Chapter 180 A Bad Feeling
Clara put Leo on the sofa and right away had someone bring over the snacks and toys they'd prepared, filling up the whole table.
Olivia sat nearby, watching this, and felt warm inside.
"Olivia, you've had it rough these years," Clara suddenly said, looking at her with eyes full of guilt and care. "It was all Luca's fault back then. He put you through so much, leaving you alone abroad to raise the kid. You must have suffered a lot. We know how hard it is to raise a child by yourself. We've always felt bad about it and missed you and Leo."
Olivia shook her head quickly, a bit embarrassed. "Clara, don't say that. It's all in the past, and I didn't really suffer. Leo's been good and sensible the whole time."
"How can it be in the past?" Clara sighed, holding Olivia's hand with real feeling. "You were so young and deserved a happy life, but Luca messed up, and you had to struggle alone abroad. We've felt guilty all along. Good thing things are better now. Your family's together at last, and we won't let you go through that again."
Arthur chimed in, "Olivia, let's not talk about the past anymore. Let it go. From now on, we're family. We'll live well together. We've decided to hand the overseas businesses to others and move back. We'll spend time with Leo, make up for lost years, help you out, and let you relax a bit."
Olivia froze. She hadn't expected this. She felt surprised and touched.
"This... this is too much trouble, isn't it? There are so many overseas businesses, and moving back isn't easy. You've lived abroad for years; you must be used to it."
"What trouble?" Clara said with a smile, her eyes full of love for Leo. "Compared to our grandson, those businesses are nothing."
"We're getting old and don't want to keep running around. We just want to stay with our grandson, enjoy family time, watch him grow up. Nothing beats that."
Seeing their firm looks, Olivia knew there was no point arguing. They really wanted to stay here with Leo.
"Okay, since you've decided, I won't try to change your minds," Olivia said with a smile. "From now on, we're family, looking after each other and helping one another."
"Great!" Clara said happily. "We'll live together from now on. No more living alone outside."
Olivia hesitated at that but finally nodded yes.
That evening, she wanted to call Luca to check in, but the call wouldn't connect.
She thought it was odd and tried again, but same thing.
So she asked the assistant and felt relieved after his reply.
But three days went by like that, still no word, and the phone stayed unreachable.
Olivia grew more and more uneasy.
At dinner that night, she had no appetite. She took two bites of rice and set down her chopsticks.
Clara noticed and asked with concern, "Olivia, what's wrong? Food not to your taste? Or feeling sick?"
Olivia shook her head and forced a smile. "No, the food's great. I'm just... worried about Luca. He hasn't contacted me in three days, phone won't connect. I don't know how he is, if his wound's better, or what's up with Jason."
Clara and Arthur exchanged a look, worry on their faces.
"Yeah, Luca hasn't called us either," Clara said. "Even if busy, he should take a minute to say he's okay. This kid always worries us."
Arthur frowned, voice heavy. "What if he's run into trouble?"
Olivia's heart sank. That's exactly what she feared.
Jason would do anything now. Luca's been after him. Would he turn desperate and go after Luca?
"No, I need to ask the assistant." Olivia pulled out her phone and called him right away, her fingers shaking from nerves.
It rang a long time before he picked up. He sounded hesitant, with a hint of panic.
"How's Luca? Why can't we reach him? Is his wound okay? Did they find Jason?" Olivia blurted out several questions, voice urgent.
The assistant stuck to his usual lines, but sounded off. "Mr. Vettel is... fine. Just super busy with Jason stuff, no time to call. Don't worry."
"You're lying!" Olivia caught it instantly, her tone firm. "Even if busy, he wouldn't go three days without a word to us, not even a message. What happened? Tell me! Don't hide it!"
She knew Luca too well. Even busy, he'd check in, especially now.
The assistant paused, knowing he couldn't hide it, and told the truth. "Two days ago, Mr. Vettel got word on Jason, left in a hurry with a few guys, and then we lost contact with him."
"What?" Olivia's voice shot up, her heart gripped tight. "Lost contact? Where'd he go? In danger? Did you send people?"
The assistant sounded worried too, with some guilt. "We've sent people to track him down, used every resource we have, but no news yet. Can't reach him."
Olivia's head buzzed, went blank, ears ringing. She couldn't hear a thing.
Lost contact?
Was Luca hurt?
Did Jason get to him?
Bad thoughts spun in her head, making her go cold all over, hands and feet icy.
"Find him fast!" Olivia's voice shook, tears welling up but held back. "Whatever it takes, keep him safe. Pay any price!"
"We know, ma'am. We're searching full out, using all our contacts and resources. We'll tell you the second we hear anything. Don't worry too much. The boss has luck on his side; he'll be fine," the assistant said quickly.
After hanging up, Olivia went pale as paper, body shaking a little, eyes full of fear and worry.
"Olivia, don't worry. Luca will be okay," Clara hurried over and patted her back gently. "He's smart, has lots of men, tons of experience. He'll come back safe. Maybe just bad signal."
Arthur added, "Yeah, probably some sudden issue keeping him from calling. News will come in a few days. Don't overthink it; that'll hurt your health."