Chapter 20 Am I Spoiling You Too Much?
The cold and distant tone was full of separation and estrangement.
Olivia didn't seem surprised by his reaction.
When she made the call, she was prepared to face Daniel's temper.
She had known Daniel for many years. When their relationship was good, they co-founded the pharmaceutical brand 'Miracle' together.
She was responsible for pharmaceutical research, while Daniel handled the business side.
In her youthful arrogance, she had vowed to lead 'Miracle' to the pinnacle of the pharmaceutical industry.
But later, she chose to switch careers for Michael.
At that time, Daniel was furious for the first time, berating her for abandoning her beliefs for a man, calling her foolish!
Back then, she was completely infatuated with Michael and ignored Daniel's advice, stubbornly going her own way.
She even assured Daniel, "Michael is my new belief, I believe in him!"
Now, time has passed, and reality has dealt her a harsh blow.
Olivia felt a mix of emotions and guilt towards Daniel.
After hesitating for a moment, she explained her purpose, "Can we meet up sometime?"
Daniel was silent for a few seconds before responding without hesitation, "No time! I'm very busy, with a packed schedule every day. If you want to see me, you'll need to book an appointment six months in advance!"
His outright rejection highlighted the current state of their relationship.
Olivia felt a bit stunned and disappointed.
She had taken it for granted, thinking they could still interact like before.
She forgot that he was now a rising star in the business world, with ventures spanning globally, his status no less than Michael's.
Meeting him wasn't that simple anymore.
Not to mention, he was still angry!
He probably wouldn't even want to see her!
Olivia lowered her gaze, her tone apologetic, "Sorry for bothering you, I'll let you get back to work…"
She was about to hang up when Daniel's voice became agitated, "What time and place? If you don't tell me, how am I supposed to meet you?"
Then, angrily, he continued, "Olivia, is this how you arrange meetings? Hanging up whenever you feel like it—have I spoiled you too much?"
His familiar irritable voice made Olivia pause slightly.
But it also melted the bit of estrangement that had formed earlier.
She couldn't help but chuckle.
She had been wrong.
Daniel hadn't changed much!
To avoid him changing his mind, she quickly responded, "Two o'clock at Canvas & Coffee."
Daniel snorted coldly and hung up.
Olivia listened to the busy signal from her phone, not annoyed, but rather in a good mood.
Daniel's agreeing to meet indicated there was still hope for reconciliation.
This time, she was determined to pick up her career again and not let anyone down!
Over at the Johnson Group, after being rejected by Olivia when he went home to resolve company issues, Michael returned to the office, seething with anger.
Sophia was inwardly pleased to see Olivia hadn't come back.
She had worked hard to drive Olivia away, and having her return would be quite irritating.
However, she was also a bit surprised.
Even Michael couldn't bring her back.
When did she become so resolute?
Could it be that she was intentionally staying away, forcing Michael to plead for her return?
With suspicion, she approached Michael's assistant, Robert, to inquire, "Is Olivia really not coming back? Is she still angry? Do you know what she's been doing at home lately?"
Knowing Sophia's status in Michael's eyes, Robert didn't dare to slack off and answered truthfully, "As far as I know, she's just been taking care of the child at home, rarely going out, maybe just taking Ms. Johnson for a walk. From her state, it doesn't seem like she intends to come back."
Although Robert didn't interact much with Olivia, he had some professional dealings with her and had a sense of her character.
Olivia was always meticulous and serious about her work, and if she decided to do something, she would do it well.
If she let go, it meant she had truly given up.
Sophia nodded nonchalantly but inwardly looked down on Olivia.
She had given up so quickly—how boring! She hadn't even had enough time to crush her.
In the afternoon, Olivia entrusted Bianca to Yara before heading out to the coffee shop for her meeting.
When she arrived, Daniel hadn't shown up yet, so she ordered coffee in advance and waited.
Shortly after two o'clock, a tall figure sat down in front of her.
Daniel was dressed in a tailored black suit, his tall and commanding presence exuding an air of confidence and nobility. His handsome face was cold and stern, with a hint of brooding anger.
As soon as he sat down, he raised his wrist adorned with an expensive watch and said disdainfully, "You only have ten minutes."
Olivia wasn't bothered by his arrogant demeanor and simply pushed the coffee towards him with a smile, "I ordered your favorite Americano."
Daniel glanced down at it, his tone dripping with sarcasm, "How rare, you remembered such a trivial thing despite being so busy!"
Olivia replied helplessly, "I haven't lost my memory, I wouldn't forget something like that."
Daniel snorted and took a sip.
After swallowing, he got straight to the point, "Tell me, what do you want?"
Olivia hesitated for a few seconds.
She had left resolutely back then, and now she wanted to return. She wasn't sure how Daniel would view her.
But she gathered her courage and said, "I… want to return to pharmaceutical research."
Daniel was visibly stunned, his deep eyes fixed on her, as if confirming he hadn't misheard.
After a moment, he instinctively mocked, "You were so determined to leave back then, why come back now? What about your precious Johnson Group? Are you abandoning it? Or did you have a fight with Michael and are coming to me out of spite?"
Olivia was stung by his words, her expression changing slightly.
She wanted to explain that it wasn't the case.
But Daniel didn't give her a chance, his anger palpable as he said coldly, "Olivia, I'm not in the mood for your jokes! You abandoned your career without hesitation for that man, and now you want to return as if nothing happened. Do you think this industry is a game?
If I take you back, and you reconcile with your husband, what am I supposed to do? So, I advise you not to joke with me—I don't have the time to play your silly marital games."
His words were harsh, and his rejection was clear.
Olivia decided to be straightforward, "Michael and I are probably getting divorced soon. I've already submitted the divorce papers. I'm not joking!"
Daniel was stunned again.
He hadn't expected to hear the word 'divorce' from Olivia.
Back then, her obsession with Michael was evident to everyone close to her.
He had thought nothing in this world could make her give up on Michael.
But now…
Daniel scrutinized her expression.
Olivia's face showed a hint of self-mockery, but her eyes were resolute.
Daniel knew her well.
She was truly determined.
As for why, he didn't ask.
Though they hadn't been in contact for years, they were in the same elite circle, and he was somewhat aware of Michael's situation.
Including the recent dynamics at the Johnson Group!
Daniel was silent for a long time before he found his voice, no longer as cold as before.
He simply asked, "How's Bianca… doing?"
Olivia felt a warmth in her heart, grateful he didn't expose the harsh truth, and replied, "She's healthy, but her autism hasn't been cured yet. I've found a reliable doctor, though, and she'll get better."
Daniel responded, "That's good…"
Olivia looked at him and asked, "So, about returning to the research institute?"
Daniel pursed his lips, "Miracle has always been partly yours. If you want to come back, take responsibility! If you leave again, I won't let you off easily!"
His words implied agreement.
Olivia couldn't help but smile brightly, "Don't worry, I won't leave again!"
With her assurance, Daniel graciously finished his coffee.
Afterward, Olivia left first.
Daniel followed shortly, ready to return to the office.
However, just as he stepped out of the coffee shop, he ran into Sophia.