Chapter 502

Alexander Montgomery unclenched his fists with deliberate control. As he watched Olivia Sinclair and Liam Blackwood walk away, he issued a sharp command to his security team. "From now on, Mr. Jack is banned from every high-society event where I might encounter him."

The moment they turned the corner, Olivia pulled her hand from Liam's grasp. "You're enjoying this while I'm the one being called every name in the book," Liam muttered, his jaw tight with irritation.

Olivia's lips curved in a faint, knowing smile. "Isn't this exactly what you wanted? Though I could always return to Alexander if this becomes too troublesome."

Liam's expression shifted instantly, his voice softening as he reached for her. "You know I didn't mean it like that."

Olivia understood his meaning perfectly. She chose not to press the issue, instead glancing around the grand hall. Suddenly, a blur of movement caught her attention.

A woman in mismatched athletic wear came barreling toward them with startling speed. Olivia barely had time to react before they nearly collided.

Stumbling backward, Olivia felt Liam's steadying grip on her elbow. The stranger wasn't so fortunate - she tumbled to the marble floor with an undignified thud, drawing gasps from nearby guests. As Olivia regained her balance, she studied the woman's face, struck by a strange sense of recognition.

Despite the inappropriate attire, the woman was undeniably beautiful. Now sitting on the floor, she began weeping dramatically, her shoulders shaking with exaggerated sobs.

Recognition dawned on Olivia. This was the same woman who'd appeared at the racetrack that morning in an evening gown. Olivia's expression darkened. She'd initially pitied the woman's naivety, but this stunt reeked of calculated manipulation.

Noticing Olivia's reaction, Liam leaned in, his breath warm against her ear. "Do you know her?"

Olivia pressed her lips together and shook her head. "Let's go. I have no interest in this spectacle."

They'd barely taken a step when the woman grabbed Olivia's ankle with surprising strength. "You can't just walk away!" she wailed. "You owe me an explanation!"

Olivia's eyebrows shot up. "Excuse me? What exactly am I supposed to explain?"

The woman's tears flowed freely now, her voice trembling with accusation. "You told me to wear this! Now they're throwing me out! What did I ever do to you?"

A disbelieving laugh escaped Olivia's lips. The audacity was almost impressive.

"Do you dress without considering the occasion?" Olivia countered coolly. "I merely suggested your evening gown was inappropriate for daytime at the races. I certainly didn't tell you to show up at a black-tie gala in gym clothes. Don't you understand basic social etiquette?"

She continued, her voice laced with icy precision, "When I gave you advice this morning, it was out of kindness. Yet you accuse me of sabotaging you? Tell me - what possible motive would I have?"

The woman's tear-filled eyes widened further, her lower lip trembling.

Liam's voice cut through the tension like a blade. "Olivia, you're being far too generous." His gaze swept over the sniffling woman with undisguised contempt. "Security! Remove this nuisance immediately."

The crowd murmured as uniformed guards approached. Olivia straightened her gown, her expression unreadable. This little drama wasn't over - she could feel it in her bones.