Chapter 177 Step Up to Olivia, Step Into Defeat

Chapter 177 Step Up to Olivia, Step Into Defeat

Truth be told, Henry could not care less if Olivia teased him about it for the rest of their lives. As long as she stayed by his side, there was nothing he would not do.

Back at the Special Response Unit, Bobby was packed and ready to leave. Henry and Olivia came to see him off.

What Bobby did not expect was the surprise waiting for him: a gleaming RV parked by the curb.

"Bobby, I know you've been wanting to travel around for a while. Having a set of wheels will make it easier. Oh, and this one was picked out by my mom. You'd better take good care of it — we're still going to use it for road trips together someday," Olivia said with a grin.

Bobby's mouth twitched into a faint smile. If Olivia had bought it herself, he might have refused. But since it was chosen by her mother, that was different.

"It's a great ride. I like it. Thank Autumn for me."

Olivia's smile lit up her whole face. Henry helped load Bobby's bags into the RV. While Olivia stepped away to grab something from home, Henry handed Bobby a small duffel.

"Your meds are in here, along with a few things from my sister. I figured you'd want them."

Bobby's fingers tightened around the strap, his expression flickering with something unreadable.

Henry clapped him on the shoulder. "Safe travels. Don't make Ivan or Autumn worry. Call if you need anything — and check in with Olivia every day."He watched the RV pull away, but Olivia's eyes welled with tears.

"Don't cry," Henry murmured. "This might be the best thing for him. At least he's willing to take a step forward."

Olivia nodded against his shoulder. "I know. I just… I worry about him. And I worry about Ruby."

Two months later, the news broke: Drew's entire network had been dismantled. It was over. Olivia and Henry both received commendations, though neither attended the ceremony.

Olivia was already back at work. Henry had returned to Silverpeak State to finish his term — more than a year left before he could move back to Silverlight City.

Olivia's role as Special Advisor in the Special Operations Unit gave her free rein across departments, and enough respect that even Kieran and Alton kept their egos in check. More often than not, they sought her out for advice.

"Olivia, I finished the training report. Can you sign off on it?" Alton asked, his tone almost sheepish.

She scanned the pages, then tapped a section with her pen. "This intensity is too high. It's sweltering outside, and you've got them running thirty miles. Are you trying to kill someone? Make it ten, then move the rest indoors. If we lose people to overtraining, don't come crying to me."

Alton nodded quickly, made the changes, and enforced them without argument.

The next day at the range, a few young recruits loitered outside Olivia's office, whispering like kids caught skipping class.

Olivia arched a brow and drummed her fingers on the desk. "You've got one minute to explain, or each of you is running ten laps."

One of them was shoved through the doorway. "Ma'am, we… uh… we were hoping you could come to the range and, you know, give us some pointers."

Her lips twitched. "Let me guess. You made a bet. Again."

They all shook their heads far too quickly. "No, no, of course not!"

She let it slide. It had been a while since she'd stretched her trigger finger. "Fine. I'll change. Meet me downstairs."

"Yes, ma'am!"

Kieran spotted her walking into the range and smirked. "You guys really looking to get your asses handed to you?"

Olivia's skills were legendary — even Kieran could not match her. The rookies never believed it until they saw it for themselves.

Dressed in training gear, Olivia strode up to the table where a disassembled pistol waited. She glanced at Kieran. "Ready?"

Five shooters per round. Four others stood beside her, including Alton, whose eyes practically shone.

Kieran gave the signal. Olivia's hands moved in a blur, assembling the weapon with fluid precision. Five seconds, ten seconds — then the sharp crack of gunfire. By the time her magazine was emptied and the pistol stripped again, Alton was still squeezing off his last rounds.

Kieran laughed openly. "Told you. Now you know what getting schooled feels like."

Alton just grinned. He had always known she was the best. But for the new recruits, the shock was something else entirely — shattering any preconceptions about what a female soldier could be.

One of the cockier rookies stared wide-eyed. "The commander's wife is on a whole different level… Ma'am, will you take me as your student?"

She smirked. "Ask Henry."

And with that, she headed home. On the way, her phone rang.

"Heard you wiped the floor with them today," Henry said, amusement in his voice. "Another batch of rookies traumatized?"

Olivia chuckled. "It's been too long since I handled a gun. My aim was almost off, and my shoulder's stiff."

Henry leaned against a hallway wall, cigarette between his fingers. During a break in his meeting, Kieran had sent him photos from the range, which was why he called.

"Go take a hot bath. Relax. Oh, and Mom's coming by this afternoon — pick her up."

Later, with Kieran out leading a field drill, Olivia wrapped up her work and drove to the main gate. Autumn was there, chatting with the guard, surrounded by shopping bags.

"Mom, you bought all this? The fridge is already full, and we have a cafeteria. Why go to all this trouble?"

Autumn smacked her lightly on the head. "These are for you — and some from Henry. From now on, you're going to learn to cook. Got it?"

Before marriage, Autumn had spoiled her. Now that Olivia had a home of her own, responsibility came with it.

Olivia rubbed her head with a sigh. "Even if I cook, are you sure you'd eat it?"

"Then you'll keep cooking until you get it right. I've got all the time in the world to make sure you do," Autumn said, her tone brooking no argument.

With no choice, Olivia hauled the bags inside.

"And later," Autumn added, "help me move our things downstairs. Bobby's gone, and it's not right for us to keep living in Kieran's place."