Chapter 23 If You Do Something Wrong, You Should Be Left Out
Olivia stepped in, gently stopping Bianca and said, "Hey, you can't take the painting into the bathroom. If it gets wet, it'll be ruined."
Bianca, not wanting to risk damaging the painting, put the frame down and followed Olivia into the bathroom.
By the time Michael got home from work, Bianca had already finished her bath and was playing with Yara on the living room sofa.
Bianca usually stayed in her own world, and Michael, busy with work, often came home too tired or uninterested in interacting with her.
Naturally, he didn't notice Bianca's change in behavior.
He walked in, gave Bianca a quick glance, then loosened his tie and headed straight to his room to freshen up.
But Bianca's eyes followed Michael's retreating figure.
Suddenly, Bianca, full of excitement, grabbed the painting and followed him into his room.
She wanted Michael to see her artwork.
However, by the time she got there, Michael was already in the bathroom.
Bianca didn't rush; she patiently waited outside the door, holding the painting.
She waited for over half an hour.
Olivia was unaware.
After her own bath, Olivia went downstairs to look for Bianca.
But the living room was empty, except for Yara.
"Yara, where's Bianca?" Olivia asked.
Yara replied, "Mr. Johnson came home, and Ms. Johnson followed him upstairs. She seemed to need him for something."
Olivia immediately headed to Michael's room.
At that moment, Michael had just finished his shower and spotted Bianca waiting for him at the bathroom door.
Michael, still damp and with wet hair, wiped himself down as he looked at Bianca and asked, "Bianca, what are you doing here?"
Seeing him come out, Bianca eagerly held up the frame, wanting to show him her painting.
But just then, Michael's phone rang.
He ignored Bianca's gesture and went to answer the call.
Bianca turned to watch his back.
On the other end was Sophia's soft voice, "Michael, I think I left some clothes in your suitcase during my trip. Can you check for me?"
"Clothes?" Michael turned to open his suitcase.
Usually, Olivia would unpack his luggage when he returned, but this time, it was still untouched.
Michael didn't dwell on it and quickly found a pink camisole.
He paused briefly before saying gently, "Found it. I'll bring it to you later."
Sophia replied cheerfully, "Thanks a lot!"
Michael hung up.
With his hair almost dry, he tossed the towel aside and went to the closet to change, seemingly forgetting about Bianca.
When he emerged, fully dressed and holding a bag, it was clear he was about to deliver the camisole to Sophia.
Only then did he notice Bianca still waiting.
He casually patted her head and said, "Go play with your mom. I have to go out."
Bianca's eyes filled with disappointment.
Olivia, standing outside, witnessed everything.
Her gaze was icy.
Michael saw her but acted as if she were invisible, walking past her without a word.
In his mind, Olivia deserved to be ignored for her mistakes.
He'd deal with her when she came to her senses.
Michael's footsteps quickly faded away.
Olivia entered the room and hugged Bianca tenderly.
Bianca looked sad, clutching her painting and leaning against Olivia.
Olivia's heart ached, but she comforted her, "Sweetie, let's put this beautiful painting on the nightstand next to your bed. That way, you can see it every night before you sleep and every morning when you wake up."
Bianca didn't react at first.
Olivia coaxed her gently for a long time.
Eventually, Bianca's sadness seemed to fade, and she smiled sweetly again.
Olivia sighed in relief, though anger lingered in her chest.
She felt it was unfair to Bianca.
A child's emotions weren't like an adult's, easily withdrawn when love faded.
Bianca's situation was special; she hadn't yet realized her parents' marriage was nearing its end.
She still yearned for her father's love.
Olivia had hoped Michael might at least pretend to care.
But he couldn't even do that.
That night, as Olivia watched Bianca's peaceful sleeping face, she thought, 'One day, Bianca will be like me, no longer expecting anything from Michael...'
Early the next morning, Olivia was woken by a phone call.
Daniel's cold voice came through, "Get up and get to work."
Olivia glanced at the time; it wasn't even 7:30.
She asked, half-jokingly, "So soon?"
Daniel replied bluntly, "Of course. If you're starting a new job, you gotta be on time. Do you know how hard it is to get a position at the Wilson Group? Check the address I sent you; you need to be there by nine, or your pay gets docked!"
Olivia found it absurd.
She wasn't even officially employed yet, but was already being threatened with pay cuts.
She checked her phone.
Sure enough, Daniel had sent an address.
It was for a private hospital!
Olivia was surprised and asked, "Isn't it supposed to be the research institute?"
Daniel calmly replied, "No mistake, it's the right address."
He anticipated Olivia's questions and explained, "Do you know how expensive it is to run a research lab? Most of the budget goes into it, and sometimes, with long development cycles, you don't see any immediate results. So, to cut costs, you'll spend some time at this hospital. It's owned by the Wilson Group and specializes in rare diseases. They need doctors, and your skills shouldn't be limited to research!"
Olivia chuckled, "You're really making me work two jobs!"
Despite her words, Olivia didn't refuse.
She thought keeping busy might be good for her, distracting her from other thoughts.
Soon, Olivia got up, freshened up, had breakfast with Bianca, and then dressed professionally for work.
At Wilson Private Hospital, Daniel was already waiting.
He wore a custom-made black suit, exuding a calm and striking presence.
Olivia greeted him, "Morning!"
Daniel checked his watch and nodded, "Good, you're on time. Let's see your office."
"Alright!" Olivia followed him.
Though the job came unexpectedly, Daniel hadn't skimped on her workspace. Her office was bright, spacious, and fully equipped.
Medical tools, a patient bed, and even a nameplate on the desk were ready.
Olivia scanned the room and asked, puzzled, "Who's 'Ella Garcia'? Is that supposed to be my name?"
Daniel didn't look up, "Yes, it's yours. I figured you wouldn't use your real name, so I picked one. 'Healing and helping,' it's good enough."
Olivia's lips twitched, "That's really random. Could you be any more casual?"
Ignoring her protest, Daniel changed the subject, "Enough talk. Get ready and change. A patient is coming soon!"
"So soon?" Olivia was surprised and realized, "You already scheduled a patient, didn't you?"
"Of course." Daniel replied matter-of-factly, "Last night! This patient has suffered from a chronic illness for years, has seen many specialists, but no cure. They came here as a last resort. You need to treat them; I've already taken the deposit. If you fail, we have to refund it! Also, I want to see if your skills have deteriorated. If they have, I'll fire you!"
Olivia was speechless.
She had underestimated the situation.
Already at the hospital, there was no turning back.
Olivia quickly changed into her lab coat and reviewed the patient's case.
She had a plan.
The patient's symptoms were a type of rare chronic disease.
Not uncommon but stubborn.
Untreated, it caused chest congestion and visible skin symptoms, slowly debilitating the patient.
It required a special method for treatment.
As an expert in this field, Olivia was the best person for the job.
No wonder Daniel was so confident!
Feeling ready, Olivia held up one finger, "One session, and they'll be cured!"
Her words were filled with strong confidence.
Daniel looked at her, his eyes deep, but he didn't argue, "We'll see."
Later, the patient arrived.
Olivia wasted no time and began treatment.
In about half an hour, the chest congestion disappeared.
The patient's chronic symptoms vanished!
The patient, amazed, paid the remaining fee and left, revitalized.
Olivia, not missing a beat, looked at Daniel, "How about that?"
Daniel's eyes held unreadable emotions, but he didn't retort, "You're officially hired! Here's today's fee, half for you!"
He handed her a check.
Olivia took it and was nearly blinded by the amount.
"Five million dollars is half? That means the fee was ten million?"
She was stunned.
Daniel shrugged, "No big deal. You've seen this kind of money before."
Olivia was silent.
Though married into the wealthy Johnson family, she had a card for daily expenses given by Emily.
She never used it, relying on her earnings and savings.
Michael had never given her money.
Now, with the divorce looming, five million was a significant amount for her!