Chapter 87

"Liam, please. It's Margaret's birthday. Don't argue with her today." Catherine intervened, sensing the rising tension and Margaret's darkening expression.

"But she provoked this," Liam countered firmly. "She committed an unforgivable act yet refuses to accept criticism."

Catherine fell silent, overwhelmed by Liam's sharp retort. She glanced helplessly at Richard, silently begging for intervention.

To her surprise, Richard turned to Margaret with disbelief. "Mother, is this true? Did you really mistreat Olivia? You've never treated Catherine this way. What's changed? You used to be so patient."

"I did nothing wrong! I've always treated Catherine well!" Margaret snapped, her voice rising with indignation.

The atmosphere grew increasingly volatile. Olivia stood silently at the center, never expecting Liam to defend her so fiercely or demand an apology from Margaret.

But none of it mattered now. She longed for divorce, for freedom from this toxic environment. The pain she'd endured couldn't be undone by mere words. Even if Margaret knelt to scrub floors as Olivia once had, it wouldn't change anything.

Gently tugging Liam's sleeve, Olivia conveyed with her eyes that no apology was necessary.

Margaret caught the gesture and understood.

This wasn't about forgiveness. Olivia's gaze held pity - as if she stood above Margaret, completely indifferent to the situation.

The realization stoked Margaret's fury. Yet despite her rage, she knew Liam wouldn't support her. He'd chosen Olivia's side, leaving her powerless.

Summoning her acting skills, Margaret blinked back tears. "I was wrong before."

Approaching Olivia, Margaret took her hand. "I only wanted what's best for Liam. I worried you couldn't care for him properly, so I tried to teach you household management. My methods were... misguided."

Olivia's expression remained neutral. Margaret's apology sounded like empty justification for cruelty.

She was tired of dwelling on the past. Liam had already done enough, especially confronting Evelyn earlier.

Olivia forced a polite smile.

"Have you forgiven me, Olivia?" Margaret pressed, seeking closure.

Olivia met her gaze but didn't nod. Forgiveness was impossible.

Margaret had once forced Olivia to kneel and scrub floors, then "accidentally" stepped on her hands. When Olivia cried out, Margaret twisted the story, claiming she'd been cursed and ordering the maid to strike her.

In those moments of agony, Olivia wondered how Henry would have reacted to such cruelty. She could never forgive such malice.

"Olivia?" Margaret repeated, squeezing her hand tighter.

Olivia remained still - neither accepting nor rejecting the apology.

"That's enough," Liam declared, pulling Olivia to his side.

"Liam, I've apologized but she—" Margaret tried to justify.

"Let's eat," Liam interrupted, ending the discussion without pressuring Olivia.

He led the way to the dining room, expression stern, with Olivia close behind.

"Yes, let's eat," Richard chimed in, ushering Catherine to assist Margaret as they all moved toward dinner.

Left behind, Evelyn stood frozen, nails digging into her palms as she watched them leave.

The meal passed in tense silence. By afternoon, guests began arriving. Despite her anger, Margaret plastered on a smile, greeting each visitor cheerfully in the parlor.

Yet whenever Olivia appeared nearby, Margaret's smile faltered, eyes flashing with suppressed rage. So many guests had come specifically for Olivia!

When birthday RSVPs poured in days earlier, Margaret assumed they came for her, Liam, or Richard. To her shock, several had come solely for Olivia.

"Mr. Bradford! What an honor! You rarely return from overseas!" Richard warmly welcomed the prominent international client, prompting Margaret to rush over.

Nathaniel Bradford presented a gift but ignored Margaret, heading straight to Olivia instead.

With his sign language interpreter, Nathaniel beamed at Olivia. "Olivia, who knew Gregory's studio housed such talent? I've wanted your expertise on antique restoration but never found the right opportunity. When I heard you'd be here, I made sure to return. Might you assist me?"

Olivia responded with a shy smile, eagerly nodding agreement.

"Nathaniel came for Olivia?" Margaret whispered to Catherine, voice tight with disbelief. Another guest for Olivia! It was unbearable. She longed to banish Olivia immediately!