Chapter 88

"Margaret, darling, don't let this upset you. Tonight is your night—"

Catherine forced a smile, trying to soothe Margaret's rising temper.

"That woman was supposed to be invisible! Now she's stealing my spotlight!" Margaret's face twisted with barely contained rage, her manicured nails digging into her champagne flute.

"Let me handle this." Evelyn materialized beside them, her cat-like eyes glinting with mischief.

"Evelyn, you have a plan?" Margaret's expression brightened instantly.

"It'll require your cooperation." Evelyn's lips curved into a sly smile before she melted into the crowd.

Moments later, she discreetly signaled Vincent Holloway toward Liam.

"Mr. Blackwood, might I discuss the Royal Arch project with you?"

Vincent approached Liam, who stood protectively beside Olivia. Liam swirled his champagne absently, his posture deceptively relaxed.

When business was mentioned, Liam politely declined. "Tonight is my mother's celebration. Let's keep this social."

"Mr. Blackwood, when are you ever not working?" Vincent feigned surprise. "This concerns the Royal Arch project. Surely you're interested?"

Liam's grip tightened imperceptibly on his glass. "Mr. Holloway, you're aware of Blackwood Enterprises' stake in this."

"Precisely why I'm puzzled by your setbacks." Vincent's smile turned conspiratorial as he glanced meaningfully at Olivia. "Governor Sinclair has... particular preferences regarding business partners' marital situations."

Liam's brow furrowed. "The governor plays favorites? This is news to me."

"New administration, new rules." Vincent shrugged. "Frankly, he asked me to enlighten you."

"And your suggestion?" Liam's voice turned dangerously calm.

"A simple public gesture would suffice." Vincent leaned closer. "Show some distance from your wife. Perhaps demonstrate... preference toward Miss Hartley?"

Vincent stepped back, smug. "Billions at stake, Mr. Blackwood. Surely a small performance is worth it?"

Liam's gaze turned glacial. "How do I know this isn't a trap?"

Vincent chuckled nervously. "If the governor still denies you after this, you have my permission to ruin me. I wouldn't dare cross you."

Across the room, Evelyn felt Liam's gaze and turned deliberately, linking arms with Margaret just as Julian Martinez approached.

"Liam, darling," Margaret simpered, "would you introduce me to Mr. Martinez?"

Julian turned expectantly. Trapped by social decorum, Liam approached, allowing Evelyn to cling to his arm while Margaret preened—the picture of a perfect family.

Olivia watched from the shadows, her chest tightening. She'd been paraded here like a trophy, forced to endure Margaret's half-hearted apology, subjected to Liam's performative affection. It was more than she'd ever received from his family, yet it still stung.

She turned toward the exit, her heels silent on the marble. Before, watching Liam with Evelyn would have shattered her. Now, she just felt... numb.

"Olivia."

Liam's voice stopped her mid-step. He'd broken away from Evelyn's grasp and was striding toward her.

"Mr. Blackwood, you—" Vincent interjected loudly, "This isn't enough! You must show estrangement! Ignore her completely!"

The words hung in the air, reaching Olivia's ears with cruel clarity. People always assumed her silence meant deafness. They were wrong. She'd heard every whispered word, understood the stakes. She wouldn't be the reason Liam lost this deal.

She turned to leave—only for a strong hand to encircle her wrist.