Chapter 72
Olivia's jaw tightened, her lashes fluttering slightly as she confronted the harsh truth of her circumstances. No matter where she went, complications always seemed to chase her. But did that mean she should surrender to Liam's control forever?
Her gaze locked with Liam's, burning with an intensity that made him blink. The fire in her eyes was new - a blazing defiance he'd never witnessed before.
"Liam, we shouldn't pressure her. If Olivia isn't comfortable, I'll withdraw from the shoot. She deserves that choice," Evelyn interjected, her voice dripping with false sympathy.
Olivia gave Evelyn a dismissive glance, signaling she could manage perfectly well without her.
"Isabella says you're free to leave. Olivia will begin filming the moment you're gone," Isabella relayed sharply, irritation coloring her tone.
"Perfect, let's have Olivia take over then. We're all set to begin," the director announced, swiftly organizing the crew. The unspoken consensus in the room clearly favored Evelyn's departure.
Evelyn's eyes darted to Liam, seeking support, but found his attention wholly consumed by Olivia. His intense stare held no room for Evelyn's theatrics.
When the successful shoot concluded, Westfield University sent Olivia a glowing commendation letter. Beaming with pride, she snapped a photo and shared it across her social platforms, savoring this hard-earned victory.
For the first time in years, Olivia tasted genuine happiness - a stark contrast to the suffocating existence under Liam's thumb. She'd spent too long walking on eggshells, catering to Liam's moods and Evelyn's manipulations. Why should she keep considering their feelings when hers were constantly disregarded?
"Did you hear? Miss Clarke is coming for an inspection today!"
Office chatter swirled around Olivia as she worked at Whitmore Holdings. Normally, she ignored such gossip, but one name caught her attention.
"Victoria? She always makes a spectacle of these visits," a colleague scoffed.
Another voice chimed in, "Exactly. All show, no substance. She holds no real authority here."
"Besides, she won't even visit our department. Nothing to worry about."
Despite their reassurance, unease prickled Olivia's skin. Victoria bore a personal grudge against her. With Alexander and William's backing, Olivia hoped Victoria wouldn't dare cause trouble.
She underestimated Victoria's audacity.
A commotion erupted in the hallway, followed by Victoria's shrill voice. "A new department? My expertise in antique restoration qualifies me to inspect it."
Olivia's pulse quickened. Victoria was coming for her. Their last encounter had ended with Victoria's humiliation after destroying an artifact Olivia restored.
Though vindicated, Olivia knew Victoria's resentment hadn't faded. Now that Victoria discovered Olivia's position at Whitmore Holdings, trouble was inevitable.
Clicking heels announced Victoria's arrival. She appeared in the doorway, clad in an eye-searing fuchsia ensemble.
"Olivia! What a...surprise," Victoria lied through her teeth, her gaze sweeping the room. "So this is where you've been hiding. Explains all the commotion I've heard since arriving. Your talent for disruption remains unmatched!"
Olivia rose calmly, meeting Victoria's glare with steady composure. The office had been silent until Victoria's dramatic entrance.
Olivia knew exactly why she'd come - to fabricate issues and stir conflict.
"Even new departments must follow company regulations. These cabinets violate standards. Rearrange them immediately or face consequences," Victoria demanded, pointing to storage units in the corner.
"Those items are heat-sensitive," Isabella countered sharply. "Their placement complies with company policy regarding temperature control."
Isabella, familiar with Victoria's antics, refused to indulge her theatrics.
"Was this arrangement approved? Or are you making arbitrary changes? Look at your manager!" Victoria sneered. "A housewife with no professional experience dictating procedures? The absurdity!"
Olivia had anticipated this. Earlier, she'd prepared a message on her phone. Now, she displayed it calmly: "Does William know about the bookstore fire?"
William had once apologized for Victoria's behavior after she'd humiliated Olivia at a party. Olivia now realized the Hayes family remained unaware of the bookstore arson incident.
Victoria's smug mask cracked. Fear and rage twisted her features. "You dare threaten me?" she hissed.
Then her expression morphed into a vicious grin. "You should know Abigail is marrying my cousin soon. Not only is she my dearest friend, but your mother-in-law's niece. Soon, Margaret will side with me. How long do you think you'll last here?"