Chapter 99

Olivia's stomach twisted into knots. She pulled away from Liam's embrace and turned toward the bed.

Liam's dark eyes burned into Olivia's retreating figure, his jaw tightening with barely restrained emotion.

Burying herself under the covers, Olivia waited until she heard the door click shut behind Liam before emerging.

A shaky breath escaped her lips - equal parts relief and heartache. There was no stopping her husband from visiting that woman. The worst part? She was expected to smile through the betrayal.

Cradling her abdomen, Olivia seriously considered divorce for the first time. Maybe it was the only way to protect herself and their unborn child.

Morning came quicker than expected, bringing mercifully dreamless sleep.

Natalie's cheerful voice greeted Olivia when she opened her eyes. Daniel stood beside his sister, already dressed and waiting.

As Olivia opened the door, Daniel's eyes darted past her, his shoulders relaxing when he confirmed Liam wasn't present.

Natalie linked arms with Olivia. "Let's hit the Westfield University cafeteria! It's been years since graduation. I barely remember what their pancakes taste like."

Olivia's spirits lifted instantly at Natalie's infectious energy.

The quartet headed to campus for breakfast, the morning sun casting golden light across the historic buildings.

The university buzzed with activity - students rushing about, last-minute preparations underway everywhere.

Surrounded by the youthful energy, Olivia felt a pang of nostalgia for simpler times when her biggest worry was passing exams.

How quickly life changed. Those carefree days felt like someone else's memories now.

They searched the exhibition area, but Olivia's designated space was conspicuously absent.

Natalie frowned. "Where's your presentation area? Didn't they arrange for you to demonstrate restoration techniques?"

Olivia shook her head, equally confused. The schedule had clearly outlined a small platform where she'd give a live demonstration while Isabella translated. There was even talk of a Q&A session if time permitted.

Yet after checking every platform, Olivia's spot remained missing.

Natalie sprang into action, interrogating staff and students alike, but no one had answers.

Unable to locate Nathaniel, Olivia pulled out her phone to contact him.

His reply came swiftly via voice message. "Olivia, my deepest apologies. An emergency came up. Vice Principal Harrison Ellington is on site - I'll send his photo. Again, so sorry for the inconvenience."

The background noise in Nathaniel's message suggested chaos. Olivia had Isabella text back their understanding.

With Nathaniel's photo, they spotted the vice president in the crowded venue.

Harrison appeared harried and visibly irritated when he noticed their approach, deliberately turning away.

Undeterred, Natalie intercepted him. "Excuse me, Vice President Ellington?"

Harrison's frown deepened. "Yes? What is it?"

Before Natalie could explain, Harrison cut in, "If you need assistance, please speak to a staff member. Guests should remain in designated areas."

Natalie remained calm. "Actually, we're invited guests."

This information softened Harrison's demeanor slightly. "I see. And you are...?"

Isabella stepped in. "This is Olivia Sinclair, invited by Mr. Nathaniel Bradford. Could you direct us to her exhibition space?"

Recognition flickered across Harrison's face, followed by confusion. "Olivia... that name does sound familiar," he muttered.

He vaguely recalled Nathaniel mentioning something about a special guest, but he'd assumed it was just another pretty face to enhance the event's appeal. The details had slipped his mind.

Harrison's expression cleared slightly. "Ah, right. You're giving a presentation? Everything's prepared. Are you ready, or do you need proper attire? Either way, make it quick. I'm extremely busy."

Olivia remained silent, though Natalie and Isabella exchanged shocked glances.

Isabella asked quietly, "Is this really the arrangement Mr. Bradford made?"

Harrison's patience wore thin. What more could they possibly want?

His gaze then fell on Olivia, who stood out strikingly despite her silence. Yet she seemed oddly out of place amidst the chaos.

Exasperated, Harrison approached Olivia directly. "Tell me what you need. I don't have all day."

Olivia typed rapidly on her phone before a synthesized voice spoke: "My apologies. Speaking is difficult for me."

Harrison initially thought she was being difficult, then realization dawned. Despite curious onlookers, he blurted, "You can't speak? Then why would Nathaniel invite you? What's the point?"

All eyes turned toward them.

Olivia felt the weight of dozens of stares. She clenched her fists, forcing herself to remain calm.

Isabella's face darkened. "Shall I call Nathaniel right now to verify how guests should be treated?"

Harrison scoffed. "It was a misunderstanding. Can't you see I'm overwhelmed? We only have one speaking slot available."

Secretly, Harrison doubted their claims. If Olivia were truly important, Nathaniel would be here. His absence spoke volumes.

As Natalie prepared to retort, Daniel placed a restraining hand on her arm. "Don't make a scene. Olivia came for the exhibition, not just the invitation."

Daniel introduced himself to Harrison with practiced charm.

Finally, Harrison agreed to arrange a small display area in a quiet corner - though no interviews or special accommodations would be made.

Isabella, more guilty than angry, apologized to Olivia. "I should have confirmed everything earlier. This is my fault."

Olivia signed gently that it wasn't Isabella's fault. She understood her lack of recognition stemmed from her reclusive nature.

The painful truth? Talent meant nothing without visibility in their world.

Setting up her tools on the makeshift platform, Olivia began her restoration work.

Westfield University's artifact restoration program was always conducted in carefully controlled environments.

Now, Olivia's meticulous work drew curious crowds, as such delicate procedures were rarely performed publicly.

Though seated in a corner, Olivia became completely absorbed in her work, her skilled hands moving with graceful precision under the sunlight. Her long fingers danced across the ancient artifact with surprising delicacy.