Chapter 89

Liam was the one who grabbed Olivia's wrist. His dark eyes burned with displeasure as he glared at her, clearly irritated by her attempt to leave the gathering.

"Where do you think you're going?" Liam demanded in a low, controlled voice. "You're staying with me."

Olivia met his gaze, confusion flickering across her delicate features. She had attended countless events with Liam before, yet always felt like an outsider. Whether she stayed glued to his side or slipped away early, his disapproval was inevitable.

Eventually, Olivia stopped accompanying Liam altogether, and Evelyn had taken her place.

Now, facing Liam's familiar scowl, Olivia braced for another lecture about proper social etiquette.

But to her astonishment, Liam simply pulled her back to his side without comment and guided her toward Julian to continue their discussion.

Vincent, witnessing the exchange, shifted uncomfortably before shooting Evelyn a meaningful look and discreetly withdrawing.

"Mr. Blackwood, you and your wife make such a striking pair," Julian remarked with a charming smile, drawing Liam into conversation as other guests gathered around.

Throughout the evening, Liam's grip on Olivia's hand remained unyielding, his fingers interlaced with hers until the last guest departed.

As the mansion fell silent, Richard pulled Liam aside for a private word, leaving Olivia waiting near the grand staircase.

It was then that Margaret approached.

Margaret's critical gaze swept over Olivia from head to toe, her lips curling in disdain. "You didn't lift a finger all evening, and now you can't be bothered to help clean up?" she sneered, her voice dripping with contempt.

Olivia faced her mother-in-law with calm detachment, offering no response.

"First mute, now deaf too?" Margaret muttered under her breath as she reached to grab Olivia's arm.

Margaret's bony fingers always sought out the tenderest spots on Olivia's arms, leaving behind bruises that took weeks to fade.

In the past, Olivia had endured the abuse silently, only occasionally flinching when Margaret came too close. Tonight should have been no different.

"Do you really think Liam would choose you over his own mother?" Margaret hissed venomously. "You'd better behave unless you want to find yourself divorced!"

As Margaret reached to pinch Olivia again, Olivia suddenly twisted free from her grasp.

The movement was swift and decisive, accompanied by an audible snap as their connection broke.

Margaret froze, shock etching deep lines into her face as she gaped at Olivia's unexpected defiance.

Olivia pulled out her phone and typed rapidly: "Ask Evelyn if she needs help cleaning. I won't be doing it."

She showed the message to Margaret before turning on her heel and striding away, leaving her mother-in-law speechless.

"You ungrateful—" Margaret reached out to stop her, but Olivia easily shook off her grasp.

Margaret had always bullied Olivia because she rarely fought back. Despite Olivia's slender frame, she was decades younger than Margaret, and the older woman couldn't actually harm her without risking exposure.

As Olivia shrugged her off again, Margaret nearly stumbled from the force, but Olivia didn't even glance back.

"You'll regret this!" Margaret barely contained her scream, not wanting to draw Liam's attention. She glared at Olivia's retreating figure, her fingers curling into claws. "Just you wait!"

Heading toward the parking lot, Olivia was startled by a voice calling her name. Nathaniel stood near the mansion's front gates, the sign language interpreter beside him.

Olivia's face lit up with surprise as she signed a greeting.

Nathaniel smiled warmly, his aristocratic features softening. "I was waiting for you, Olivia. As I mentioned earlier, there's something I'd like to discuss."

During the party, Nathaniel had briefly mentioned needing Olivia's expertise for an antique restoration project, but they'd been interrupted before he could explain fully.

Seeing him waiting, Olivia signed eagerly, asking about the artifact and expressing her enthusiasm for the restoration work.

Olivia was always willing to help within their social circle. Whether artifacts went to Gregory's studio or Whitmore Holdings' Antiquities Department, she was happy to contribute personally. It was excellent professional experience and might even benefit Liam's business connections—

Olivia caught herself mid-thought. Why was she still considering Liam's interests when she was contemplating divorce?

"You're always so generous with your time! Don't worry, compensation won't be an issue. Actually, there's another dimension to this project—" Nathaniel began, but was abruptly interrupted by a cold, commanding voice.

"If you want my wife to take on a project, you should start with a proper proposal, don't you think?" Liam's voice cut through the night as he approached, his steely gaze fixed on Nathaniel with unmistakable possessiveness.