Chapter 97 Not Qualified to Be Arrogant in Front of Him
As soon as Olivia was free, she grabbed Bianca and stepped back several paces, putting distance between herself and Michael.
Michael was taken aback, not expecting anyone to counter his hold so easily. Clearly, this man had some serious skills.
Who was he?
Despite his curiosity, the man's protective behavior and Olivia's avoidance only fueled Michael's anger.
Michael's voice dropped to a cold, menacing tone. "I don't care what your relationship with Olivia is, but right now, I'm still her husband. So, I suggest you stay out of our business! Messing with the Johnson Group will cost you more than you can afford."
His words were a clear threat.
Nearby, David stepped forward and shouted, "Watch your mouth..."
The Johnson Group might have some influence in Emerald City, but it was no match for Andrew.
Before David could finish, Andrew raised a hand to stop him.
Andrew faced Michael with a calm and imposing demeanor, his presence commanding respect. He spoke coolly, "In public, you resort to violence against a woman? Is this the Johnson Group's usual conduct?"
Michael's face froze.
Most of the guests at this hotel were influential, many from the same social circles. In his rage, Michael hadn't considered the implications of his actions.
Reminded of this, Michael cooled down slightly, but his anger remained.
Especially towards Andrew, whose authoritative presence made Michael uneasy.
Few of his peers could intimidate him like this.
First Daniel, now Andrew!
When had Olivia started associating with so many men behind his back?
Furious, Michael glared at Olivia, "You sure know how to find men to protect you, Olivia. How did I never realize you were such a lowlife?"
Olivia had been nursing her aching wrist, but being repeatedly insulted stoked her anger.
Especially since Andrew was involved.
Andrew had kindly helped Bianca several times.
Yet Michael twisted Andrew's intentions.
Her eyes reddened with fury, and she slapped Michael. "Enough, Michael! Do you think everyone is as shameless as you? Mr. Hamilton is just Bianca's psychologist. How dare you slander him?
I merely invited him to dinner, and you accuse me of having an affair? You sleep over at Sophia's place all the time, why don't you mention that?"
Her hands shook with rage. "Stop projecting your filth onto others! If you can't care for your daughter, then stop causing trouble and hindering her treatment!"
After saying this, she didn't spare him another glance and walked away with Bianca.
Andrew watched them leave, then followed them into the elevator.
David quickly joined them with the bodyguards.
As the elevator doors closed and ascended to the restaurant on the eighth floor, Michael slowly lifted his head, clenching his jaw.
He had never imagined Olivia would dare to hit him.
His eyes darkened, filled with a chilling intensity.
A psychologist?
Who was she kidding?
What kind of psychologist carried such an aura?
Olivia's lies were brainless!
As they ascended, Olivia struggled to keep her emotions in check but quickly regained her composure. She turned to Andrew and apologized, "I'm really sorry for dragging you into this mess. I apologize for any inconvenience tonight, Mr. Hamilton."
Andrew waved it off. "Don't worry about it. As long as we're in the right, there's no need to stress over any rumors."
But Olivia couldn't help but feel anxious.
Even though Andrew held a significant position in the military, Michael's influence in Emerald City was substantial, with control over economic power and extensive connections.
If Michael decided to go after Andrew, what would she do?
Michael didn't love her, but he wouldn't stand for his pride being challenged.
This might not end easily.
Andrew seemed to read her thoughts, his deep eyes growing more serene.
The Johnson Group might be formidable in Emerald City, but Michael couldn't touch him.
Andrew changed the subject. "So, where's the table?"
Olivia snapped back to reality. "Private room number three."
Just then, the elevator doors opened.
A server greeted them and led the way.
Soon, they reached the private room, and Olivia set aside the unpleasant topic to focus on ordering.
During this, Andrew casually asked the server, "Do you have ice packs? Could you bring one, please?"
"Of course, just a moment." The server responded politely and quickly returned with an ice pack.
Andrew pushed the tray towards Olivia, his tone gentle. "Put this on your wrist. Otherwise, it might leave a mark by morning."
Reminded by Andrew, Olivia looked at her wrist.
Michael had gripped her hard.
The pain had faded, but a heavy red mark remained.
If left untreated, it might bruise.
Worried about Vaughn and Victoria at home, Olivia quickly picked up the ice pack and applied it to her wrist.
She thanked Andrew, "Thanks for the reminder, Mr. Hamilton."
Andrew nodded slightly, accepting her gratitude.
Bianca, sitting nearby, suddenly leaned in with concern, asking, "Mommy... does it hurt? I will blow on it... Daddy... is bad!"
Bianca's words were filled with anger and sadness.
Olivia was taken aback and looked at Bianca.
Bianca's face showed lively anger, surprising Olivia.
Usually, during her arguments with Michael, she tried to shield Bianca, but sometimes she couldn't.
Back then, Bianca's autism made her unresponsive.
But today, she was angry.
And called Michael bad.
Olivia didn't know what to say.
Andrew calmly analyzed, "Bianca's condition has improved significantly. Her attention and perception of the outside world are much sharper than before. She didn't miss what happened downstairs."
Olivia realized this but felt conflicted.
Bianca's previous dull perception meant she wasn't sensitive to the tension between her and Michael.
But if Bianca's perception improved, would her intensified relationship with Michael and potential divorce affect her?
Andrew read her thoughts again and reassured her, "Bianca is an emotional and intelligent child. She can discern right from wrong. I think you shouldn't overthink it...
Her concern now is the best proof, isn't it?"