Chapter 32 Ruin Her Reputation

Paul didn't waste any time mentioning his connection to Olivia. Despite his low voice, every guest understood what he was saying. The gazes directed at Paul shifted instantly, infused with newfound courtesy and a hint of opportunism.

After all, everyone there wished to connect with the Sinclair family's benefactors, Olivia's adoptive parents. Without looking around, Paul sensed the immediate warmth emanating from those around him. He knew he had hit a chord.

He didn't notice Kenneth's expression darkening after hearing Paul's words, though. When Kenneth spotted the Parkers earlier, he considered having security discreetly usher them away. But before he could react, they approached him directly.

Kenneth, a savvy businessman, recognized Paul's intentions with a single look. Percival, on the other hand, maintained a pleasant smile, projecting a friendly and approachable demeanor.

"Ah, you must be Olivia's adoptive parents," Percival said. "Thank you for caring for Olivia all these years."

"It was nothing, Mr. Percival," Paul confessed modestly. "You're overly kind. Honestly, if we had known Olivia belonged to the Sinclairs, we would have returned her without hesitation."

"Indeed?" Percival tilted his head slightly, amusement flashing in his eyes as he looked at Kenneth beside him. "The Parkers have looked after Olivia. Consider them honored guests of our family. Kenneth, please accompany them upstairs and make sure they are well looked after. Do not be rude."

Kenneth had hoped for an opportunity to remove the Parkers. He stepped forward as soon as he heard the request. But Paul, ever the opportunist, recognized the hidden meaning in Percival's words. "If we follow them upstairs," he said, "how can I possibly win favors from the Sinclairs in front of all these guests?"

Paul hurried to express his gratitude. "Just a few days ago," he announced, "the Parker Group finalized its collaboration with the Sinclair Group. I know Mr. Percival must be trying to help us because of Olivia. I came here just to thank you. If my team made any mistakes during negotiations, I respectfully request the Sinclair Group's forgiveness."

Paul understood the importance of public perception. He claimed they had secured the collaboration, conveniently ignoring the Sinclairs' cancellation. He even gave them a reason to save face.

By implying Kenneth had canceled due to Paul's mistakes, Paul hoped to rekindle the partnership.

Kenneth was not fooled. He understood Paul's attempt to permanently connect their families through business. After all, people were watching. Even if the Sinclair Group did not collaborate with the Parker Group, others would undoubtedly line up, hoping to get close to the Sinclairs through their association with Parker.

But Kenneth was not playing Paul's game.

"Mr. Paul," he asked sternly, "are you kidding? The Sinclair Group's collaboration with Parker Group ended a long time ago. As for the reasons, I believe your wife and daughter are well acquainted with them."

Paul was surprised by Kenneth's response. When Kayla and Nicole brought up Olivia's past, he swore under his breath while maintaining a look of surprise.

"Mr. Kenneth," he begged earnestly, "there must be a misunderstanding. I sincerely wanted to work with the Sinclair Group."

His gaze then darted to Olivia, who had been silent at his side. "Olivia," he insisted, "tell them it isn't true. Speak up for your father."

Kenneth's expression hardened as he watched Paul try to draw Olivia into the fray. He positioned himself defensively in front of Olivia.

"Mr. Paul," he said firmly, "Olivia is my daughter."

Kayla, unable to contain herself, blurted out, "Olivia, we raised you for so many years. Don't you have anything to say?

The Parkers had effectively cornered Olivia. After all, they had raised her. It was widely believed that the bond formed through nurturing outweighed biological ties. If Olivia dared to be cold toward them in this situation, her reputation among the wealthy elite would be irreparably harmed.

No one admired someone who embraced their biological father while abandoning their foster parents.

Nicole, who had been looking forward to this moment, felt left out by her father's quick response. Nonetheless, she echoed his sentiment by stepping forward and making her plea. "Olivia, Mom, and Dad have always treated you as if you were their own daughter. You can't just ignore us now that you have found your biological father."

As all of the guests' gazes shifted toward them, Kayla spoke up, her voice thick with emotion, "I understand you've reunited with your biological family, but Paul, Nicole, and I are also your family. I do not believe I have ever mistreated you. Why are you acting like this?"

The Parkers bombarded Olivia with questions, not allowing her to respond. Whispers erupted among the assembled audience. Astute guests remained silent, while some younger, more outspoken individuals couldn't resist condemning Olivia.

"Even if you've met your biological family, Ms. Sinclair, the Parkers raised you. Don't you think it's disrespectful to treat them this way?

"Ms. Sinclair, Mr. Paul and his family deserve your respect as well. You shouldn't ignore them like this."

Kenneth's face contorted in anger. He was about to respond when a sudden tug on his arm stopped him.

Olivia drew him back and stepped forward. Her exquisite face revealed little emotion as she cast a fleeting glance at those who had just condemned her before turning her attention to the three Parker family members.

Without saying anything, she began removing the glove from her right hand. Confusion spread throughout the room as Olivia removed the glove, revealing a clear scar on her upper arm.

Olivia looked at Kayla and coldly said, "When I was seven years old, Nicole fell into the water by accident. Mrs. Kayla, when you saw me safely on the shore, you pushed me in, believing that my suffering would somehow balance the situation. This scar is a reminder of the incident."

The accusation shifted the Sinclair family's intense gaze to Kayla, and the guests were taken aback by Olivia's revelation.

Kayla's expression shifted slightly, but she still managed to respond, "You fell by yourself. Why accuse me of pushing you?"

Unfazed, Olivia continued, "When I was ten, Nicole was hospitalized and required a blood transfusion. Despite the fact that the hospital had an adequate supply, you insisted on taking my blood for her, claiming that it would help her recover because we are sisters."

The guests murmured, puzzled by Kayla's unusual behavior..

Even primary school students knew that as long as the blood types match, there should be no problem with the transfusion.

Everyone present thought that Kayla might lack common sense.

However, Kenneth, on the other hand, was furious, realizing that these revelations would never have surfaced if Olivia had not been so brave.

But Olivia's next words perplexed everyone. "I've always wondered why you subjected me to the same ordeals as Nicole, why you insisted on keeping us together. It wasn't until later that I realized Nicole was born with a cursed fate, and you only took me in because you thought my good fortune would protect her from misfortune."