Chapter 317 Defending One’s Own Wife

Chapter 317 Defending One’s Own Wife

The next day, Olivia wanted to die.

Since she didn't die last night, now facing each other was incredibly awkward.

Alton buttoned up his shirt and turned to look at her.

Olivia clutched the blanket, her face flushed red. Her long hair draped over her body, which was covered in marks, making her look soft and charming.

Last night had been wonderful. Olivia had pleased him both mentally and physically.

It was an unforgettable experience.

He finished buttoning up and leaned in to kiss her, but Olivia turned her head away.

Alton paused, then asked gently, "What's wrong?"

"Isn't this what you've always wanted? Now I've satisfied you, so you should be happy, right?" She didn't look at him, picking up her clothes to put them on. "We should keep our distance from now on, shouldn't we?"

On the yacht, thinking she was going to die, she had felt a moment of reckless courage.

But back in the real world, she had to remember her original intention. One slip, and she'd really become a canary in Alton's cage.

She didn't want to play those flirting games with him.

She was afraid she'd fall in and never be able to get out.

"You don't want to be with me?" Alton looked at her.

Olivia shook her head slightly. "Never did."

Alton was slightly shocked and smiled bitterly.

Riverside Apartment

Steven came out from washing up and saw Nora in a silk nightgown, picking out clothes for him.

Her slender hands held out a suit and matched it with an appropriate tie.

Long legs, slim waist.

So sexy first thing in the morning, it really improved his mood.

Steven walked over and put his arms around her. "Why didn't you sleep a bit longer?"

"I'm used to getting up early. It's already past ten." If he hadn't kept her up so late last night, she would've been up at six or seven.

The holiday was almost over, and her life was gradually returning to normal.

When it was time to put on his tie, Steven naturally lowered his head. "Honey, help me with my tie."

Nora was organizing the closet. Hearing this, she put down the clothes in her hands, walked over, and skillfully tied his tie.

After finishing, she turned to leave, but Steven wrapped his arm around her waist, holding her in his broad embrace. "Thank you, Mrs. York."

Nora blushed and playfully hit him. "Go to work."

Steven's company was starting work today, while Nora had a few more days off.

Before going to the office, Steven went to the hospital first.

When he pushed open the door, Scarlett was facing the window, looking desolate.

Hearing the door open, she turned around, her eyes brightening. "Steven, you came."

Steven glanced at her, his handsome face cold. "I have something to ask you."

"Go ahead." Scarlett invited him to sit down and asked the caregiver to wash some fruit, clearly in good spirits.

But what Steven said was, "That day at the estate, when your hand got injured—you hurt yourself on purpose, didn't you?"

Scarlett's face stiffened slightly. "Did Nora tell you that?"

"If I want to know, I can find out by checking." Steven's words meant she shouldn't bother lying.

Scarlett suddenly laughed, a bitter smile. "Steven, you've really changed."

Steven said nothing.

"You never used to be so harsh with me." Scarlett lowered her lashes, looking dejected. "Yes, I hurt myself."

She looked at Steven, her beautiful eyes immediately blurring with tears. "To get your attention, I did that."

"Three years ago, because I got sick and didn't want to burden you, I left. But I never thought you'd get married back home. When I found out, my heart condition flared up and I almost didn't make it off the operating table. I thought when I came back, you'd still treat me like before. I didn't expect your heart to have completely changed."

Scarlett looked at him, tears sliding down her cheeks. "I'm not willing to lose to her like this."

"Even if you're not willing to lose, you shouldn't use such methods. What did Nora do wrong? She's never hurt anyone." Steven's face was expressionless, even cold.

"Nora?" Scarlett laughed, looking miserable. "Are you questioning me now for her sake?"

"She's my wife. Naturally I should protect her." His gaze was icy.

Scarlett's expression froze. She stammered, "You were such a wonderful person in my heart. How could you fall in love with someone else? Don't you know I've been waiting for you? But you betrayed me first."

"Scarlett, you're already married." Steven's calm voice reminded her methodically.

"I chose Theo so I wouldn't burden you." She was unwilling, her voice becoming shrill. "Now I'm back, why have you changed?"

"Everyone changes. No one waits in the same place forever." Steven's expression barely changed. "I married her, so I'll be responsible for her and won't hurt her again."

"Then what about me?" Scarlett pointed at herself, crying out in pain. "You have someone you like, what about me? What did I do wrong? Steven, I didn't do anything, but you're punishing me."

"I asked the doctor about your condition. As long as you don't throw away your medicine and take it properly, your illness can be well controlled."

Scarlett paused, then smiled mockingly. "So you found out."

The reason her condition was so serious was because she'd secretly stopped taking her medicine for some time.

Steven looked at her quietly. "You stopped taking your medicine half a month ago. For what? For Theo? But don't you know this behavior is irresponsible to yourself?"

Scarlett laughed bleakly. "Taking medicine every day, every day—I'm sick of it."

"If you want to live, to live like a normal person, take your medicine on time every day." As long as she took her medicine on time, she could live like an ordinary person.

Steven said calmly, "If Theo isn't the right person for you, divorce him. I'll arrange good doctors for you. Once your condition is under control, live well. You'll meet someone who likes you."

Scarlett's face paled. Steven had already stood up. "Rest well. Once your condition is under control, plan your future life properly."

With that, he left the hospital room.

Scarlett watched his tall, stern figure leave, laughing sarcastically...

How long had it been?

Half a year?

And he was already protecting her like this.

She'd known him for over ten years, stayed with him in Aquilonia for six or seven years, only to be pushed aside by someone he'd only known for half a year—her replacement?

In the end, it was just because she couldn't sleep with him.

Men—they're all ruled by their lower half.

After leaving the hospital room, Steven returned to York Development Group.

The company had started work today.

Steven handled some urgent matters, then leaned back in his chair and lit a cigarette.

He held it between his slender fingers, took a drag, and suddenly missed Nora. He called her.

At that moment, servants were at Riverside Apartment cleaning up last night's leftovers and doing a thorough cleaning.

Nora was helping. When she got Steven's call, she smiled gently. "Hello."

"What are you doing?"

"Servants came to clean the house. I'm helping."

"So diligent." Steven chuckled. "Want to go out for dinner tonight?"

He wanted to go on a date with her.

Nora asked, "Did you handle things at the hospital?"

"Yes, I went this morning. I asked her clearly. She admitted she did it, but she was very emotional, so she probably can't apologize to you right now."

"Forget it." She didn't really want Scarlett's apology anyway. "Let's just leave it. I don't want to see her either."

"Okay, so what about tonight?"

"Sure, I'm free. When will you come?"

"I'm at the office now, working. I'll be done soon."

"Then send me the restaurant address. I'll head over later."

"Okay."

Steven had James send the restaurant address to Nora.

After finishing up, Nora combed her long hair and let it fall over her shoulders. With her slender legs, she put on heels and went out.

Nora went out to buy a safe.

Otherwise, she felt uneasy leaving the jewelry Elizabeth gave her in a drawer.

After choosing a safe and paying the deposit, she was done. She just had to wait for it to be delivered tomorrow.

She bought a cup of coffee and took a taxi to the restaurant Steven had reserved.

It was a three-star Michelin restaurant.

When she arrived, she ran into Jada in the lobby with a group of socialites. Jada's face was bruised and swollen.

The injuries on Jada's face must be from the people Steven sent to beat her up.

He said he'd send people to hit Jada, and he actually did it?

Nora was shocked. She thought he was just talking.

But seeing Jada's face looking like a paint store exploded on it, Nora couldn't help but laugh.

Catching the amusement in Nora's eyes, Jada's eyes flashed with venom.

"Nora." Jada walked over with a smile.

Nora wore a light-colored gauze dress that looked particularly elegant and beautiful under the lights.

Several socialites were stunned.

What a beautiful woman!

"Jada, is she Steven's wife?" The socialites were surprised.

Although they'd heard privately that Steven seemed to have gotten married, they hadn't seen her in person and didn't know what she looked like.

They didn't expect her to be so beautiful.

"She's so pretty," someone praised.

"But her clothes and bag don't seem to be any famous brands."

"Nora is down-to-earth. She likes affordable small brands." Jada's bruised lips smiled. Steven had people beat her up like this—she wouldn't let Nora off.

"Affordable—so just small brands?"

"I heard her family background isn't great? Is that true?" Everyone started discussing.

Nora's face was cool. She was about to turn and leave when Jada walked toward her. "Nora, are you here for dinner?"

Nora nodded lightly.

Mainly, there was no need to show discord in public.

"I'll be going." Nora's attitude was cool as she tried to leave.

"Don't leave so quickly, Nora. Mom is hosting friends at the restaurant tonight. Come say hello to everyone." Jada pulled Nora along.

Nora was swept along by the group to a private room.

On the way, Jada gripped Nora's hand tightly, doing something, staying close to Nora the whole time.

Nora glanced at her. "Why are you so close?"

"Nothing, just haven't seen you in a while. Want to be friendly."

Nora frowned, looking slightly uncomfortable.

Opening the door, the private room was filled with wealthy ladies, all prominent figures in South City.

Brenda was among them.

She sat to Electra's left, wearing a black cocktail dress, stunningly beautiful.