Chapter 303 Almost Set the Engagement
Andrew was rarely caught off guard by a question.
After a few seconds of silence, he let out a low chuckle and replied, "What aspect are you asking about?"
Olivia froze for a moment, then realized her question just now seemed to carry some ambiguity.
Her face immediately turned bright red, and she started stammering, "I... I'm asking about your clothes, what size do you wear?"
After hearing her explanation, Andrew's eyes showed even more amusement, "Are you buying me clothes?"
Being asked so directly, Olivia felt both embarrassed and flustered, but she didn't deny it. "Yara said you didn't have clothes to change into this morning, so she had David bring some over.
I didn't think of that. Since Evelyn and I are out shopping now, I thought I'd get some for you.
Though the quality of store-bought clothes might not be as good as your custom-made ones. If you're not used to them, you can bring a few sets over next time as backup."
Andrew's tone sounded quite pleased, "I won't be uncomfortable. Whatever you buy, I'll like it and wear it!"
He quickly told her his sizes.
Olivia made a mental note, then said, "Got it. Go ahead with your work then."
Then she hurriedly hung up the phone.
As she put away her phone, she noticed Evelyn's teasing look beside her. "Wow, I didn't expect you to be so bold, asking about that right off the bat."
Seeing that Evelyn dared to keep talking, Olivia really wanted to hit her.
She glared at Evelyn and complained, "It's all your fault!"
"How is it my fault? I clearly told you to ask about body size, I didn't tell you to leave out words! But you two will become husband and wife sooner or later anyway, so asking isn't wrong." Evelyn fearlessly continued teasing, making Olivia want to end their friendship.
"Shut up." After scolding her, Olivia simply ignored her and gave the sizes she'd gotten to the store clerk.
After quickly buying Andrew's clothes, she then went to get a few outfits for Rodolfo and her parents back in their hometown.
By the time they finished shopping, it was already evening.
It would be who-knows-what-time before they could eat if they went home to prepare dinner now, so they ate out instead.
When they were done, Evelyn went home with Olivia and the others to check out their new house.
After the tour, she had another round of praise for Andrew. "Mr. Hamilton is just different from other men. He thinks of everything. How could anyone not fall for a man like that?"
After saying this, Evelyn suddenly remembered something else and quickly asked, "Now that you're with Mr. Hamilton, does that mean you can't come to the reception with me anymore?"
Olivia glanced at her and said loyally, "Do I seem like someone who'd ditch friends for romance? I promised to go with you, so I definitely won't go back on my word!"
Only then did Evelyn relax, "That's good, that's good!"
Having gotten a definite answer, Evelyn stayed over with peace of mind.
The next evening, Olivia and Evelyn dressed in formal gowns and arrived at the reception on time.
When they got there, they were surprised to find a capable-looking beautiful woman there to meet them.
Evelyn looked a bit surprised when she saw her, "Jade? What are you doing here?"
Jade Marie was very attractive, with long dark wavy hair swept to one side.
Compared to Evelyn, she had the beauty of a mature, powerful woman.
Her smile was charming and alluring as she said, "Your brother told me you'd be attending tonight and asked me to look after you if I had time."
"Huh?" Evelyn was stunned.
If she'd known Jade would be here, she wouldn't have needed to drag Olivia along.
"So my brother found me backup, but he lied to me saying I had to figure it out on my own. What a jerk!"
After grumbling, she smiled sweetly, "Well, thanks for tonight then."
Then she introduced Olivia, saying, "Olivia, this is my brother's high school classmate, Jade."
Olivia nodded and also greeted her, "Jade."
Jade smiled elegantly and said, "No need to be formal. It's rare to have your brother owe me a favor, I'll definitely collect on it properly later."
"Great! Don't hold back!" Evelyn said sincerely.
Although Olivia didn't know the details, she felt that this Jade and Alfonso might have an unusual relationship.
Otherwise, Alfonso wouldn't have specifically asked a female friend to do something like this.
Olivia wasn't a gossip, so she didn't pry.
Evelyn's main purpose for attending the reception tonight was to build connections in Harmony City.
Olivia wasn't very interested in this kind of event to begin with, and now that Jade was here, after the reception started, Evelyn settled her in a corner and went off to do her thing.
Olivia was happy to have some peace and quiet, so she messaged Andrew to chat with him.
Andrew knew she was coming to the reception, so he asked: [Is everything going smoothly? Has anyone given you trouble?]
Olivia typed back: [No, everything's fine.]
But just shortly after sending that message, she vaguely felt an intense, burning gaze.
The feeling was as if someone was trying to see right through her.
Olivia looked up in confusion.
Soon, she met a pair of bright, beautiful eyes.
Olivia was stunned.
Although she was some distance away from the other person, she easily recognized that it was Aurelia!
The last time she came to Harmony City, they'd run into each other in a restaurant bathroom.
Because they'd talked about Andrew, she had a strong impression of Aurelia.
However, they'd never actually interacted. She knew who Aurelia was, but Aurelia might not know her.
Just as she was thinking this, Aurelia over there was already walking toward her.
Olivia didn't move, standing in place, calmly observing her.
She really was a daughter raised by a wealthy family. Aurelia was gentle and pretty, with a soft temperament.
She walked over with composed elegance, and when she reached Olivia, she took the initiative to speak, "Ms. Smith, why are you standing here alone? You look a bit out of place at this event."
Olivia hadn't expected her to come over and talk.
And from her tone, there seemed to be some underlying meaning.
The other person could call out her name right away, so she clearly knew who she was.
So her approaching was probably not friendly?
Olivia acted as if she hadn't noticed anything and responded calmly, "Yeah, I'm waiting for a friend."
Aurelia looked around the venue, her gaze landing on Evelyn in the distance.
She said lightly, "Trying to break into Harmony City's upper circles? Even with someone to guide the way, outsiders don't have it that easy.
The social circles in Harmony City are on a different level from Emerald City. Your friend might run into a lot of cold shoulders tonight.
I think if a circle doesn't fit, you shouldn't force your way in. Don't you agree?
People should know their place!"
How could Olivia not hear the mockery in her words?
Or maybe she was really talking about Olivia herself.
She didn't really care, just smiled lightly and said, "Really? I think it's not that difficult.
Everyone's chasing profit. In business, what matters is whether there's money to be made.
As long as there are mutual interests, you can always fit in."
Aurelia didn't think much of it, "If you're relying on someone's influence, sure, you can get in, but you'll always be lower class. After all, you're an outsider, and Harmony City has very clear social hierarchies."
Olivia didn't call her out, replying in a calm tone, "There's also something to be said for rising from behind.
As for borrowing influence, the Kingsley Group is famous in Harmony City. Ms. Kingsley, aren't you here because of your family background too?"
A hint of smugness appeared in Aurelia's eyes.
She lifted her chin and said, "It's still different. I was born into this circle, I naturally have influence. How can that be the same as rising up later?
Some people are born into high society, while others have to use every means possible to get there. There's a big difference.
But you actually know my identity?"
Olivia remained composed, "Ms. Kingsley, I've naturally heard of your reputation in Harmony City."
Aurelia didn't play dumb with her and said directly, "Then you should also know about my relationship with Andrew, right?"
Olivia's expression didn't change much. She just smiled faintly and said, "Ms. Kingsley, are you referring to the engagement that almost happened?
As far as I know, he wasn't interested and turned it down."
Hearing this, a flash of anger appeared in Aurelia's eyes.
But she quickly suppressed that emotion.
As if emphasizing something, she told Olivia, "Yes, he turned it down, but that's only temporary. Our engagement will be restored sooner or later!"
Hearing this, Olivia was a bit surprised.
She didn't understand why Aurelia sounded so certain.
And she'd thought Aurelia would come to confront her.
But from their conversation, the other woman was more composed than she'd expected.
"Do you know why?" Aurelia stared straight at Olivia.
Olivia looked at her calmly and smiled politely. "I'd like to hear more."
Aurelia told her proudly, "Because we're well-matched in status and background. Andrew refusing our engagement for you is just temporary confusion.
I've known him since I was very young. Don't let his cold and indifferent exterior fool you - he seems like he doesn't care about anything, but actually, he's very responsible, serious about what he does, and very compassionate.
When he was in Emerald City, he saw you in a difficult situation and helped you out. That's just his naturally kind nature.
In the process of spending time with you, he might have developed some emotional confusion, even refused both families' engagement for you.
On the surface, he's done a lot for you.
But this isn't love!
Andrew is naturally cold and not someone who falls in love easily.
Your relationship is like when it's raining and he sees a stray cat getting wet on the roadside. He feels bad, so he goes over to shelter it from the storm.
But when the rain stops, he'll keep walking forward."
As if warning her, she looked at Olivia and asked, "Ms. Smith, do you know what Andrew is like in the eyes of people in Harmony City's social circles?"