Chapter 67 Return to the Company
Linus's eyes lit up instantly. He set down the teacup and grabbed Olivia's hand tightly. "That's what I wanted to hear! I knew you couldn't just walk away from your team or everything you've accomplished."
His tone was full of relief. "Don't worry, when you go back this time, I've got your back. If anyone dares to trip you up again, no matter who it is, I won't let them off!"
Olivia felt a warmth in her heart, her eyes stinging a little. "Thank you, Grandpa."
All the grievances she'd endured lately seemed to weigh less with Linus's support.
"No need to thank me," Linus waved his hand dismissively and called for the butler. "Bring over the international project files I prepared. Let Olivia take a look."
The butler quickly handed over a stack of documents. Linus pointed at them and said, "This project has a bigger investment than the previous smart tech one. The partners specifically requested you to lead it, saying they only trust your expertise. This is an honor no one can take away from you."
He paused, his face darkening. "And about Windy—I've already talked to HR. She won't show up at work tomorrow. You don't have to deal with her anymore."
Olivia was stunned for a moment, not expecting Linus to act so fast.
Linus sighed. "Luca is blind and foolish. When he gets back, I'll have a good talk with him."
At the mention of Luca, Olivia's expression dimmed. "It's fine, Grandpa. No matter what, Windy saved Luca's life."
"Hmph, so what if she saved his life? You're Luca's wife, far more important than any lifesaver," Linus said seriously.
Olivia forced a small smile. She had no expectations for Luca now. She just wanted to focus on the project and get it done smoothly. Once Grandpa's health stabilized, she'd push for the divorce.
"Grandpa, I'll go to the study to look over the files and get familiar with the project," Olivia said as she stood up, not wanting to continue the topic.
"Go ahead. After you're done, rest early. Don't overwork yourself," Linus instructed, then asked a servant to prepare some fruit for her.
As Olivia reached the study door, she heard a car engine outside. She instinctively paused, feeling a bit resistant. At this hour, it was most likely Luca returning.
Sure enough, a few seconds later, she heard the butler's voice. "Mr. Vettel, you're back."
Olivia took a deep breath, pushed the door open, entered the study, and gently closed it behind her.
She didn't want too much involvement with Luca, especially not now.
The study was quiet, sunlight streaming through the window onto the desk where a neat stack of files sat. Olivia picked up the top one and started flipping through the project details.
The scale of the international project was indeed larger than the previous smart tech project, and the partners' requirements were very detailed. But with her experience, as long as the team worked together, it wouldn't be a problem.
She'd been reading for about half an hour when there was a knock on the door.
Olivia's heart sank. She didn't need to guess who it was.
"Come in," she said reluctantly, her eyes still on the files.
The door opened, and Luca's figure appeared in the doorway, still carrying the chill from outside. When he saw Olivia at the desk, his eyes brightened. "You're back. Was the check-up okay?"
"Yeah, it went well," Olivia replied coolly, not looking at him.
Luca walked over to the desk, his gaze falling on the files in her hands. "Looking at the international project stuff?"
"Yes," Olivia answered briefly, hoping he'd take the hint and leave.
But Luca had no intention of leaving. He looked at her tense profile, hesitated, then said, "Grandpa told me about you returning to the company."
Olivia didn't respond, waiting for him to continue.
"Thank you for being willing to go back," Luca said, his voice low. "I'm sorry for what happened before. I promise I won't let you suffer again."
Olivia's hand paused on the file, but her heart remained unmoved. She'd heard apologies too many times; she was numb to them.
"No need to thank me. I'm doing this for the project and the team," she said, looking up at him with calm eyes. "Once Grandpa's health is stable, we'll proceed with the divorce as planned."
Luca's face darkened instantly, his eyes filled with disappointment. "Do we really have to divorce?"
"Yes," Olivia replied without hesitation.
She didn't want her emotions swayed by this man anymore. Right now, she just wanted to protect the baby in her belly and do her job well.
The atmosphere in the study turned awkward.
Luca opened his mouth to say something, but the butler interrupted from outside, "Sir, Madam, it's time for dinner."
Olivia took the chance to stand up. "Let's go. Grandpa must be waiting."
She walked out of the study first, deliberately keeping her distance from Luca.
At dinner, Linus did his best to lift everyone's spirits, constantly handing sauces and sides to both of them.
Olivia forced a smile to play along.
Luca kept glancing at her, his expression complicated, wanting to say something but holding back.
He could feel Olivia's distance, her cold attitude weighing on him like a stone in his chest.
After dinner, Olivia excused herself, saying she still had files to review, and returned to her room.
She'd just finished washing up and lying down when there was a knock on the door.
"Who is it?" she asked warily.
"It's me," Luca's voice came through. "Grandpa asked me to bring you some warm milk. He said it helps with sleep."
Olivia hesitated for a moment but got up and opened the door.
Luca stood there holding a glass of milk, his eyes cautious. "Drink it while it's warm."
Olivia took the milk, said thanks, and moved to close the door.
But Luca blocked it with his hand. "Olivia, I know you're still upset, but I think we should talk properly."
Olivia let out a cold laugh, her heart unmoved.
"Luca," she said calmly, "there's nothing to talk about between us, except pretending for Grandpa." She pushed the door to keep him out. "I've taken the milk. You can go back now. Don't let Grandpa get suspicious."
Before Luca could react, she gently closed the door.
Outside, Luca stared at the shut door, his face full of helplessness.
The next morning, Olivia reported to the company.
As soon as she entered the project department, she was greeted by enthusiastic cheers.
"Olivia! You're finally back!" The team members rushed over. "It hasn't been the same without you—we felt lost!"
"Yeah, we were so unsure about the international project. With you here, we are confident!"
Everyone chimed in, their eyes full of admiration for Olivia.
Olivia smiled, the gloom in her heart lifting a bit. "Thanks for holding things down while I was away. Let's work hard together and nail this project."
She pulled out the materials she'd brought and quickly got into work mode, discussing project details with the team. The office buzzed with energy.
Meanwhile, Windy, at her apartment, received a dismissal notice from HR. Furious, she smashed her phone on the floor.
"Why am I being fired? Just because that wretch Olivia came back?" she gritted her teeth, her eyes burning with resentment.
She immediately dialed a number, her tone vicious. "What are you guys even doing? Didn't I tell you to get rid of her? How is she still fine and back to the company?"