Chapter 64 Meanie

Chapter 64 Meanie
Olivia stared at him blankly, her tear-filled eyes unfocused, clearly not understanding what he had just said. In her hazy, alcohol-soaked mind, all she heard was his firm tone, and she instantly felt wronged.

“Why are you yelling at me, mister?” she sniffled, her voice trembling as tears spilled over. “You’re so mean…”

Before Herbert could respond, her words were abruptly cut off.

His lips pressed down on hers.

The sudden closeness startled her, and Timmy, sitting in the driver’s seat, reacted faster than his thoughts. He immediately raised the partition, staring straight ahead like his life depended on it.

The car filled with a soft, dizzying blend of scents. Herbert’s deep, woody fragrance wrapped around Olivia, mingling with the faint sweetness clinging to her skin. The contrast was intoxicating.

Herbert kissed her deeply, far more intensely than he intended. Olivia let out a small, helpless sound as her breath was stolen away, her hands instinctively pushing weakly against his chest. By the time he finally pulled back, her lashes were damp and her lips glistening.

He brushed his thumb across her mouth, wiping away the moisture, his voice low and steady. “Still crying?”

Olivia shook her head immediately, eyes wide and cautious, clearly afraid he might kiss her again and leave her breathless.

Herbert couldn’t help it. A quiet laugh slipped out of him.

Seeing him laugh only made Olivia more upset. She puffed up her cheeks and muttered sulkily, “Meanie…”

Her gaze drifted to his collar, which she had unknowingly tugged open earlier. The pale line of his neck was exposed. A mischievous glint flashed through her eyes.

Before Herbert could react, she leaned forward and bit him.

“Ugh…” Herbert let out a low grunt, his arm tightening instinctively around her waist. “Olivia, stop it.”

She froze, immediately worried she had hurt him. Her bite loosened and, without thinking, she gently licked the spot as if to soothe it.

That was a mistake.

Herbert’s breathing grew heavier almost instantly. He caught her head gently but firmly, pulling her away, his eyes dark and unreadable as he looked at her.

Olivia shivered under that gaze. Her face flushed as she whispered nervously, “M-Mister… you’re poking me.”

She shifted slightly, only to be held firmly in place.

“Stay still,” Herbert said quietly.

Otherwise, even he didn’t trust himself.

By the time they arrived back at Maple Grove, Herbert finally let out a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding. He hadn’t expected the usually quiet, obedient girl to become this lively after drinking.

Unfortunately, he relaxed far too early.

“Olivia,” he said, rubbing his temples, “why aren’t you going to bed? What are you doing squatting there?”

She was crouched in the corner of the living room, hugging her knees tightly, completely still. When she finally looked up at him, her expression was grave and sincere.

“Mister,” she announced solemnly, “I’m a mushroom.”

“…What?” Herbert wondered if the alcohol had finally affected his own hearing.

“I’m a mushroom,” Olivia repeated seriously. “I can’t leave the soil. If I do, I’ll die.”

Herbert stared at her for two seconds, then laughed despite himself. He reached out to pick her up.

She immediately resisted, clinging to the floor. “No! Don’t pull me out! I’m not tasty!”

Ignoring her protests, Herbert lifted her anyway.

Her eyes squeezed shut and she wailed dramatically, “Oh no, oh no, I’m going to die!”

Until he settled her securely onto his lap.

He tapped her nose lightly. “See? Still alive.”

Olivia blinked in confusion. “Huh? I’m not dead? Then… I’m not a mushroom?”

She pondered deeply, resting her chin on her hand. After a moment, realization struck. She slapped her fist into her palm.

“I know! I’m a cat!”

Before Herbert could react, she scrambled off his lap and hopped onto the coffee table.

He watched in stunned silence as she fully committed to her new identity. First, she pushed the remote control onto the floor. Then she knocked an orange out of the fruit bowl.

“Giggle, giggle…” Olivia laughed, clearly having the time of her life.

Just as she reached for the teacup, Herbert lunged forward and grabbed her wrist. “Olivia, you can’t push this.”

The cup was porcelain. If it shattered, she could get hurt.

She froze, then puffed up indignantly, staring at him like he had betrayed her.

“Why can’t I push this?” she demanded. “Uncle, do you have another cat? Is this for her to push?”

Herbert pinched the bridge of his nose.

His silence only convinced her further.

“So I guessed right?” Her eyes welled up again. “Boo hoo! I’m going to run away and be a stray cat! You can live with that other cat!”

She leapt down and scampered to the windowsill, climbing up with surprising agility and trying to push the window open.

Thankfully, it was locked.

After crouching there for a while, her voice turned pitiful. “Mister… my legs are numb.”

Herbert sighed and held out his arms. “Jump down. I’ll catch you.”

This time, she obeyed.

He carried her toward the elevator, heading upstairs, determined to put her to bed. But the moment Olivia heard the word “sleep,” she wriggled free and ran straight into Bobby’s room.

By the time Herbert arrived, she had already claimed Bobby’s bed, sprawling across it while the poor dog circled around, utterly confused.

“Olivia,” Herbert said patiently, “if you sleep there, where will Bobby sleep?”

She thought seriously. “Oh right… Bobby.” Then her face brightened. “I’ll cuddle him to sleep!”

She reached out for the dog.

“This bed is too small,” Herbert coaxed gently. “Let’s go somewhere bigger.”

“Okay!” Olivia agreed instantly, eyes lighting up. “I’m so sleepy.”

He led her to the room he had prepared for her, helped her wash up, and brought her a clean shirt to wear. Without proper pajamas, it would have to do.

After splashing him with water and causing yet more chaos, she finally lay down obediently.

Herbert brushed the hair away from her face and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead before turning to leave.

Suddenly, a small hand grabbed his arm.

In her sleep, she murmured softly, “Uncle… don’t leave me.”

Herbert tried to pull away but found her grip surprisingly strong. Not wanting to wake her, he gave up and lay down beside her instead.

Surrounded by his familiar ebony scent, Olivia relaxed completely, sinking into deep, peaceful sleep. A faint smile curved her lips, as if she were dreaming something warm and sweet.