply. "The moment that jade surfaces, intercept the seller."

The unspoken threat of police involvement hung heavy in her words. This wasn't just any trinket - it was a priceless family artifact passed down through generations. And Olivia Sinclair would move heaven and earth to get it back.