Chapter 194 The Cost of Angering Gwyneth

Chapter 194 The Cost of Angering Gwyneth

Gwyneth stuck out her tongue, a faintly guilty smile tugging at her lips. "That's not something I get to decide. The organization has its plans, and I'm just being pushed along with them. Besides, the fewer people who know, the better... I didn't want you worrying."

Her voice softened, rare seriousness settling over her words. "Olivia, you know I've always wanted work like this. Field assignments only last a few years. I know exactly what I'm getting into."

For Gwyneth's career, it was an undeniable opportunity—one that came with risks Olivia couldn't ignore.

Olivia was quiet for a moment before speaking, her tone low but firm. "When you're on a mission, protect yourself first. The job matters, but your life matters more."

Gwyneth's laugh on the other end was light and quick. "Got it. When are you coming back? I'm still waiting to go shopping with you!"

Sunlight slanted through the window, catching Olivia's reflection in the glass. Silently, she prayed that everyone who set out for distant places would return safe.

"Wait for me. I'll be back soon."

Ending the call, Olivia rose to change clothes. If they were going shopping, she might as well make a list—there were things the apartment could use.

On the shoe cabinet by the door sat a car key. The logo caught her off guard; it wasn't Henry's car. She picked up her phone and dialed.

"What's with this car key?"

Henry had just stepped out of a meeting. "It's a gift. Go down and see if you like how it drives."

A gift? Without thinking much, Olivia headed downstairs. The sight of the car stopped her in her tracks.

"You bought me this?"

Henry chuckled. "What, not expensive enough? It's a custom model, limited worldwide. Question is—do you dare accept it?"

Olivia's fingers traced the sleek lines of the car. A slow smile curved her lips. "You underestimate me. Why wouldn't I? It's not my money... as long as you can explain it."

Both of them were public servants. Gifts like this had to be reported, and Henry clearly had done so—otherwise he wouldn't have brought it home. He'd chosen the car for her safety; her driving style was wild enough to make him worry about ordinary vehicles.

"Relax. It's all filed properly. Just don't drive too fast. Safety first."

Olivia laughed, pocketed the keys, and drove off. When she picked up Gwyneth, her friend circled the car with wide-eyed delight.

"My God, a custom model? Henry must be rolling in cash!"

Olivia snorted. "Hardly. It's his mother's inheritance. Everything's been declared already. On his salary, it would take thirty years to afford this."

Gwyneth's grin was pure envy. "Cold as he looks, he's got nothing but devotion for you—giving you something like this."

Olivia only smiled and started the engine. They headed straight for the mall; today's list was long, and the two of them dove into a spree.

"I had no idea marriage meant buying this much stuff!" Gwyneth groaned under the weight of her bags.

"You're going to get married someday. I'm just letting you sample the magic early."

Gwyneth shook her head hard. "No way. Marriage is the devil."

Olivia's smile turned sly. "Better run, then. I heard Kieran already filed the paperwork."

Gwyneth froze. "He filed my marriage papers? Over my dead body. You wait—I'm going to kill him!"

She dropped her bags and bolted. Olivia couldn't catch up, so she called Kieran instead.

"Kieran, you might want to brace yourself—you're about to get attacked."

Kieran had just finished training and was back in his office. "Olivia... Henry's going to hit me?"

Olivia laughed. "No, Gwyneth. She heard you filed marriage papers and she's coming for you. Maybe take the hit?"

Kieran nearly lost his balance, gripping the desk. "Olivia, you're trying to get me killed."

She chuckled. Those two needed to talk—things couldn't keep going like this.

Kieran was about to reply when the desk phone rang. He hung up with Olivia and picked up the handset.

"Kieran, you bastard! You set me up. Don't you dare run—if you do, I'll hunt you to the ends of the earth!"

Kieran's grin was sharp. "Meet me in the ring."

Gwyneth's laugh was cold before she slammed the phone down. She looked ready to fight to the death.

Olivia stared at her darkened screen, still smiling, her fingers idly stroking the car key. Outside, the midday sun blazed. Eating alone felt miserable, so she drove to Henry's office.

She had barely parked when Henry called. "I hear Gwyneth's challenging Kieran?"

"Not exactly a challenge—more like a one-sided beating. Serves him right for what he did. Don't worry, a fight might be just what they need."

Henry's laugh was low. "Those two never stop. It's lunch—where are you? I'll come find you."

Olivia's lips curved. "Downstairs at your building. I've been waiting."

Henry blinked in surprise, then crossed to the elevator without another word.

She stepped out of the car in a light blue floral dress. The fabric skimmed her skin, the breeze lifting the hem just enough to soften her already striking beauty.

Henry's stride slowed as he took her in, then his smile deepened. "What do you feel like eating?"

"Spaghetti. Haven't had the cafeteria's in ages—wonder if it's changed."

"If I didn't have work this afternoon, I'd make it for you at home. Come on, let's get your pasta."

The cafeteria was quiet. They took a table by the window, setting down their trays. Henry immediately began picking the meat out of her pasta—he knew she didn't eat it.

Olivia rested her chin in her hand, amused. "Henry, people are watching you pick through my food. They're laughing."

Henry glanced around; heads dropped instantly, eyes on their plates. He smirked and pushed the pasta toward her.

"So what if I take care of my wife? They're just jealous. Ask them whose wife is prettier than mine."

Olivia rolled her eyes, her ears tinged pink. "You're too old to be this shameless."