Chapter 17: Parents Always Worry About Their Children

Standing outside the door, Olivia felt a whirlwind of emotions. Her obsession with Austin's death had led her here, but she knew her relentless pursuit had hurt Autumn, and she felt bad about it.

After taking a deep breath, Olivia finally knocked on the door.

"Can I come in?" Olivia asked.

"Olivia, get in here, quick!" Benjamin called out, sounding like he'd just found a lifeline.

As she walked in, Olivia greeted Benjamin first. "Mr. White!"

Benjamin, clearly pleased, quickly offered her a seat. Olivia glanced at Autumn but didn't dare sit down.

"Mom, why are you here? Are you tired? Why don't you rest in my dorm for a bit?" Olivia suggested.

Autumn looked at Olivia, who was smartly dressed in her police uniform, much like Austin used to be, but Olivia looked even better. The thought of Austin brought tears to Autumn's eyes.

"Olivia, you really are ruthless!" Autumn said.

Since they were at the police station, Autumn couldn't make a scene. Once they were in Olivia's dorm, Autumn started complaining, "Is this really a place to live? There's not even a curtain. You're a girl; don't you know you need to protect your privacy?"

No curtains, a thin blanket, and having to go outside to use the bathroom—Autumn got angrier the more she looked around.

"Why did you leave Silverlight City to come here and suffer? You..." Autumn fumed.

Olivia went over and took her arm, leaning on her shoulder. "Mom, I know you care about me and came because you were worried. I get it!"

Autumn hit her shoulder a few times in frustration, finally feeling a bit relieved. "You're always making me worry!" she said.

Olivia hugged Autumn's waist and started to act spoiled. "I haven't been here long, and there have been a lot of cases recently. I don't even get much time to sleep here. Mom, I know you're worried, but this is my choice. I want to do well. Please support me!" Olivia pleaded.

Autumn gave Olivia a sideways glance. Her face had gotten thinner, probably from not eating well. Olivia not only came here to endure hardship but also made her worry.

As Olivia and Autumn were talking, there was a knock on the door. Olivia was puzzled—who would come to her dorm?

Opening the door, she saw Henry.

"Mr. Phillips, why are you here?" Olivia asked. Her first thought was that it might be work-related, but then she saw Henry holding two lunch boxes.

"I heard your mother was here, so I brought some lunch," Henry said with a smile.

Olivia was puzzled, not understanding what Henry was up to. Autumn, however, brightened up when she saw Henry at the door and pulled Olivia aside.

"Is this your captain?" Autumn asked.

Olivia nodded, and Henry introduced himself. "Hello, I'm Henry Phillips, Olivia's captain!"

Autumn immediately beamed with joy, saying, "Hello, I'm Autumn, Olivia's mom."

Seeing Henry still standing at the door, Autumn urged, "Mr. Phillips, please come in!"

Henry smiled slightly at Olivia, brought the lunch boxes in, and quickly set out the food. "You two eat first; I have to get back to work!" Henry said, standing up to leave but was stopped by Autumn.

"Mr. Phillips, since you're here, why don't you sit down and eat with us?" Autumn offered.

"Mom, Mr. Phillips has work to do," Olivia quickly interjected, trying to stop her. She knew exactly what Autumn was up to. Over the years, besides worrying about Olivia's job, Autumn had been on a mission to set her up with someone, always saying female cops couldn't get married. Olivia had no idea what was going through her mom's head.

Henry noticed Olivia's anxious expression and couldn't help but smile. She probably didn't even realize how adorable she looked with her flushed cheeks. But his amusement was short-lived, and he soon put on a serious face.

"No need, Autumn. I have work to do. Please rest well here. I'll give Olivia half a day off to show you around Emerald City," Henry said.

Olivia had never seen Henry act so caring towards his subordinates. She found it hard to believe.

"Olivia, see Mr. Phillips out!" Autumn said, pushing Olivia to see him off. Olivia was helpless but obediently escorted Henry out. Standing at the door, Olivia felt awkward.

"Mr. Phillips, I..."

"Go accompany Autumn. Don't worry about anything else. The case is wrapping up, and there's a summary meeting tomorrow morning. Don't forget to attend on time!" Henry reminded her.

Olivia nodded and gave him a bright smile. "Thank you, Mr. Phillips!"

Henry nodded nonchalantly and quickly turned to leave, thinking to himself that Olivia was too beautiful to be a detective.

Back in the dorm, Autumn looked at Olivia meaningfully. Such a beautiful girl would have many admirers in Silverlight City, but she insisted on being a police officer!

Sighing, Autumn sat down to eat with Olivia. The soup tasted good, and Autumn thought Henry was quite considerate, so she couldn't help but ask, "Does Mr. Phillips have a girlfriend?"

Olivia was very nervous. "Mom, enough. I've only been here a few days. How would I know that?"

But recalling the photo of a woman she had seen on Henry's desk, she hesitated. "He probably does. Mr. Phillips is in his thirties. How could he not have a girlfriend?"

Autumn looked at Olivia with some disappointment, as if she were not living up to her expectations. "What's the use of being so pretty if you can't even find a boyfriend!" Autumn lamented.

Olivia wanted to roll her eyes but held back. Autumn often said things like this.

In the afternoon, Olivia changed into casual clothes and went shopping with Autumn at the Emerald City mall. They bought a lot, as if money were no object.

"Mom, Ivan's salary isn't much. If you spend it all, will he be okay with that?" Olivia asked as she sipped her coffee, watching Autumn pick out pajamas for her.

"Ivan is so frugal. He couldn't spend his monthly salary in a year! Besides, this card is from Oscar. He said I could spend as much as I wanted as long as it was for you!" Autumn said proudly.

Olivia's eyes welled up slightly.

After Austin's sacrifice, Olivia had been in a bad state, and Autumn had almost lost her will to live. It was Ivan and his son Oscar Franklin who gave them the courage to go on. As she thought of this, Olivia felt a bit down.

But in front of Autumn, she had to put on a smile. "Still, you should be careful. Oscar is married now, and there will be more expenses when they have kids. You can't keep taking his money!" Olivia advised.