Chapter 85

Olivia's birthday soon arrived.

For the first time, Olivia Sinclair crossed the threshold of the Blackwood mansion not as a servant but as an honored guest.

Accompanied by Liam, Olivia couldn't shake off the butterflies in her stomach. She wore an emerald green gown Liam had personally selected, while he sported a matching silk tie. Their coordinated outfits silently declared their relationship to everyone present.

As they entered the grand foyer, Liam's strong fingers intertwined with Olivia's, making the once-familiar estate feel strangely foreign.

"Liam's here!" Margaret's voice rang through the marble halls, followed by another that made Olivia's spine stiffen. Evelyn.

"Liam, you're finally here," Evelyn cooed, her arm linked possessively with Margaret's. Both women wore matching smiles that didn't reach their eyes. Evelyn's lavender dress perfectly complemented Margaret's deep violet gown - a calculated choice that had clearly pleased the older woman. Margaret's smile vanished the moment she noticed Olivia.

Forcing a polite smile, Olivia offered her greetings.

"Liam, you wouldn't believe how invaluable Evelyn has been lately," Margaret gushed, deliberately ignoring Olivia's presence. "She's absolutely brilliant at everything!"

"From guest lists to vendor coordination, she's outperformed even our most experienced event planners!" Margaret continued, her voice dripping with admiration.

Olivia kept her head slightly bowed, a familiar numbness spreading through her chest. When Margaret needed Evelyn, it was for social planning. But when she summoned Olivia, it was always as a servant.

"Don't we have staff for these tasks?" Liam's voice cut through the praise.

Rather than joining in the adulation, Liam asked pointedly, "You're having guests do unpaid labor? That seems rather inappropriate."

Margaret's face flushed crimson. "What nonsense are you—"

Evelyn quickly interjected, "It's no trouble, Liam. I'm happy to help your mother—"

"If you need assistance, I can arrange professional event coordinators from my company," Liam offered coolly, his expression unreadable.

"Enough!" Margaret snapped, realizing her plan had backfired. She cleared her throat awkwardly and tried to pull Liam toward Evelyn, away from Olivia.

But Liam stood firm. "Why are you dragging me? Doesn't Evelyn have you covered? Are you feeling unwell? Do you need two people to hold you up?"

"You're impossible!" Margaret exclaimed, glaring at her stubborn son.

Olivia looked up at Liam in surprise. His complete disregard for Evelyn's feelings puzzled her. Why was he acting this way?

Olivia had assumed Evelyn's presence signaled her acceptance into the Blackwood family, possibly heralding an engagement announcement. Seeing Evelyn had made Olivia feel like a pawn in some cruel game. So why had Liam insisted she come? Yet here he was, shielding her from humiliation.

Still dazed, Olivia followed Liam into the formal living area.

"Liam, it's been too long," Richard greeted his brother, standing beside his wife Catherine.

Richard had managed the family's European operations for years and rarely visited. Olivia had only encountered him during major family events like Margaret's birthday.

Though Olivia had lived with the Blackwoods for five years, her interactions with Richard were minimal. Her relationship with Catherine was equally distant - they barely exchanged words beyond polite greetings.

This visit proved different.

After greeting Liam, Richard turned to Olivia. "Olivia, you've been making waves! News of your accomplishments reached me in Paris!"

Olivia stiffened, and Catherine quickly added with a sneer, "Yes, embarrassing yourself publicly! Who do you think you are?"

But Richard's intent wasn't to mock Olivia. Ignoring his wife's jab, he continued with genuine admiration, "I've always known about your talents. I worried you might lose your edge, but you're more impressive than ever."

Catherine's expression soured, and even Margaret looked at Richard in shock.

Olivia was too stunned to respond immediately. Was Richard actually complimenting her?

"Your restoration work is exceptional. I still remember when Gregory Thornton praised your skills during his visit. I was there that day," Richard continued warmly.

"When you married Liam, I feared you might set aside your talents, but you've clearly maintained your skills! I've heard about your projects at Gregory's studio and with Whitmore Holdings from overseas! One of my clients mentioned—" Richard's praise seemed endless.

"Alright—" Catherine, noticing Margaret's growing irritation, tugged at her husband's sleeve.

Unaware, Richard turned to Catherine for confirmation, "Isn't that right? You're here witnessing everything firsthand. Isn't Olivia remarkable?"

Catherine shot a glance at Margaret. Reluctant to praise Olivia but unable to contradict her husband, she gave a tight nod. "Yes, quite."

"You certainly keep up with domestic affairs. How... thorough of you." Margaret forced a brittle smile. Her love for her sons prevented open confrontation with Richard.

Thus, Margaret reluctantly added her own strained compliments as the group moved toward the dining room, leaving Evelyn behind.

Watching Olivia's retreating figure, Evelyn clenched her fists, her eyes burning with bitter resentment.