Chapter 82
Olivia instinctively retreated, her eyes locked on Victoria from across the room. There was a time when such an offer might have swayed her, but those days were long gone. She couldn't care less about who Liam was seeing now.
"Grandfather, are we absolutely sure this evidence isn't fabricated?" Victoria wasn't completely abandoned yet. A few voices still dared to speak in her defense. "Grandfather, this seems like circumstantial evidence at best—"
"Preposterous!" William thundered, silencing the dissenters with a glare. "Do you realize who provided this evidence? Liam Blackwood himself!"
The room fell into stunned silence.
Though Liam was Olivia's husband, no one would dare question his credibility or suggest he'd falsify evidence against Victoria just to protect Olivia. Everyone knew their marriage was far from perfect.
When Olivia learned Liam was behind the evidence, her breath caught. Had he anticipated today's confrontation? She remembered the complicated look in his eyes when she mentioned attending the Hayes family dinner. Now she understood what that look had meant.
"Grandfather, regardless of everything, Victoria is still your granddaughter, still part of the Hayes family," a woman pleaded, still advocating for Victoria. "Since she's admitted her wrongdoing, shouldn't we give her a chance to redeem herself?"
Only one person remained by Victoria's side now—this distant cousin whose connection to the Hayes family existed solely through Victoria. Without her, she'd be cast out completely.
"She orchestrated an arson attempt, and you suggest we give her a chance?" William scoffed derisively. "She tried to take a life! If you're so eager to defend her, perhaps you'd like to share her punishment!"
The woman immediately fell silent, all courage draining from her.
William's voice cut through the tension like a blade. "Let me make one thing perfectly clear. Olivia is now my sworn granddaughter. I will protect her with everything at my disposal. Anyone who crosses her, answers to me."
Turning to Olivia, his tone softened slightly. "Olivia, remember this—no matter who tries to harm you in the future, my door is always open to you."
His words didn't just reassure Olivia—they served as a public declaration that she now had the full weight of the Hayes family behind her.
The atmosphere in the room shifted palpably. The way everyone looked at Olivia transformed from mere curiosity about the newcomer to genuine respect and admiration.
It was rare for William to show such open affection to anyone in the family—even Alexander, whom he occasionally praised for his business acumen. This public display of warmth toward Olivia was unprecedented.
Facing Charles, William spoke gravely. "Charles, now that my position is clear, how do you propose we handle your daughter's situation?"
Without hesitation, Charles replied, "She is no daughter of mine!"
His words made it clear he wouldn't sacrifice his and his son's future to save Victoria.
"Father! How could you?" Victoria wailed, tears streaming down her face, but Charles shoved her away harshly. "You dare speak after what you've done? Your grandfather is right—you're a danger to society!" He yanked out his phone. "I'm calling the police. You're going to prison! I'm done trying to discipline you. Let the justice system teach you some manners!"
With Victoria officially cast out, the family banquet commenced.
Almost immediately, Olivia found herself surrounded. Every face bore either genuine admiration or sycophantic smiles as they vied for her attention. Some even attempted rudimentary sign language, desperate to impress.
"Alright everyone, give her some space," Alexander interjected, noticing Olivia's discomfort.
He chuckled, "Olivia and I go way back. If you want to get close to her, you'll have to get in line!"
"How selfish of you! Why didn't you introduce us to someone as remarkable as Olivia sooner?"
"I nearly majored in archaeology in college! Olivia and I must have so much in common!"
These were the same people who'd looked down on Olivia when she first arrived at the Hayes estate. Now they showered her with flattery, suddenly recalling all her interests and accomplishments.
The banquet proceeded in high spirits, with Olivia as the guest of honor seated right beside William.
Even as the event wound down, people kept approaching her nonstop.
"If you all keep this up, I might have to start handing out numbers," Alexander teased, seeing their eagerness. "There will be plenty of opportunities to get to know Olivia. Why the rush tonight?"
Amused, Olivia shook her head with a gentle smile, indicating she didn't mind.
Just then, Liam arrived to pick Olivia up. He saw her smiling—not at him, but at another man.
A dark expression crossed his face as he strode over and grasped Olivia's wrist. "My wife is my responsibility," he declared, his commanding presence making the crowd instinctively give them space.
William's voice cut through the tension. "Liam, a moment."
Emerging from the crowd with a smile, William fixed Liam with a knowing look.
"Mr. Hayes," Liam acknowledged respectfully.
"I've made it clear to everyone today that Olivia is now my sworn granddaughter," William announced, clapping Liam on the shoulder. "You'll be taking good care of her from now on!"
Both Liam and Olivia were startled by his words. The moment felt eerily reminiscent of the past, before their marriage, when Henry had expressed similar sentiments.
Sadly, Liam had failed to live up to those expectations.
"I understand," Liam responded solemnly. "You have nothing to worry about."
William turned to Olivia and presented her with a set of keys. "This is the townhouse I've arranged for you. From today onward, it's yours. Move in whenever you're ready."
Olivia, taken by surprise, instinctively glanced at Liam. He now knew about the property. How would he react?