Chapter 298 Refused the Engagement for Her
Shortly after chatting with Evelyn, Olivia heard Bianca's happy laughter.
Looking back toward the yard, she saw that Rodolfo had brought Bianca home.
After their outing, Bianca came back with a huge pile of gifts—so many she couldn't carry them all. Rodolfo had to get someone to help bring them in.
Olivia found it amusing. "Isn't this way too much?"
Rodolfo looked proud as he told Olivia, "Those old folks all like Bianca. They were so generous, we couldn't refuse."
Olivia felt helpless. She went over to check and was relieved to find nothing particularly expensive among the gifts.
Otherwise, they'd have to return them.
Rodolfo helped Bianca sort through the gifts while asking Olivia, "How did it go? Was the onboarding process smooth this morning?"
Olivia nodded. "Pretty smooth. Everyone was very nice to me and took good care of me, out of respect for you."
"That's good." Rodolfo was satisfied.
Since they hadn't eaten out for lunch, Simon prepared a nice meal, and the three of them ate together.
Most of the dishes were Bianca's favorites.
Rodolfo personally peeled shrimp and removed fish bones for her. Bianca ate happily and also served Rodolfo plenty of food.
In the cheerful atmosphere, Rodolfo remembered something. "By the way, about your housing—they originally approved a small house for you, but I heard you turned it down?"
He looked at Olivia curiously.
Olivia seemed to anticipate what Rodolfo wanted to ask and felt a bit guilty, not daring to meet his eyes.
Rodolfo spoke up. "Tell me, what's your relationship with Mr. Hamilton?
I heard that he was the one who proposed forming this new team.
Although the higher-ups had been considering it, the plan hadn't moved forward. But as soon as he got involved, it went through smoothly.
I also heard he paid quite a price to make this happen."
Olivia had wanted to avoid this topic.
But hearing Rodolfo's last words, she was startled and quickly asked, "Do you know what price he paid?"
Rodolfo looked at her meaningfully. "The research institute just received a batch of advanced medical research equipment, apparently sent by Skyward Corporation."
"So that's what it was." Olivia recalled Andrew saying there would be some losses—this is what he meant.
He had spoken so casually about it, but from Rodolfo's words, it was clearly more than just "a little."
She knew how expensive research equipment was.
Especially equipment for the research institute—the loss must have been huge.
Rodolfo was still waiting for her answer and asked again, "Are you together with Mr. Hamilton?"
Olivia didn't know how to answer.
Seeing him waiting, she hesitated for a few seconds before saying, "Not yet... we haven't really talked it through."
Hearing this answer, Rodolfo seemed to have expected it. His tone was odd as he said, "Back in Emerald City, I already felt that guy treated you differently. Sure enough..."
Olivia wasn't sure if Rodolfo was satisfied or not, and felt a bit uneasy.
She instinctively looked at Rodolfo and asked, "Hypothetically, if it were true, would you object?"
Rodolfo didn't answer directly but chuckled. "If I objected, would you even listen to me?"
Olivia quickly nodded. "I would, but I also believe my judgment won't be wrong this time.
Mr. McCoy, you once said that to understand a person, you need to look at the details, at everything about them.
Five years ago, I was blind and misjudged someone, and I paid the price.
But this time, I've looked carefully and I'm seriously getting to know him.
If you object, could you at least hear me out about this person before making your judgment?
I promise I won't act impulsively again!"
Rodolfo hadn't even said anything yet, but seeing her serious expression, he felt a bit speechless.
He waved his hand. "Alright, no need to be so dramatic. Before you came, I already had someone look into him.
Andrew's family background is complicated, but his character is solid, and his abilities are outstanding.
Most importantly, you were able to join the research institute because he made it happen.
Just that alone makes him completely different from Michael.
He won't hold back your career.
I can tell this person believes in your abilities and values them, which is why he used his resources to support your career.
I've said it before—true love makes the other person better, not constantly demanding they conform and eventually becoming worthless.
On this point alone, Michael can't even compare to him."
Hearing this, Olivia's anxious heart gradually settled.
She didn't interrupt but continued listening to Rodolfo.
Rodolfo didn't make things difficult for her.
He continued, "I'm not unreasonable. The reason I opposed you and Michael was because you gave up yourself and everything for him.
Now it's different.
I can see you have feelings for Andrew, but you haven't lost yourself. You know what you want, so I won't stand in your way.
In fact, I'm quite pleased with this outcome.
When I found out about your divorce, I worried about it..."
Rodolfo sighed here before continuing emotionally, "I'm glad to see you haven't lost the courage to love again because of how Michael treated you.
Of course, I still say this—whoever you're with is fine, but don't forget to love yourself first. That's what matters most."
By the end, Olivia's nose felt sour.
She'd always known Rodolfo cared about her.
Though he'd scolded her for being foolish before, he really did care about her.
She nodded seriously. "I understand. Don't worry, I won't make the same mistake again."
Seeing her promise, Rodolfo was satisfied.
But he didn't skip the necessary warnings. He continued, "That said, things between you two aren't as simple as you think.
With his family background, marriage isn't just about love.
I heard his family arranged a marriage for him with the Kingsley family's heiress—they're well-matched.
However, this engagement has apparently been called off, and it's become the talk of Harmony City.
From what I understand, his family strongly opposes this and will likely try to push the marriage through again."
Olivia hadn't expected to hear about something she'd been wanting to investigate from Rodolfo himself.
"He turned it down?" Olivia asked.
"Yes." Rodolfo nodded, his gaze meaningful. "And apparently handled it quite decisively."
Olivia was quite surprised to hear this.
From previous conversations with Andrew, she could tell how much he cared about his grandfather.
Yet knowing it would anger his grandfather, he still chose to go against him.
Olivia didn't know how to describe what she felt.
Seeing her expression, Rodolfo asked in confusion, "You didn't know about this?"
Olivia shook her head. "Not really. Andrew never mentioned it. Back in Emerald City, I heard a little about it, and he told me he would handle it."
Hearing this, Rodolfo's face became serious. "I don't know the details, but your relationship isn't built on breaking up someone else's arranged marriage, is it?"
Olivia replied without hesitation, "Mr. McCoy, you know me—I would never be a homewrecker!"
Especially since Rodolfo himself had suffered such a tragic experience—Olivia would never do such a thing!
She quickly clarified to Rodolfo, "As far as I know, Andrew's family elders did have this idea, but ultimately, it was only the elders' wish.
Andrew never agreed from the start, so it was never actually finalized.
In this day and age, marriages aren't decided solely by parents anymore.
No one can force Andrew to do something he doesn't agree to. I only took this step after understanding the situation and his thoughts.
This shouldn't count as breaking principles, right? And I'm not destroying anyone's happiness?"
After hearing this, Rodolfo breathed a big sigh of relief. "If there was no formal engagement, and he had no intention and clearly refused, then it doesn't count as interference.
But to outsiders, it might not look that way.
If you two want to continue developing this relationship, you need to handle this carefully.
After everything you've been through, you should understand how terrible rumors can be.
One sentence from someone else blames you, but you need to put lots of effort into defending yourself and clearing your name.
You're my only student and a child I've watched grow up. I don't want you to face that kind of criticism again."
Olivia felt her nose get even more sour, her eyes reddening. "I understand, and I trust Andrew too."
Rodolfo sighed. "Since you know what you're doing, I won't say more. You won't be in contact with those people anyway, so leave this matter to Andrew.
If he truly likes you and is sincere, then presumably, trouble won't find its way to you."
Hearing this, Olivia's expression suddenly froze!
She felt Rodolfo's words might have come too late.
Because she'd already promised Evelyn she'd attend the party with her.
By then, she might actually run into those people Rodolfo mentioned!
However, Olivia didn't mention this.
Either way, this was her business—something she needed to face herself.
Even if Andrew was there to shield her, she'd eventually need to face it someday.
If that was the case, then there was no need to be afraid!