Chapter 541: I Want to Meet Winston

Olivia raised an eyebrow, her voice laced with suspicion. "Did you do something to Winston? Where is he?"

Despite everything that had happened between them, Winston was her benefactor, and Olivia didn't want him to suffer because of her.

"Do you really think I'm that kind of person?" Daniel's voice had a hint of hurt. "Olivia, tell me, have you fallen for Winston?"

Daniel was desperate to know. He was Winston, and if Olivia had fallen for Winston, it meant she would fall for him over and over again.

Olivia couldn't answer that. Her feelings for Winston were complicated and couldn't be easily labeled as love or friendship. But no matter what those feelings were, Olivia had drawn a clear line between them. She could never be with Winston.

"You're acting weird. If this were before, you'd be furious," Olivia said. 

Daniel realized he couldn't keep pretending to be calm, or Olivia would definitely notice something was off.

"What's done is done. What do you want me to do about it?" Daniel's voice was filled with pain. "I love you, and no matter what, it's not your fault."

Hearing this, Olivia's doubts vanished instantly. Daniel hadn't changed; he was still as jealous as ever.

"You can hate me, but don't hurt Winston," Olivia said, suddenly realizing something. "Did you already kill him?"

Thinking of Joel's distress call, Olivia had reason to suspect that Daniel was behind it.

"Do you care about him that much?" Daniel's voice was thick with jealousy, as if Olivia's affirmative answer would make him kill Winston himself.

"I just don't want anyone else to get hurt because of me," Olivia said, knowing Daniel's personality. The more she showed she cared, the harsher Daniel's methods would be. To ensure Winston's safety, she couldn't anger him.

Sure enough, Daniel's anger subsided a bit after hearing her explanation. "Don't worry, he's alive and well."

Daniel never lied, and Olivia's tension eased slightly. She scoffed, "Do whatever you want, but I need Winston to stay alive."

Daniel felt a pang of jealousy. If he hadn't hurt Olivia, he wouldn't need to approach her under another identity. Olivia clearly cared more about Winston.

"I have one more request. I want to see Winston," Olivia said.

Daniel thought they were past this, but hearing her request, he hesitated before finally agreeing. "Fine, after dinner."

The car stopped in front of the restaurant. Daniel got out, opened the door for Olivia, and held an umbrella over her. The restaurant was only a few steps away, and Olivia didn't refuse. They walked under the same umbrella, the atmosphere harmonious.

Olivia couldn't help but glance back at the snow-covered steps, feeling a bit melancholic. The first time they came to this restaurant, their moods were completely different. The man standing next to her was still Daniel, but they had gone from lovers to divorcees, with no relationship left.

'If only those things hadn't happened,' Olivia thought. She could feel Daniel's concern for her, but he had made mistakes, and she couldn't go against her heart to be with him again. The best outcome for them was to never see each other again, but even that was impossible due to various entanglements.

Daniel knew what she meant, feeling bitter and unsure how to respond. Those mistakes couldn't be undone. All he could do was try to minimize Olivia's psychological scars and help her forget the past pain. As for getting back together, Daniel didn't dare to hope for that.

The restaurant had been renovated, but the menu and recipes remained the same. At this time, the place wasn't crowded. Olivia sat at the table they used to frequent and ordered two signature dishes.

"So, you've been following me since I got back?" Olivia asked, breaking the silence.

Daniel, at a disadvantage, nodded. "Yeah, I admit it was a bit sneaky, but it was for your own good."

"I've found a lead on Sean. If we can find him, we can cure your cancer. For your safety and the kids', I hope you'll stay, even if it's on the island."

At least she needed to stay where he could see her.

Olivia sighed, her gaze unwavering. "Daniel, do you want me to keep hiding forever?"

Over the years, she had moved countless times to avoid those hunting her. But what was the result? If not for the bodyguards who sacrificed their lives and Tobias finding the kids, Olivia wouldn't know how to continue living. Moreover, her father died because of Daniel, and Aria's death was also connected to him. Olivia couldn't stay with him.

Olivia rolled up her sleeve, revealing a scar on her left wrist. "Don't forget, you pulled the trigger on this one."

The scar had healed well but left a round bullet hole, usually covered by a bracelet or watch.

Daniel, knowing he was in the wrong, lowered his head slightly. "I know I've hurt you deeply and don't expect to win your heart back. I just want to see the kids."

Olivia bristled again. "I've already told them their father is dead."

"You've hurt me and saved me from death multiple times. We're even now. I don't want you to disturb me and the kids anymore."

Olivia had enough assets to support herself and the kids and didn't want Daniel involved.

"I know you hate me, but the kids need a father. Blood ties can't be erased," Daniel said. He could accept Olivia leaving him but couldn't bear the thought of the kids growing up not knowing he was their father.

Olivia eyed him warily. "Are you planning to fight for custody? I'm telling you, the kids are still young. Even if you sue me, you probably won't win custody."