Chapter 159 Can’t Get In
The two quickly tidied up and took a taxi to the nursing home.
When they reached the entrance, the housekeeper stopped them just as they were about to go in. "You can't go inside."
"Why not? We're here to visit Linus," Patricia said. "Back then, my daughter saved Luca's life, and now he's dumping her. We want him to explain himself."
"Linus is still in a coma and needs rest. He can't be disturbed," the housekeeper said firmly. "Plus, the boss already ordered that you two aren't allowed near the nursing home. You'd better leave now."
"Who are you to stop us?" Windy shouted angrily. "If I hadn't saved Luca back then, he'd be dead by now. Now that he's successful, does he want to forget all about it?"
"Windy, we all know what really happened back then," the housekeeper said, his face turning serious. "Please leave right now, or I'll call security."
Patricia wanted to say more, but then she saw several security guards coming over. She had no choice but to pull Windy away from the nursing home.
"Mom, what do we do now? We can't even get into the nursing home," Windy said desperately.
Patricia's eyes turned cold and mean. "Since being nice won't work, we'll try force. I don't believe Luca can really ignore everything."
Olivia got to the office and sat at her desk, but she couldn't focus at all. Her mind was full of Leo's sad face and Luca's determined look.
Her best friend Emma walked into the office and saw her spacing out. She sat across from her and teased, "What's up? You look lost. Thinking about that guy Luca?"
Olivia snapped out of it and shook her head. "No, just a bit tired."
"Don't lie to me. It's all over your face," Emma said with a smile. "Luca's been chasing you lately, and he's super nice to Leo. Have you fallen for him?"
Olivia didn't say anything, which meant yes.
Emma got serious. "He's treating you and Leo so well now. You can tell he's sincere. Why not give him a chance?"
Olivia said softly, "I agreed to let him try being Leo's dad, but I'm still worried. I'm afraid it's just a phase, and once the excitement wears off, he'll go back to how he was before."
"It's normal to worry, but you can't live in the past forever," Emma said, patting her shoulder. "Watch him for a while. If he keeps being good to you both, then get together. If not, you can split up later. Leo needs a dad too. You can't deny him that just because of your own fears."
Olivia felt a jolt inside. Emma was right. She couldn't be too selfish. She needed to think about Leo more.
She took a deep breath and nodded. "Got it. I'll think it over."
"That's the spirit," Emma said with a smile. "If you're really tired, take a day off and relax. Work can wait."
"No need. I have a lot to do right now." Olivia shook her head, opened her computer, and forced herself to focus on work.
That evening, Olivia was at home drawing with Leo when she saw a news push on her phone. The headline said: Former Vettel Group Secretary Windy Overdoses in Suicide Attempt, Suspected Due to Work Errors and Being Bullied.
She clicked in and saw a photo of Patricia crying at the hospital. Patricia claimed that Windy felt guilty about work mistakes and was driven to them by malicious rumors. She hinted that ever since Olivia returned to the country, Windy had been bullied, suggesting Olivia did it to steal Luca.
Olivia was furious. Windy was so shameless, using this to get sympathy and smear her.
She checked her social circle and found it blowing up. Everyone was talking about Windy's actions.
Some said, "This is obviously a pity play. Windy always wanted to cling to Luca. Now that Olivia's back, she's pulling this to make Luca feel bad for her."
Others said, "I heard Luca's been secretly supporting Olivia's studio. They've rekindled their old flame. Windy can't stand it."
Some added, "Suicide is extreme no matter what. Olivia's too harsh. Even if she wants the guy, no need to push her to the edge."
Olivia read the comments and felt angry and wronged. She had never bullied Windy. Windy brought it all on herself.
Just then, Luca called. "Olivia, did you see the news? Don't worry. I'll handle it. I won't let you get hurt."
"I'm fine. I just think Windy's gone too far," Olivia said, sounding down.
"Don't worry. I won't let her win," Luca said seriously. "I've got lawyers on it. The truth will come out soon."
After hanging up, Olivia felt a bit better. With Luca there, she didn't seem so scared anymore.
In the hospital room, Windy leaned against the bedhead, looking at the news on her phone. A smug smile crept onto her lips. "Mom, look. It's working great. Everyone feels sorry for me and is blaming Olivia."
"Not enough," Patricia said. "We need Luca to come to the hospital himself. Once he's here, we have our shot."
She pulled out her phone and called Luca, but it didn't go through. She got so mad that she smashed the phone on the sofa. "That ungrateful Luca actually blocked me!"
"Mom, what now? If he doesn't come, our plan's ruined," Windy said, getting anxious.
"Don't worry. He'll come," Patricia said confidently. "He can't risk his reputation for saving his life. Even if he doesn't show, his family will. All we have to do now is act pitiful. The more miserable we look, the better. When Luca comes, threaten him with your life. Make him forgive you and promise not to leave you."
Windy nodded, a fierce glint in her eyes. "Okay, I'll do what you say. I'll get Luca back and make that bitch Olivia pay."
On Monday morning, Olivia left half an hour early and went to the quiet Western restaurant as planned.
The place wasn't crowded. Jason was already at the window seat with an untouched cup of coffee in front of him. He was focused on his laptop.
"Morning," Olivia said, walking over and sitting down gently.
Jason looked up, adjusted his glasses, and smiled warmly. "Morning. I didn't wait long, did I?"
"Just got here." Olivia smiled, picked up the menu, but wasn't hungry. "What do you want to drink? My treat."
"No need. I already ordered. Got you a hot milk too. Your stomach's not great, so skip the coffee." Jason pushed the milk the waiter had just brought over to her. He sounded natural, like he'd been taking care of her for years.
Olivia felt warmth inside, mixed with some discomfort.
She knew Jason was good to her, but she couldn't give him what he wanted.
"Thanks." She took a sip of the milk. The warm liquid went down her throat and eased her tension a bit.