Chapter 16 Where Does the Trash Get Its Sense of Superiority
This jade pendant actually came as a pair.
Michael had the other one.
When separated, the pendant pieces form a crescent moon shape, but when combined, they create a full circle.
It symbolized "wholeness."
Emily always hoped that she and Michael could live a happy and fulfilling life together.
That was Olivia's wish too.
But, whether it was love or marriage, it had never been just one person's effort.
What was the point if she was the only one holding on?
She and Michael could never reach that wholeness!
Olivia suppressed her bitterness and replied calmly, "Got it."
Then, right in front of Hayden and Amelia, without a hint of hesitation, Olivia took off the jade pendant from around her neck and placed it on the table.
Hayden and Amelia were visibly surprised.
They hadn't expected Olivia to be so straightforward.
They had assumed that getting the pendant back would be a difficult task.
After all, they knew how deeply Olivia loved Michael.
This pendant represented the Johnson family's recognition of her, and she wouldn't give it up easily.
But now...
Amelia and Hayden were momentarily stunned.
After a while, Amelia was the first to react.
She figured that using Emily as an excuse was why Olivia cooperated so readily.
Olivia really was a foolish woman!
She didn't deserve Michael at all!
Feeling disdainful, Amelia quickly picked up the pendant, as if afraid Olivia might change her mind.
After securing the pendant, she didn't miss the chance to scold Olivia, "So you can be understanding? Then stop causing trouble for Michael! I heard that a few days ago at the company, you deliberately made things difficult for Sophia, didn't properly hand over work, and even targeted Sophia's son.
As the daughter-in-law of the Johnson family, can't you show some decency? This strategic partnership between the Johnson family and the Brown family is crucial, and we can't afford any disruptions from you!
So you better behave, stay home with the kids, and don't mess up this collaboration! If I find out that you've done anything to harm the company's interests, don't blame me for being harsh!"
Hayden listened to Amelia's reprimand and didn't say a word, clearly agreeing with her sentiments.
Olivia's eyebrows furrowed.
Amelia's baseless scolding and lecturing were all too familiar to Olivia from her past.
But before, for the sake of family harmony and to avoid making things difficult for Michael, she had always chosen to endure.
But now, there was no need!
Olivia's expression darkened, and her tone became sharper, "You're really overreacting. I haven't made things difficult for anyone. I followed the company's procedures for the work handover.
Over the years, my work at the Johnson Group has been clear to Dad. When have I ever joked around with business matters?
If Sophia had issues taking over, it's because she's incompetent or not up to the mark!
Secondly, I targeted Sophia's son because he bullied and insulted Bianca. That kid deserved it."
"Enough!"
Before Olivia could finish, Amelia angrily interrupted her.
Her expression was clearly displeased, her voice sharp, "Olivia, there's no need to defend yourself here or try to slander Aiden! We've seen him during meals; he's a well-behaved and likable child. Don't slander a child here!"
Hayden also frowned and sternly said, "Children love to play; it's their nature. Aiden just returned from abroad and wanted to find a playmate. He's a boy, so he's a bit mischievous, which is normal! You, as an adult, arguing with a child, is disgraceful for the Johnson family!"
Hearing this, Olivia lost all desire to continue the conversation.
She should have known that, except for the late Emily, everyone else was the same.
They didn't like her or Bianca!
She had hoped that, at the very least, Bianca being their granddaughter would evoke some sympathy if she was bullied.
But reality proved otherwise!
This couple was no different from Michael.
Olivia's expression turned cold, and she didn't want to waste any more words. She said directly, "I've given you the pendant. Is there anything else? If not, I'll take Bianca and leave."
Amelia clearly had no intention of keeping them.
After all, her goal had been achieved.
With a dismissive wave, she said, "You're done here. Leave."
Olivia didn't bother with farewells and turned to find Bianca.
Then, she left the Johnson Mansion.
Unexpectedly, as they walked into the yard, they ran into Chase, who emerged from the nearby bushes.
Chase had been outside the window, on a call, and naturally overheard Olivia and Amelia's conversation.
Now, he came over specifically to mock her, "Olivia, you dared to try and smear Sophia in front of my mom? You probably don't know, but Sophia grew up under my mom's watch. Her mother and my mom have been best friends for decades.
Do you think a few words from you will make our family like you? Dream on! You're not even worth a strand of Sophia's hair."
Perhaps still holding a grudge from Olivia's words a few days ago, Chase continued to lash out, "Sophia comes from a good family, she's beautiful, has outstanding qualities, and is a top talent in the industry. Even when she's on business trips, she never forgets to buy gifts for everyone at home.
And look at you! You've been married to my brother for so many years, you can't do anything right, and all you do is make people angry. No wonder my brother has been thinking about Sophia all these years and has never valued you.
So what if you had a daughter? It doesn't matter! You still can't win my brother's heart. You're a total failure!"
As he spoke, his face was full of mockery and ridicule.
Listening to Chase's malicious insults, Olivia's expression turned cold.
But Olivia wasn't angered by him.
In the past, she had softened in front of the Johnsons because she cared about Michael.
But once someone stopped caring about certain things, their weaknesses disappeared, and their fighting spirit rose.
Did Chase think she was still as easy to bully as before?
Olivia sneered and immediately retorted, "Chase, do you have the nerve to call others failures? Look at yourself, what part of you compares to your brother?
Everyone outside says your brother is the golden child of the business world, but you almost... I didn't understand before, but now I do. There's some truth to what they say!
You're the real failure, secretly liking someone, privately defending Sophia in every way, trying to put me down and bully me.
Do you think this makes you seem capable? Has Sophia ever looked at you?
She didn't choose you back then, and now, after her divorce, she'd rather be a mistress to a married man than be with you. And here you are, playing the protector!
A loser, and you even think you're superior?"
As Olivia spoke, the disdain on her face was even more intense than his earlier ridicule.