Chapter 260

All eyes snapped toward the panting resort employee.

Marcus Donovan's face glistened with sweat as he struggled to catch his breath. "The Crescent Cliff—"

His words sent a ripple of shock through the crowd. "We found Miss Sinclair's shoe near the edge! She must have—"

The unspoken conclusion hung heavy in the air. Olivia Sinclair had plunged into the ocean.

Nathan Prescott's face drained of color. "She can't swim!" His voice cracked with panic. "We have to find her now!"

He sprinted toward the dangerous coastline, with Dominic Harrington and Ethan Blackwood close behind.

Vivian Lockhart stood frozen for a heartbeat before joining the flood of concerned guests heading toward the accident site.

The waters at Crescent Cliff appeared deceptively calm in the fading light. But as dusk settled, visibility became dangerously limited.

Vivian studied the abandoned heels placed neatly at the cliff's edge. A suspicious detail. "Could Miss Sinclair have removed her shoes intentionally?" she mused aloud. "Perhaps she went elsewhere?"

Evelyn Sinclair scoffed, clinging to Vivian's side like a shadow. "Don't be absurd!" Her shrill voice carried across the gathering crowd. "Olivia would never abandon her own wedding! Are you trying to cover your tracks, Miss Lockhart?"

Vivian's expression turned glacial. "What exactly would I be covering?"

"You pushed her!" Evelyn accused, pointing a trembling finger. "You're the only one with motive! If anything happens to Olivia, you'll pay for this!"

The accusation ignited the crowd. Victoria Sinclair, Olivia's mother, lunged at Vivian with red-rimmed eyes. "You monster! Give me back my daughter!"

Vivian understood maternal grief, but patience had its limits. She stood her ground, arms crossed. "Mrs. Sinclair, think logically. Why would I harm your daughter? What possible reason could I have?"

"Liar!" Victoria shrieked, swinging wildly. "The photos prove everything! First you hit her, now this—you won't get away with it!"

Vivian instinctively shielded her abdomen as blows rained down. "I'm warning you—"

The mob mentality took over. Sinclair family members and wedding guests closed in, their accusations turning physical. Vivian clenched her fists, ready to defend herself against the unjust assault.

A strong arm yanked her backward. Ethan Blackwood's imposing frame shielded her completely. His glacial glare silenced the advancing crowd. "Touch her," he challenged, "and find out what happens."

Victoria collapsed into hysterical sobs. "Ethan! You loved Olivia once! How can you protect her killer?"

Ethan's jaw tightened. "Accusations require evidence. Vivian is under my protection." His voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. "Harm her, and you answer to me."

Nathan Prescott turned his fury on Ethan. "The evidence is obvious! And since when do you care about your ex-wife? Why defend her now?"