Chapter 64 Return to Linus's Place
Soon, the three of them arrived at an upscale steak restaurant.
As soon as the car stopped, Linus took Olivia's hand and patted it affectionately. "The beef vegetable soup and garden salad here are pretty good. You've lost too much weight lately; you need to eat more and take care of yourself."
Feeling Linus's usual care and concern, Olivia felt a warmth in her heart. "Thank you, Grandpa."
Linus smiled kindly. "Alright, let's go inside."
Olivia nodded and helped Linus into a private room.
Luca followed behind, his gaze unintentionally falling on their clasped hands, his Adam's apple bobbing slightly.
The private room was warm and cozy, and the food was served quickly.
While cutting Olivia's steak for her, Linus glanced at Luca. "Hey, kid, what are you standing there for? Serve your wife a bowl of soup. She worked herself to the bone handling those multi-billion projects for you."
Following Linus's instructions, Luca picked up the ladle, filled a bowl with beef-and-vegetable soup, and handed it to Olivia.
Olivia's fingers trembled slightly as she quietly took the bowl and sipped it slowly. The warm soup slid down her throat, but it couldn't warm the chill in her heart.
"Grandpa, I've already resigned, and about the company..." Olivia started softly, wanting to explain things clearly.
"Resign from what?" Linus put down his fork, his face darkening. "I've said before, no one in Vettel Group's project department can handle things except you. Let's just forget this ever happened. Once you've had some time to rest at home, you're going right back to work. I'd like to see anyone try to give you trouble."
He turned and glared at Luca. "Isn't that right?"
Luca quickly understood and suppressed his emotions. He naturally put his arm around Olivia's shoulders, his tone carrying a hint of indulgence. "Grandpa, you're right. We just had a small argument before, and she impulsively mentioned resigning. I'll sweet-talk her when we get back, and she'll return to the company."
Feeling the warmth of his hand on her shoulder, Olivia stiffened but didn't pull away.
She knew this was all an act for Linus, but the warmth from his touch still stirred a strange feeling in her heart.
"That's more like it." Linus grinned brightly. "Tonight, you two are moving back to my place. I've had a room on the second floor prepared. It's a sunny room with great light, perfect for recuperating. We have a nutritionist and staff at home, which is much more convenient than living on your own. It'll put my mind at ease, too." Linus pressed on, leaving no room for refusal.
Olivia bit her lip, seeing the hopeful look in the old man's eyes, and finally nodded. "Alright, I'll do as you say."
Luca turned to look at her, a faint, barely noticeable smile flashing in his eyes as he gently patted her shoulder. "I'll go with you tonight to pack your things."
Olivia murmured a quiet agreement and said nothing more.
After lunch, Luca drove Linus back to the old house, then took Olivia to her villa.
On the way, Olivia was unusually quiet. Luca wanted to speak several times, but only swallowed hard instead.
As soon as Olivia opened the door to the villa, Luca couldn't hold back any longer. He quickly pulled her inside, slammed the door shut, pinned her against it, and gritted his teeth. "Olivia, what exactly do you want? Are you trying to drive me crazy?"
Olivia looked at him mockingly. "Resign, divorce, and stay far away from you. That's what I want."
Her words were blunt, and Luca was stunned. He grabbed her chin, his eyes bloodshot.
"I won't allow it!" Luca growled and leaned down to kiss her.
The kiss was intense and wet, domineering and undeniable. Olivia couldn't breathe, and her anger exploded. She raised her hand and slapped him hard.
Smack! The sharp sound of the slap echoed in the living room.
Luca's head turned from the impact, a red mark instantly forming on his face. But seeing Olivia's red-rimmed eyes and furious expression, his heart only ached more. "Olivia..."
"Get away from me!" Olivia shoved him hard, her voice breaking with a sob. "Luca, you jerk! What gives you the right to treat me like this?" Tears streamed down her face. "First, you suspected me because of Windy, and now you're messing with me again. What do you even want?"
Seeing her cry, guilt washed over Luca like a tidal wave. He had been too impulsive just now.
"I'm sorry," he said hoarsely, reaching out to touch her face, but she turned her head to avoid him.
"Don't touch me." Olivia wiped her tears, her gaze icy. "Grandpa wants us to move in with him, and I'll go. But we sleep in separate rooms. Don't even think about crossing the line."
Seeing her resolute expression, Luca could only nod. "Fine, I agree."
Seeing Luca give in so quickly, Olivia frowned.
She didn't plan to stay at Lunis's place for long, so she only packed a few changes of clothes.
On the way back, the two remained silent, though Luca's eyes occasionally drifted toward Olivia.
When they arrived, Linus was already waiting. Seeing them return together, a satisfied smile spread across his face. "That's more like it. Couples may fight, but in the end, you have to make up. No matter what happens, sticking together as husband and wife is what matters most."
Olivia forced a smile. "I'll go to the room and unpack now."
"Yeah, go ahead." Linus smiled, then had the housekeeper take Olivia to her room.
As soon as Olivia finished unpacking, Luca squeezed into the room.
"What are you doing in here?" Olivia asked warily.
Luca glanced at the door. "Grandpa is watching us. If we sleep in separate rooms, he'll get suspicious."
Olivia clenched the hem of her shirt. Looking into Luca's candid eyes, she couldn't find a reason to argue.
Grandpa's room was right across the hall, and he could come check on them at any time. If he found out they were sleeping apart, there'd be another long lecture.
At that moment, Olivia noticed a large sofa in the room.
"Then you take the sofa," she said, taking a step back, her tone still cold. "Don't come near the bed, and don't touch my things."
Luca didn't object and nodded. "Alright, whatever you say."
Olivia was taken aback. When had Luca become so agreeable? In her mind, Luca had always been overbearing and cold toward her.
Today, from the restaurant to here, Luca had been acting so out of character... Olivia realized she couldn't quite figure him out anymore.
Just then, a sharp ringtone broke the silence in the room.
It was Windy calling.
Luca frowned, instinctively wanting to hang up, but remembering how harsh he'd been to Windy last time, he answered.
"Luca, I think someone's in my house. I'm so scared," Windy's voice trembled, making Luca's heart tighten. He immediately said, "Hold on, I'm coming over right now."
Seeing Luca's anxious expression, Olivia let out a sarcastic laugh. She didn't look at him again and headed straight to the bathroom.
Luca hung up the phone just in time to see Olivia's resolute back. His heart clenched painfully.
"If you're going, just go. Don't let Grandpa find out," Olivia said, her voice laced with detachment.
Luca clenched his fist but still said, "Windy might be in danger. I'll go check on her."
Then, he reached for the door to leave.
But as he turned the handle, the door didn't budge...
It was obvious someone had locked it from the outside. Luca knew without a doubt that this was Grandpa's doing.
The reason? Well, that was pretty clear...
He instinctively glanced at Olivia's back and swallowed hard.