Chapter 53
Upstairs, Charlotte had finally changed into an evening gown and allowed Olivia to enter her room.
Olivia, failing to notice Charlotte's somber expression, stormed in with indignation. "Charlotte, I just heard Cecil threw Terrence out!" Her voice quivered with anger. "Terrence may have gotten handsy with Catherine, but he's been beaten up pretty badly for it. He's furious now, calling me nonstop. Our plan failed."
"Our plan?" Charlotte's face reflected genuine confusion. "What exactly are you talking about, Olivia?"
Olivia couldn't understand why Charlotte was questioning her. "Catherine seducing James—weren't we teaching her a lesson?"
Charlotte put on an innocent look. "Olivia, when did I ever say I wanted to teach Catherine a lesson?"
Olivia hesitated, caught off guard. "Earlier, when I suggested that women like Catherine who don't behave properly need to be dealt with, you immediately mentioned Terrence's name."
Charlotte's laugh was cold and deliberate. "You've completely misunderstood my intentions, Olivia."
"Misunderstood?" Olivia's brow furrowed in bewilderment.
Charlotte's voice dripped with affected naiveté. "I was reviewing tonight's guest list in my head at that moment. I mentioned Terrence simply because I was considering inviting him to the party. I never once suggested using him to teach Catherine a lesson."
She rose slowly from her chair and moved toward Olivia with calculated grace.
Charlotte had always been tall, and in heels, she stood half a head taller than Olivia.
Leaning close to Olivia's ear, she whispered, "I'm a Wilson, Olivia. How could I possibly engage in such disreputable behavior that would tarnish someone's reputation? You've misinterpreted my meaning."
Olivia's face turned pale.
Yes, she had orchestrated the entire incident herself. She had called Terrence, told him about Catherine, and encouraged him to harass her.
Now Terrence had been beaten badly and humiliatingly ejected from the Wilson mansion, a massive loss of face in high society. He would undoubtedly seek revenge against whoever had set him up.
If Charlotte had been involved, Terrence might have shown some restraint, but Charlotte clearly knew the plan had failed and wanted no part in the mess.
Terrence wouldn't let this go. Olivia began to panic.
"But Charlotte, weren't you upset that Catherine was seducing James? How can you now—"
"I admit I was angry," Charlotte interrupted, her tone perfectly measured. "But I would never go so far as to destroy someone's reputation."
Olivia bit her lower lip hard, searching for words. "If you didn't want to teach Catherine a lesson, why invite her to tonight's party at all?"
Charlotte's smile took on a haughty edge. "I invited her merely to show her how different our world is from hers, hoping she would recognize her place and back off."
Olivia couldn't argue with Charlotte's logic. Charlotte had never explicitly stated she wanted to punish Catherine.
Throughout this entire affair, Charlotte had only sent Catherine a dress and an invitation. It was Olivia who had misinterpreted Charlotte's intentions and delivered the invitation to Catherine.
Olivia felt manipulated but couldn't find any evidence to prove it.
Charlotte sighed softly. "You've been quite reckless this time, Olivia. Thank goodness Cecil intervened. If something had happened to Catherine at my party, our family's reputation would have been ruined."
Olivia realized she had to swallow this bitter pill. "I'm sorry, Charlotte," she said reluctantly.
Charlotte patted Olivia's shoulder lightly. "It's fine. We're friends. I know you meant well, and I don't blame you."
A knock at the door interrupted their conversation.
"Charlotte, how much longer are you going to keep me waiting?" James impatiently rapped on the door.
Charlotte answered sweetly, "I'm coming right now."
Turning to Olivia, she said, "Enough dwelling on unpleasantness. Enjoy the party—there are plenty of eligible bachelors here tonight."
Olivia forced an awkward, bitter smile.
Charlotte exited the room and immediately spotted James leaning against the wall.
She slipped her arm through his, her voice tinged with mockery, "James, you truly look like a prince from a fairy tale tonight."
Olivia followed close behind, watching Charlotte cling tightly to James, hatred filling her eyes.
She had just been manipulated by Charlotte and now was forced to watch the man she desired being claimed by this cunning woman; intense jealousy surged within her.
James was thoroughly irritated, wanting nothing more than to escape Charlotte and return downstairs to watch over Catherine.
She was too alluring—he couldn't bear the thought of others approaching her.
"Let's go downstairs. Everyone's waiting for you," he said impatiently, trying to free his arm.
Charlotte held on tighter, her smile unwavering. "Of course."
Olivia trailed behind them, grinding her teeth at the sight of their seemingly affectionate display.
Unable to contain herself, she called out loudly, "Mr. West, the hem of your white suit seems to have collected some dust. Did you get it dirty during the fight?"
James whirled around, glaring at Olivia, thinking, 'What is this fool trying to do?'
Charlotte gently touched James's hem, asking with concern, "You're right. What happened earlier?"
Before James could explain, Olivia eagerly interjected, "What else but a woman? Charlotte, you should have seen Mr. West valiantly fighting Terrence to protect Miss Levin. It was quite impressive!"
"Olivia!" James roared. "Shut up! Go downstairs now!"
But Olivia seemed undeterred. Rather than backing down, she lifted her chin defiantly and continued, "Charlotte, I'm telling the truth. Mr. West is only interested in Miss Levin!"
Charlotte's smile dimmed slightly. "Is that so? Playing the hero?"
James felt a splitting headache coming on, wishing Olivia would just be silent.
Suppressing his anger, he explained wearily, "Don't listen to her nonsense. Catherine used to be my primary physician, and I'm grateful for her care. When I saw Terrence harassing her, I acted impulsively."
Beside him, Olivia let out an unmistakable scoff.
James shot her another fierce glare.
Charlotte, however, seemed to accept his explanation with a nod. "I see. I should have known—James has always been so kind and righteous."
James silently exhaled in relief.
Olivia watched their intimate interaction, her jealousy nearly consuming her.
She stared at Charlotte's feigned innocent face. 'Keep pretending! Let's see how long you can keep it up!' Olivia thought.
Across the ballroom, Catherine approached Cecil.
"Cecil," Catherine called, her voice soft and enchanting.
Hearing her voice, Cecil turned slightly.
The light illuminated his impeccably handsome profile, which had grown cold and distant. "Miss Levin, can I help you with something?"
The formal address immediately created distance between them.
Catherine inwardly cursed.
The Wilsons were truly unpredictable, their attitudes shifting in the blink of an eye!
Just an hour ago, he had sweetly called her "Catherine," but now he had suddenly become so remote.
Did he know about her relationship with James?
Did he think she was a harlot trying to seduce his future brother-in-law, and therefore unworthy of approaching someone as noble as himself?
Whatever the case, she wouldn't give up so easily!
Her smile grew more radiant as she thanked him sincerely, "I came specifically to thank you."
Cecil raised an eyebrow, casually sliding his hands into his suit pockets, his posture relaxed yet distant. "I believe Miss Levin now knows who I am. As the owner of this mansion, maintaining order at the gathering is my responsibility. I wasn't acting specifically for you."
He deliberately established clear boundaries, leaving no room for ambiguity.
Catherine felt a twinge of disappointment, but this was instantly replaced by stronger determination.
'Trying to distance yourself from me? Not so easy!' she thought.
Her face briefly showed embarrassment and hurt. "I understand."
She pretended to turn away.
But as she turned, her gaze suddenly caught something—on the back of his hand, there were several clearly visible scratch marks!