Chapter 81 Gift of Shares
Halfway through the party, Linus took the microphone and stepped onto the stage, gesturing for everyone to quiet down.
"I'm really happy that everyone could gather here today," he said with a smile on his face. "Especially seeing Luca and Olivia getting along so well, it puts my mind at ease. I know running the company hasn't been easy for Luca these past years, and many people haven't accepted him. That's fine. I believe in his abilities."
He paused for a moment before continuing, "Also, I have an important announcement to make."
The old man looked at Olivia with a gentle gaze. "Since Olivia married Luca, she's been very sensible and has always kept me company. I'm truly grateful. I've decided to transfer five percent of Vettel Group's shares to Olivia."
As soon as he said this, the room erupted in shock.
Five percent of the shares—that's an astronomical amount. Many relatives' expressions changed instantly, filled with obvious jealousy.
Linda even shouted out, "Grandpa, how can you give shares to an outsider like her?"
"Olivia is my granddaughter-in-law, not an outsider," Linus said, his face darkening. "This is my decision, and no one can change it."
Clara and Arthur were also a bit surprised, but they quickly recovered and smiled at Olivia. "This is Linus's heartfelt gesture. You should accept it."
Olivia quickly waved her hands. "Grandpa, this is too much. I can't accept it."
She had never even thought about getting any shares. All she wanted was to get a divorce and leave. Taking these shares would only make things more complicated.
"You must accept it," Linus said firmly. "This isn't just my gesture; it's also my recognition of you. With this, you'll have more confidence in this family."
He knew Olivia had a tough time in this family. With these shares, even if Luca mistreated her in the future, she'd have something to rely on.
The relatives around them were all watching. Linda wanted to say something more, but Linus silenced her with a sharp glare.
Olivia looked at the old man's serious expression and the jealous stares from those around her. She knew that if she didn't accept it today, Grandpa would be unhappy and might even grow suspicious.
"Well… thank you, Grandpa," she said, reluctantly nodding in agreement.
Only then did Linus smile with satisfaction and continue hosting the party.
But Olivia felt a heavy weight in her heart. Holding these shares made her feel even more trapped.
Luca stood beside her and whispered in her ear, "Grandpa means well. Just accept it."
Olivia didn't respond. She just picked up her glass and took a sip of juice, thinking that after the divorce, she'd definitely return these shares.
The party went on until past 10 p.m. before finally ending. The relatives left one by one, and the old mansion grew quiet at last.
After washing up, Olivia changed into comfortable loungewear and sat on the sofa in the bedroom. She got straight to the point. "The family party is over, and Grandpa's health is stable. Let's go handle the divorce paperwork tomorrow."
Luca had just picked up a glass of water to take a sip. Hearing this, he froze. He put the glass down, frowning. "Why are you in such a rush?"
"Why shouldn't I be?" Olivia raised an eyebrow. "Didn't we agree on this long ago? Divorce after the party. What's there to wait for?"
All she wanted now was to get out of this mess as soon as possible, pack her bags, leave this place, and start a new life.
"I know we agreed," Luca said, sounding a bit irritated. "But do we have to rush like this? Can't we take it slow?"
"Take it slow?" Olivia laughed, her eyes filled with sarcasm. "Luca, don't tell me you're actually thinking of backing out?"
"I'm not backing out," Luca said, standing up and pacing in the living room. "I just think there's still room for us to work things out. We don't have to go straight to divorce."
"Room to work things out?" Olivia stood up too. "There's never been any room between us. Not before, and definitely not now."
She looked into Luca's eyes, her tone serious. "I've made up my mind. We're getting divorced tomorrow."
Seeing her determination, Luca felt a wave of frustration but didn't know how to argue back.
He knew Olivia's personality. Once she decided on something, it was hard to change her mind.
"Fine, tomorrow then," he finally nodded, though his tone was far from pleasant.
Seeing him agree, Olivia felt a sense of relief. Ignoring him, she lay down on the bed, thinking about her plans after the divorce tomorrow.
The next morning, after washing up, Olivia went downstairs but didn't see Luca. Only the housekeeper was preparing breakfast.
"Where's Luca?" she asked casually.
"Mr. Luca left for the company early this morning. He said there was an urgent meeting," the housekeeper replied.
Olivia's heart sank, a bad feeling creeping in.
Was he trying to back out and avoid her on purpose?
She took out her phone and called Luca.
It rang for a long time before he picked up, his voice sounding rushed. "Hey, what's up?"
"Didn't you say we'd get divorced today? Why did you go to the company?" Olivia asked, her tone accusing.
"I have an urgent meeting that I need to handle in person," Luca said, sounding serious. "We'll talk about the divorce after I'm done."
"No, it has to be today," Olivia insisted. "I'm coming to find you. At the very least, we need to sign the divorce agreement first."
She didn't want to wait any longer. Every extra day made her feel more uneasy.
After hanging up, Olivia quickly changed her clothes and took a taxi to Vettel Group.
When she arrived downstairs at the company, she went straight to Luca's office but didn't find him there.
Luca's assistant hurried over, looking surprised to see Olivia. "Madam, what brings you here?"
"I'm looking for Luca. He said he'd be at the company waiting for me," Olivia said.
The assistant looked uneasy. "I'm sorry, Madam, but Mr. Luca went out to discuss a contract. He's not at the company."
"Out to discuss a contract?" Olivia frowned. "He just told me on the phone he was at the company for an urgent meeting."
"Mr. Luca did have a short meeting first, but then he got a last-minute notice to meet an important partner," the assistant explained. "He left in a hurry and asked me to let you know he'll contact you when he's back."
Looking into the assistant's eyes, Olivia knew this was just an excuse.
Luca clearly didn't want a divorce and was deliberately avoiding her.
She took out her phone and called Luca again. This time, it rang for a long time before being cut off.
She tried a few more times, but it was the same—either no answer or the call was rejected.
Standing in the lobby, Olivia felt a mix of absurdity and anger.
She knew it. Luca had no intention of actually getting divorced.
She pulled out her phone and sent Luca a text:
[Luca, stop playing these games with me. Do you think avoiding me means we don't have to get divorced?]
[We agreed on this long ago. Backing out now—isn't that ridiculous?]
[I'm telling you, I'm getting the divorce done today. If you keep dodging me, I'll go straight to Grandpa!]
[Don't think I don't know what you're up to. You just don't want a divorce and want to keep dragging this out. I'm telling you, no way!]