Chapter 79

"Alexander invited Olivia personally. What's your issue with that?" Victoria and her clique were interrupted by a commanding voice. It was Alexander Hayes, descending the grand staircase with effortless grace.

Alexander's status among the Whitmore heirs was undeniable. The room instantly hushed at his presence.

His words detonated like an explosion. Olivia Sinclair had been personally summoned by William Hayes himself. The crowd suddenly remembered Olivia's prestigious role as consultant for Whitmore Holdings, with that staggering compensation package.

The same people who'd been mocking Olivia moments ago now paled, hastily distancing themselves from Victoria. Some even began shooting her disapproving glances.

Cornered and humiliated, Victoria's face twisted as the silence around her thickened.

Ignoring her discomfort, Alexander approached Olivia. "Grandfather is expecting you. Let's proceed to the study."

His announcement sent shockwaves through the gathering. William Hayes was waiting for Olivia in his private study - a privilege rarely granted to anyone, let alone someone outside the family.

"Is she dating Alexander?" someone whispered after Olivia departed.

"Don't be absurd! She's Liam's wife!" another countered.

"Ah, so she's favored because she's Mrs. Blackwood."

"But haven't you heard? Liam and Olivia are having problems. Rumor has it he's been seen with Evelyn Hartley frequently."

As realization dawned about William's high regard for Olivia, the crowd turned on Victoria.

"Victoria, are you deliberately tarnishing the Whitmore name? We won't tolerate such disgraceful behavior!"

"Olivia outranks you at Whitmore Holdings! How dare you speak to her like that?"

"Clearly Victoria hasn't learned from Grandfather's last reprimand. Now she's targeting Olivia again."

"Perhaps she needs psychiatric evaluation. Someone should arrange a mental health check!"

Overwhelmed by her family's sudden condemnation, Victoria burned with rage and humiliation. She nearly bolted upstairs to confront Olivia directly.

At the end of the second-floor corridor stood William's study. Following Alexander, Olivia experienced déjà vu at how similar the layout was to Henry Winslow's private office.

"Grandfather, Olivia is here," Alexander announced, holding the door open for her before discreetly closing it behind her.

Olivia offered William a warm smile and respectful nod.

"Come in, my dear!" William greeted her enthusiastically. After seating her, he gestured to an array of delicacies. "I wasn't certain what young people enjoy these days, so I had these prepared specially. Please, indulge yourself."

The gourmet treats were clearly selected with care, bringing a delighted smile to Olivia's face as she expressed silent gratitude.

Even Alexander didn't enjoy such private audiences with William, making Olivia increasingly curious about what discussions William had shared with Henry in the past.

"Olivia, you might assume my generosity stems from Henry, but that's only partially true," William began carefully. "Your exceptional skills warrant both the compensation and special treatment. You're far more capable than any of my disappointing grandchildren! Do you understand my meaning?"

Olivia nodded gratefully while subtly indicating her curiosity about Henry's revelations to William.

"I know you're curious. Be patient, and I'll explain everything," William said, motioning for her to relax. "You're wondering what Henry told me previously, and truthfully, it's quite straightforward."

Olivia's eyes widened slightly in anticipation.

"I owe Henry a life debt, just as Henry owed your biological grandfather," William explained, pausing to sip his drink thoughtfully. "Your grandfather - whom I never met - saved Henry's life. Without his intervention, Henry wouldn't have survived. Does that clarify matters?"

Olivia was stunned. She'd always believed herself an orphan without any family legacy.

"Henry once saved my life as well. You know about his chronic knee injury from wartime shrapnel?" William tapped his temple meaningfully. "That shrapnel was meant for me. It would have pierced my skull if Henry hadn't intervened."

"Henry didn't just provide financial support when my family struggled. He literally saved my life. So when he asked for this favor, how could I refuse? I'd never face him in the afterlife if I failed you," William continued, voice thick with emotion.

Tears welled in Olivia's eyes as she nodded understanding.

"But-" William hesitated, his expression darkening with regret. "I failed you in another way. I allowed you to suffer after marrying Liam-"

Olivia quickly gestured that he bore no blame.

William's face clouded with guilt. "I should have checked on you. After your marriage, I never inquired about your wellbeing. Even when rumors spread about Liam and Evelyn, and people pitied you for enduring it, I did nothing... That failure is mine."

Olivia shook her head emphatically, signing: "Marriages are complex. You can't blame yourself. Besides, I wasn't unhappy before."

She paused, then added decisively that she'd chosen to divorce Liam, and knowing William supported her was enough.

"What? You're considering divorcing Liam?" William's eyes widened in shock.