Chapter 138 Deliberately Making Trouble
Olivia's anger flared up right away. Luca was clearly doing this on purpose! He'd never rushed her for a plan like this before, but now it had to be ready by tomorrow noon!
"Luca, what do you mean by this?" Olivia's voice turned cold. "The studio just got started. How am I supposed to finish such a rushed plan? Are you deliberately making trouble for me?"
"Making trouble for you?" Luca let out a light laugh, his tone mocking. "Olivia, I invested in you to get work done, not to haggle with me. If you can do it, do it. If not, just say so. Plenty of people want this job."
Olivia gritted her teeth. She knew Luca meant what he said. The studio depended on his investment right now—for rent, staff pay, and Leo's tuition. Everything needed money. She couldn't lose this deal.
"Okay, got it. I'll do it now and send it to you before noon tomorrow," Olivia said, swallowing her anger.
"Good." A faint smile tugged at Luca's lips. "I already sent the design requirements to your email. Check it. Also, after you finish the plan, come to my villa in person to report it to me face-to-face. Can't explain it online."
"In person, too?" Olivia's anger boiled over more. "Mr. Vettel, aren't you going too far?"
"Too far?" Luca's tone chilled. "I'm just being responsible for the work. If you think it's too far, don't do it."
Olivia took a deep breath. Arguing more wouldn't help. She had to give in. "Got it. I'll bring the plan over on time."
After hanging up, Olivia's chest heaved with rage. She slammed the table hard. Leo heard it and ran over. "Mom, what's wrong?"
"Nothing, sweetie." Olivia forced down her anger, touched Leo's head, and felt guilty inside. "Sorry, I have urgent work tomorrow at noon. I need to rush a design plan, so I can't go with you to see Uncle LO."
Leo's smile froze on his face. The light in his eyes dimmed, and he pouted. "Huh? Can I still play with Dylan then?"
"Of course! Uncle LO will pick you up. Go with him and be good. Remember what I told you—call me right away if anything happens, okay?" Olivia knelt down, looking into Leo's eyes, her voice soft.
Leo looked down, clutching his shirt corner, and said quietly, "Okay... But Mom, finish your work quick."
"I will. When I'm done, I'll buy you your favorite strawberry cake, okay?" Olivia coaxed him.
"Really?" Leo looked up, a spark back in his eyes.
"Really, I promise." Olivia smiled and nodded.
Leo finally grinned. "Okay! I'll play nice with Uncle LO, and Mom, you work hard too!"
Olivia pulled out her phone and sent LO a private message: [Sorry about this, Mr. LO. I have an emergency at work. The studio needs to rush a design plan, so I can't go with Leo at noon. He'll have to go with you by himself. Please take good care of him. Call me anytime if needed. Really sorry.]
LO replied soon: [No problem. Focus on work. Leave Leo to me. I'll take good care of him and let you know right away if anything comes up.]
"Thanks so much. Sorry for the trouble." Olivia replied.
"You're welcome. It's fine."
Luca saw Olivia's message and smirked smugly. Everything was going according to his plan.
Olivia told Ella to watch Leo carefully, then headed to the studio.
Meanwhile, at noon, Luca arrived to pick up the kids as planned.
Leo saw Luca's car and hopped in, pulling the door open. Dylan was already inside.
"Uncle LO!" Leo called out happily, his little face full of excitement.
Luca glanced back and smiled. "Let's go. I'll take you guys to play."
"Yay!" Leo clapped excitedly, then turned to Dylan. "Dylan, we can play all we want today!"
Dylan nodded and said softly, "I... I want to ride the carousel."
"No problem! Carousel first!" Leo patted his chest.
The car pulled up to the family fun park. Luca parked, bought tickets for the two kids, and held their hands as they went in.
The park was packed with kids' laughter everywhere. Sunlight warmed the grass.
The boys played all the little rides they wanted, running around until they were tired out.
Luca checked the time. He led them to the Western restaurant he'd booked ahead.
He didn't want to take too long—he needed to drop them off before Olivia got back.
A server greeted them warmly as they entered. "Hello, sir. This way, please. Your table is ready."
Luca nodded, guiding one kid with each hand to the window seat.
He lifted Leo into the booster seat first, then helped Dylan sit, his moves smooth and practiced, not like a first-time kid-hauler.
Leo leaned on the table, looking around curiously. "Uncle LO, this place is so pretty."
"Like it?" Luca handed him the menu. "See what you want to eat."
Leo scrunched his little brow, studying the pictures seriously. "I want the kids' steak! And fries!"
"How cooked?"
"Um... as long as I can chew it!" Leo thought and answered earnestly.
Luca chuckled, then turned to quiet Dylan. "What about you, Dylan? What do you want?"
Dylan whispered, "Steak too... with ketchup."
"Okay, two kids' steaks—one medium, one with ketchup."
Luca closed the menu and told the server, "Add fries and two fresh juices."
The server noted it and left.
Leo leaned on the table, swinging his short legs, chatting with Dylan. "Dylan, you eaten steak before?"
Dylan shook his head. "No, we always eat at home."
"Try it later—it's super yummy!" Leo said proudly, like an expert.
Luca sat across, watching the boys quietly, his gaze soft. He hadn't felt this relaxed in a long time.
Soon the steaks and fries arrived, steaming hot, filling the table with aroma.
Leo's eyes lit up. "Wow! Smells so good!"
Luca cut Leo's steak into small bites. "Eat slow, don't burn your mouth."
"Thanks, Uncle LO!" Leo speared a piece, popped it in his mouth, and squinted happily.
"So good! Super tasty!"
He was usually quiet, but now his feelings showed all over his face. Luca watched, his heart aching.
In these four years, he'd missed so much—Leo's first meal, first steps, first words. All gone.
After eating, Luca paid and took the boys out of the restaurant.