Chapter 86

Margaret Winslow's birthday celebration was divided into two distinct parts. The morning belonged exclusively to the Winslow family, while the afternoon welcomed their elite social circle.

As they stepped into the grand foyer, Richard and Catherine were the first to present their gifts.

"Mother, this is for you," Richard declared, offering an elegant velvet box. "The rare pink diamond you've coveted for years. I pulled every string to acquire it."

Margaret's face glowed with delight as she lifted the lid, immediately replacing her existing necklace with the dazzling new jewel.

"Exquisite," Margaret breathed, admiring her reflection. "Richard, you always know my heart's desires."

"Margaret, my gift awaits," Catherine interjected smoothly, presenting a lacquered case. "Nine flawless South Sea pearls." Tradition dictated that couples presented joint gifts, making this separate offering unexpected.

The deviation from protocol caught Olivia off guard. She and Liam had prepared a single gift together, and now she feared appearing thoughtless.

Liam seemed unperturbed. He approached Margaret confidently with their shared present. "Olivia and I selected this for you," he announced.

Margaret accepted the gift but couldn't resist a barbed comment. "This must be your doing, Liam! Surely Olivia has her own token for me?" Her sharp gaze pinned Olivia in place.

Olivia felt the trap closing around her. The sudden rule change reeked of manipulation. Had Catherine not broken tradition, she knew Margaret would have criticized her for grandstanding.

"This represents both of us," Liam stated firmly, shielding Olivia.

"Very well. I see Olivia couldn't be bothered," Margaret sniffed, rolling her eyes dramatically.

"Margaret, happy birthday! May your year overflow with joy." Evelyn appeared at that moment, presenting an ornate box right after Liam. The seamless transition made Olivia feel like an intruder in their carefully choreographed performance.

"Darling Evelyn!" Margaret exclaimed, embracing the younger woman as if she were the true daughter-in-law.

Olivia instinctively retreated, contemplating an early exit.

But Margaret wasn't finished. Her disdainful gaze raked over Olivia. "Observe Evelyn's thoughtfulness. Five years in this family, Olivia, and what have you contributed besides spending Winslow money? Now you're trading on our family name!"

The tirade continued until even typically reserved Richard intervened. "Mother, this is a celebration. Let's maintain the festive spirit."

"I simply can't tolerate her exploiting Liam!" Margaret exploded. Olivia's heart turned to ice with each cruel word. After everything, was this how they saw her? A mere opportunist?

Liam decided to address the elephant in the room. "Mother," he began, voice steel-edged.

Margaret attempted to steer the conversation toward managing Olivia. "Liam, we really must discuss—"

But Liam cut her off. "We need to talk about how you've treated Olivia."

Margaret recoiled at his icy tone. "What nonsense is this?"

"Did you force her to kneel and scrub floors? Treat her like household staff?" Liam's accusatory questions hung in the air.

Olivia looked up, stunned by his defense.

Flustered, Margaret deflected. "Who's been filling your head with lies? Don't listen to Olivia's fabrications."

"I didn't need to hear it. I have photographic evidence," Liam countered.

Olivia's breath caught. Who had documented Margaret's cruelty? Or was this a strategic bluff?

"At such a joyous occasion, Liam—" Catherine attempted damage control.

Liam remained unmoved. "Richard called this joyful while Mother berates Olivia. I think the timing's perfect."

Margaret's expression darkened. She enjoyed tormenting Olivia but hated being challenged. Clearing her throat, she muttered, "I was merely instructing her. Nothing consequential."

Liam stood his ground. "She's done nothing wrong. Your persecution must end."

"How dare you! Is this how you see your own mother?" Margaret shrieked.

"I don't want to believe it, but the evidence speaks for itself," Liam stated coldly.

Producing his phone, Liam displayed damning proof—photos, videos, detailed timelines. Margaret's mouth opened and closed like a stranded fish.

Faced with irrefutable evidence, Margaret turned livid. "You're interrogating me like a common criminal!"

Unmoved, Liam delivered his verdict: "You will apologize to Olivia."