Chapter 82

Olivia's body went rigid.

Her head snapped up in shock, her face flushing crimson with rage as she glared at Evelyn. Her voice came out in a shrill, venomous shriek.

"Evelyn! Have you lost your mind?"

The two socialites flanking Olivia immediately jumped to her defense, their expressions twisting with outrage.

"Evelyn Sinclair, do you even belong at an event like this? Who let you in?"

"You're nothing but trash! I'm calling security to have you thrown out!"

Evelyn ignored the foolish girls completely, her icy gaze locked onto Olivia. "Didn't consider this outcome when you were spreading your lies about me?"

Olivia jutted her chin defiantly. "What lies? The whole world knows what kind of woman you are!"

A cold smile curved Evelyn's lips as she shoved Olivia back against the wall. When the woman struggled, Evelyn pressed a forearm against her throat and hissed, "Olivia Kensington, you'll answer for what you've done. I've prepared quite the... homecoming gift for you."

The sheer disdain in Evelyn's eyes made Olivia's lips tremble. She lowered her voice to a desperate whisper. "That recording with Mr. Sterling proves nothing! Workplace affairs happen all the time. You'll never destroy me, Evelyn!"

Evelyn withdrew with an elegant flick of her wrist. "Oh darling, you were never even competition."

A collective gasp suddenly erupted from the banquet hall. "Isn't that Olivia Kensington from Sterling Corp?" "And isn't that Victor Kensington? Mrs. Kensington, isn't that your husband?"

Olivia's face drained of color. "What did you do?" she whispered hoarsely.

Evelyn took a graceful step back. "Tsk tsk. Did you really think I'd only have one recording?" She gestured toward the commotion. "Go see your gift, Olivia."

Olivia stumbled forward just as Eleanor Kensington stormed through the crowd and delivered a stinging slap. "You vile homewrecker!" the older woman shrieked. "After everything I did to help you, this is how you repay me? I'll tear you apart!"

No one moved to intervene as the elegantly dressed matriarch pounced on Olivia, raining blows upon her.

Evelyn smirked. She'd spotted Eleanor the moment she arrived - the woman's legendary temper was even more impressive in person.

Olivia curled into a pathetic ball, too humiliated to fight back as the scandalous video of her and Victor played on loop across the venue's massive screens. The crowd murmured excitedly, thoroughly enjoying the spectacle.

Turning back to the two stunned socialites, Evelyn arched a brow. "Now... about you two."

The girls exchanged nervous glances. While they now realized Olivia's true nature, their disdain for Evelyn remained.

"What do you want?" one snapped. "Security should be here any minute! Just because Olivia wronged you doesn't make you innocent!"

Evelyn's laugh was cold as winter. "My character is none of your concern. But perhaps your families should have taught you basic manners about gossiping like fishwives."

"Who are you to lecture us?" the other girl screeched. "SECURITY!"

As if on cue, a commanding male voice cut through the tension. "Why the need for security?"

Sebastian Hart approached with effortless grace, his striking features drawing every eye in the vicinity.

"Young Master Hart!" the socialites cried in relief. "This woman attacked Olivia and now she's threatening us! You must do something!"

They assumed the distinguished Hart heir would naturally take their side against the "troublemaker."

Sebastian gave them a dismissive once-over before turning to Evelyn. His expression softened as he took her hand, examining it with concern. "Darling, why didn't you call me to handle this?" he murmured. "You shouldn't dirty your hands with such... unpleasantness."