Chapter 164 This Soft Waist, Whoever Marries It Wins
Evelyn's flame of gossip was instantly extinguished, her expression full of regret.
Olivia found it both exasperating and amusing.
"Your attempt to set me up with Mr. Hamilton doesn't make any sense, does it? How could he and I... possibly develop in that direction?"
Setting aside the fact that she'd just gotten divorced not long ago.
Just looking at how they'd interacted before, most of it revolved around Bianca's autism.
The rest of the time, they were mostly polite and courteous.
Their relationship only really grew closer around Christmas.
She wasn't even in Emerald City anymore, so why the sudden enthusiasm for matchmaking?
Olivia couldn't help asking, "Are you planning a career change to open a matchmaking agency?"
Evelyn was momentarily stumped by this, and simply shrugged, "Not really, it's mainly because when I went abroad to see my parents, they actually started pressuring me about marriage, constantly going on about quality men, elite professionals, family background, being well-matched and all that.
The most ridiculous part was, they somehow collected a bunch of photos from who knows where and made me pick..."
Talking about this, Evelyn couldn't stop, "You know me, as a hardcore looks-focused person, the first thing I look for in a partner is appearance, then I consider other conditions.
But the ones my parents picked, while they had good credentials, not a single one of them looked anywhere close to what I want!"
Olivia finally understood, "So after coming back, you just started randomly matchmaking people?"
Evelyn didn't deny it, "You can't blame me... it's mainly because you two are so ridiculously good-looking, not to mention that princess carry that appeared right in front of me! My brain just couldn't control itself and automatically triggered the urge to 'pair you up'!"
After saying this, she raised her phone again to look at that photo, "Just tell me, don't you two look perfect together!"
Olivia was forced to look at the image again.
She'd only glanced at it briefly before without looking closely, but now with her friend emphasizing it like this, she inexplicably felt that the atmosphere seemed a bit... off.
Andrew looked fine.
Though he was holding her, he was looking straight ahead, his posture steady, showing no hint of any other thoughts.
She, on the other hand, seemed to be a different story.
Her eyes slightly lowered, her expression conveying a sense of being flustered, actually giving off a hint of shyness.
Olivia was speechless.
Was that really her expression at the time?
It must be the angle of the photo, right???
"Oh my, Olivia, you look a bit seductive here? Look at those shy eyes, and those reddened ears..."
Evelyn had obviously noticed this too, and couldn't help teasing as she nudged her, "Confess honestly, when you were in Mr. Hamilton's arms, did your heart race?"
Olivia felt awkward and guilty, but firmly denied it, "No, don't talk nonsense."
Then she raised her hand, trying to grab the phone, "Stop looking, delete the photo. If someone else sees it and gets the wrong idea, that wouldn't be good."
Evelyn reacted very quickly and dodged, saying, "No, why should I delete it? Such a beautiful photo could totally be used as wallpaper. Wouldn't it be a shame to delete it?
Besides, so what if people get the wrong idea?
You're single now, and Mr. Hamilton doesn't have a girlfriend either... if things naturally develop in that direction, what's wrong with that? Who would it bother?"
Olivia shook her head, "I really haven't dared to think about that."
Although when spending time with Andrew, she occasionally had absurd thoughts.
But she knew clearly that it was all just an illusion caused by his gentleness and thoughtfulness.
There was no possibility between them.
Not to mention, her mind wasn't on this right now—she just wanted to focus on her career.
Evelyn examined her carefully, from top to bottom, and sincerely suggested, "I think you should consider it! You've got such great qualities—excellent figure, Emerald City's rising business star, a strong career woman, plus you have such an adorable baby like Bianca. It's basically a buy-one-get-one-free deal, okay?
Whoever marries you would be getting a bargain!"
After hearing this, Olivia couldn't help but laugh, "You're probably the only person in the world who would think this way."
Evelyn immediately retorted, "Who says? I think that in this world, except for that blind fool Michael, everyone else can definitely see your attractive qualities!
Like Daniel—after so many years, he's still willing to work with you. Isn't that because he trusts your abilities?
And Mr. Hamilton has also asked for your help several times, even going so far as to lure you into the mountains...
Professional charm is one of the biggest weapons for attracting the opposite sex!
I don't know what those two are thinking right now, but I think if it were me, I'd definitely be head over heels for you!"
After saying this, she suddenly hugged her like a hooligan and made kissing sounds, "Tsk tsk, look at this soft little waist, I don't want to let go once I hold it, feels amazing!"
Feeling the restless movements around her waist, Olivia didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
This was getting more and more exaggerated!
She grabbed her wrist and said, "Although I'm happy you're complimenting me, could you please consider the injured person and not put all your weight on me? If you keep this up, I'm going to be injured a second time."
Only then did Evelyn's conscience kick in, and she quickly let go, "Oh, sit down quickly. Is your injury serious?"
Olivia said coolly, "Only now you think to care? Too late!"
Evelyn smiled ingratiatingly, "Not too late, not too late. Your parents haven't come back yet, so perfect—I can keep you company these two days and take care of you, to make up for ignoring you just now."
Olivia pretended to be proud and huffed.
Evelyn quickly tried to appease her.
After the two fooled around for a while, they finally settled down.
Later that evening, Olivia was truly tired and went straight to her room to shower.
Just after finishing, Andrew sent a message asking: [Can you manage on your own?]
Olivia's heart warmed, and she took the opportunity to tell him about her friend's return.
Hearing that someone was taking care of her, Andrew finally felt less worried!
He added: [Then let's meet in a few days. These next few days, I'll organize Bianca's second phase treatment plan and discuss it with you in detail then.]
Olivia perked up: [Great, thank you for your hard work, Mr. Hamilton.]
Andrew replied: [Not hard at all, get some rest early, good night.]
Over the next two days, Olivia stayed home to recover, but she didn't sit idle.
The research institute had officially resumed work two days ago.
She took this opportunity to quickly organize the materials she'd collected this time, sent them to the team, and formulated new research and development plans and approaches.
When Daniel found out, he came to visit her with various fruits and supplements, "How did you come back injured from this trip? Next time if it's too dangerous, don't go. The company needs to expand its business, yes, but we don't necessarily have to do it this way."
In his eyes, Olivia's safety was far more important than building connections.
Olivia explained, "There was no danger. I fell from a ladder by accident. The military base is safer than anywhere else!"
Seeing that she didn't seem to be lying, Daniel nodded.
Olivia then asked, "Nothing happened at the company these past few days, right?"
Before she left, the matter between the Johnson Group and the Brown Group was still causing quite a stir, but after coming back, she hadn't seen anything about it.
She wondered if they'd caused any more trouble afterward.
Daniel probably knew what she wanted to ask and didn't beat around the bush, "The company's fine. Before you left, the Johnson Group had already decided to let things go. After paying compensation, they kept a low profile and kept suppressing the news, so they've pretty much cleared themselves now.
As for the Brown Group, it went about as I expected—pretty much bankrupt. However, Michael still felt sorry for his sweetheart and left her a way out.
But that way out isn't worth mentioning.
The only good news is probably that Sophia is universally despised and isn't well-received at the Johnson Group either!"
"More than just not well-received?"
Evelyn came out carrying freshly washed fruit and chimed in, "I heard from a friend that Amelia has already started looking for new daughter-in-law candidates!
Before, when the Brown family was doing well, plus with Sophia putting on an act, she had the whole Johnson family infatuated with her, thinking she was irreplaceable.
Now that the Brown Group has fallen and Sophia did such embarrassing things, the Johnson family is starting to see through her!
I bet that woman is panicking now, afraid that one day she'll be abandoned and kicked out of the Johnson family..."
Talking about this, she couldn't help gloating, "That's karma."
Olivia wasn't surprised at all.
Everyone in the Johnson family, except for the late Emily, put profit above all else.
Since the Brown Group couldn't bring much benefit to the Johnson Group, they would naturally be very critical.
However, she had a different view on whether Sophia would be kicked out of the Johnson family.
Michael had a kind of obsessive filter and favoritism toward that woman.
To be with her, he didn't hesitate to abandon his wife and daughter, and even after Sophia did so many ridiculous things, he still didn't take it seriously and kept her by his side.
Presumably, he wouldn't so easily drive her away either.
Of course, this was no longer her concern.
As long as those two didn't act shameless again and come provoke her, that was fine.
Olivia didn't want to talk more about those two and quickly changed the subject, returning to business matters.
Daniel could tell and followed her topic, "In a few days, there's an artificial intelligence summit. Many well-known domestic companies will be invited to attend.
This time, our Nexora Tech is also on the list, and you'll need to be there!
If nothing unexpected happens, the system we developed should win an award.
Additionally, the government will have some support policies... This is a good opportunity to connect with officials. In the future, our system might even be used internally by the government!"
"Really?"
Olivia's eyes lit up.
Daniel nodded and continued, "You need to be mentally prepared. This time, many people might be coming for you... headhunting and such will be unavoidable!"
After hearing this, Evelyn looked impressed, "Wow, so our Olivia is very sought-after now?"
Daniel responded with a roguish air, "Naturally, so I need to keep a close eye and make sure my partner doesn't get poached!"
Olivia laughed, "Don't worry, I can't be poached. When I was at my lowest, you didn't abandon me, which led to today's achievements. If I betrayed you now, wouldn't that be too heartless? Unless..."
She paused and added teasingly, "They offer enough money!"
At this, Evelyn burst out laughing, "Then it's over, Mr. Wilson needs to feel the pressure. There'll probably be plenty of people throwing money around that day!"
Daniel's eyes darkened as he said, "The competition is indeed fierce... but I won't lose."
Whether it's throwing money or anything else, he didn't want to let her go.
Olivia didn't pick up on his feelings, but her heart was already full of anticipation for the summit.
Evelyn felt the same.
Though she was more curious about whether the Johnson Group would be invited to attend.
Although that broken company had already been disgraced, its position in Emerald City couldn't be so easily shaken after all.
She really wanted to see in person the wonderful expressions of humiliation on those people's faces when Olivia shone brightly!!!