Chapter 80

Olivia nodded but instantly wished she hadn't confided in William. She knew Liam's temper all too well.

Still, she trusted William to keep her secret. After a hesitant pause, she continued signing, "I even requested a twenty-million-dor advance on my sry to satisfy Liam's demands. He claims I must pay him twenty million if I want the divorce."

William's reaction was immediate and explosive. He slammed his fist against the armrest. "After all his scandals, that bastard still dares to extort money from you for a divorce? The audacity!"

Olivia quickly grasped William's hand, shaking her head while signing that she'd been the one to choose this marriage.

William exhaled sharply. "Fine... But let me remind you - Henry entrusted Liam with your care, and he's failed spectacularly! If Henry were alive today, he'd be rolling in his grave!"

Olivia offered a bitter smile, signing her firm decision that she couldn't endure this marriage any longer.

"That's my girl," William said, his voice softening with pride. "I'm relieved you've finally made this decision. You have my full support!"

His expression grew serious. "There's something else."

William stood abruptly and moved to his desk, shuffling through documents before producing one. "I'm giving you a property."

Olivia rushed forward in protest.

But William remained firm. "Don't argue. I promised Henry I'd look after you, and I owe him my life. Do you really think my life is worth less than some house?"

Seeing his determination, Olivia reluctantly epted.

"You don't owe me anything, Olivia. I owe Henry, and by extension, I owe you. Understood?"

She wanted to refuse such generosity, but William's stubbornness left her no choice but to ept with gratitude.

"Excellent. Once I find the perfect property and prepare it, you'll receive the keys. If trouble arises, you'll always have a safe haven."

This unexpected gift solved Olivia's most pressing concern. After divorcing Liam, returning to the Blackwood estate was impossible, and her only n had been temporary refuge with Natalie. Now William had provided a permanent solution.

Yet Olivia worried Liam might retaliate against the Hayes family over this.

As she prepared to voice her concern, William stood abruptly. "Enough serious talk - let's go down for dinner."

The moment passed, and Olivia shelved her worries for now.

Descending the staircase together, they found the younger family members lined up in formal attire, offering respectful greetings.

Olivia instinctively retreated under their sudden attention.

William patted her arm reassuringly. "Rx," he whispered.

Then, addressing the room with a chuckle: "It's just a family dinner, not a royal ball! You're all dressed like we're hosting the Queen!"

"Grandfather, we simply wish to show our respect," one rtive chimed in, sparking a chorus of agreement.

"As long as it pleases you, that's what matters!"

The younger family members quickly clustered around William, vying for his attention.

Only Victoria remained apart, her dark eyes burning with jealousy as they fixed on Olivia.

"Grandfather!" Victoria's sharp voice cut through the pleasantries. "Olivia's deceiving you! Don't trust her act!"

The room plunged into tense silence. Everyone remembered the last family gathering where Victoria had tried humiliating Olivia, only to be pped by William.

Now, with Victoria attacking again, all eyes turned to William. Would he side with his blood relative, shifting family dynamics? Or would he defend Olivia, cementing her position?

The tension thickened until William finally spoke.

He didn't address Victoria's usations or demand explanations. His words were simple and cutting: "Didn't you learn from last time?"

"Grandfather, please let me exin—" Victoria began.

"Perhaps you should hear Victoria out," whispered some of her supporters, hoping to see Olivia's downfall.

"Do you take me for a fool?" William's voice turned icy. "Am I too senile to distinguish truth from lies? Must I rely on your judgment?"

His anger shocked the room, a stark contrast to his earlier cheerfulness. He fixed Victoria with a piercing re. "I intended to speak with you after dinner, but since you've chosen to make a scene now, we'll settle this immediately."

Victoria paled.

"Grandfather, I—"

But it was toote.

William's voice boomed. "You orchestrated that bookstore fire that nearly killed Olivia, didn't you? And you spread those vile rumors online about Olivia cheating with Alexander behind Liam's back. Did you think I wouldn't discover the truth? Did you think I lacked proof?"