Chapter 84 Mother's Family
Layla gripped Olivia's shoulders, her eyes filled with sincerity. "I never had a daughter, Olivia. From now on, I'll treat you as if you were my own. Do you believe me?"
Olivia was deeply touched, but she shook her head. "Ms. Scott, I absolutely believe you, but I can't leave right now."
"Why not?" Layla asked, confusion evident in her expression.
"I need to clarify some things first." Olivia's face grew serious. "Actually, when we were discussing the past today, I experienced a memory flashback—more complete than any I've had before."
"My memory tells me that my mother was perfectly healthy until Victoria came to Phoenix City claiming she needed a place to stay while developing her career. It was only after she moved into our house that my mother suddenly became gravely ill." She paused, nervously grasping Layla's hand. "I suspect Victoria had something to do with my mother's illness."
Layla squeezed her hand reassuringly. "I've always felt she wasn't innocent in this matter."
She didn't press further, simply stating that since Olivia had made up her mind, she would stay in the country longer to support her. "If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask. Remember, you have me now."
"I will, Ms. Scott." Olivia felt warmth spread through her chest, a tightness in her throat.
Seeing Olivia's eyes grow misty, Layla felt both sympathy and amusement. "You're not a little girl anymore, you know."
Despite her teasing, Layla reached for a tissue and gently dabbed at Olivia's eyes. She embraced her, rubbing her shoulders comfortingly.
'I won't let the Harper family get away with how they've treated Jade's daughter!' She wondered.
To lighten the mood, Layla picked up the menu and asked what Olivia would like to eat. "Don't be shy. Order whatever you want—it's my treat today."
"In that case, I won't hold back," Olivia replied with a small smile.
Their food arrived quickly, and they chatted while eating. When Layla learned that Olivia was working in Titan Enterprises' design department, she brightened immediately. "You've finally made the right choice!"
"I never agreed with your decision to study finance. Design has always been more suitable for you."
"Now that you've decided to return to design, I'll support you fully." Layla set down her utensils and reached for her handbag.
She pulled out an invitation and handed it to Olivia. "This is for you."
Olivia's eyes widened with excitement when she saw the invitation. "I know this competition!"
Although the Kallina Design Contest had only been established for two years, its wealthy sponsors had quickly made it the most prestigious design competition in the country. Invitations were nearly impossible to obtain, and Olivia, as a designer, had naturally wanted to participate but couldn't meet the strict entry requirements and lacked the connections.
She never imagined she'd be this fortunate.
Amid her excitement, Olivia felt a flicker of doubt. "Am I really good enough?"
"Have more confidence in yourself—of course you are!" Layla assured her, adding that she must participate. "Consider it a gift to celebrate our reunion."
Not wanting to disappoint Layla, Olivia nodded firmly. "Alright, I'll do my best!"
After dinner, Layla walked Olivia to her car, squeezing her hand and earnestly reminding her to eat well and stay in touch.
A week of physical therapy later, Olivia's leg had recovered significantly. She could now walk normally without crutches.
Seeing her mobility improved, Layla began taking her to various private functions, introducing her to influential figures in the design industry.
"Layla, who's this?" A wealthy businessman approached Layla, his eyes instantly captivated by Olivia's striking appearance, undisguised interest flashing across his face.
When introducing Olivia to others, Layla never mentioned the Harper family. She simply introduced her as Olivia, her niece and protégée.
Learning of Olivia's connection to Layla, the businessman immediately suppressed his inappropriate thoughts, politely complimenting her and remarking that Layla had found a worthy successor.
Soon afterward, everyone in the design community knew about Layla's talented niece, and Olivia's reputation began to spread throughout the design circle.
That evening, dark clouds gathered overhead, and a light rain began to fall.
James folded his umbrella as he entered the apartment, irritably brushing moisture from his sleeve.
He spotted Isabella lounging on the sofa, scrolling through her phone. Leaning down, he kissed her cheek and handed her a package. "I brought you a gift from abroad."
"Thanks," Isabella replied, taking the gift and placing it carelessly beside her. Her tone was flat, showing neither excitement nor gratitude.
"I need a shower," James said, attributing her mood to having just woken up. As he removed his jacket and headed toward the bathroom, he continued, "I'm exhausted. You have no idea how difficult my cousin's affairs were to handle. Those gangsters were impossible to deal with—I almost didn't make it back."
This time, Isabella didn't respond at all.
After his shower, James emerged still damp, eagerly approaching Isabella.
Isabella stopped his wandering hands, rejecting his advances.
Ignoring her resistance, James tugged at the ribbon around her waist, exposing her skin beneath. "I haven't gotten laid in so long; I'm going crazy."
"No," Isabella firmly refused.
She bit her lip, her eyelids heavy with apparent distress, as though she'd suffered some great injustice.
Noticing her unusual behavior, James paused his attempts to undress her. "Who upset you?"
Isabella lowered her head, her voice muffled. "No one."
He traced her lips with his finger, demanding, "Tell me, and I'll make them pay."
Initially reluctant to speak, Isabella finally relented after James's persistent questioning. "I'm entering an important design competition, and Olivia heard about it and decided to enter too. She's clearly trying to compete with me."
Hearing this, James laughed dismissively. "Why concern yourself with her? With her limited abilities, she'll be eliminated in the first round."
Olivia was merely a pretty face without talent. She'd only gotten into Titan Enterprises through his uncle's help. By entering such a competition, she would not only embarrass herself but the entire Harper family.
Realizing that as her fiancé, he might also face ridicule, James grew agitated. He immediately reached for his phone to call Olivia and warn her against such presumption.
"The number you have dialed is currently unavailable..."
She had blocked him!
Furious at being blocked, James immediately switched to another phone and continued calling.