Chapter 34 Tricked Michael
After a while, Michael's leg felt better.
When he got up, he didn't thank her, as if everything Olivia did was just expected.
Olivia didn't expect gratitude. After packing up her tools, she took Bianca and left.
The memorial service lasted until noon.
Just as the last guest left, Michael's phone rang.
Michael's face softened, and he purposely stepped outside to answer. "Sophia..."
From a distance, Olivia could still faintly hear Michael call out the name.
She smiled!
In the past, whenever she called him, he either didn't pick up or took forever to respond.
Never like now, answering instantly, afraid to keep Sophia waiting.
So, he wasn't too busy; he just got used to ignoring her!
Olivia looked away indifferently, not planning to stay.
Having already said goodbye to Emily, the remaining Johnson family members never liked her and Bianca, so she decided to leave with Bianca.
Outside, she took out her phone, planning to call a cab to buy art supplies for Bianca.
Ever since receiving that painting, Bianca's interest seemed sparked, and she had been drawing and writing on paper these past few days.
Since Bianca found something she enjoyed, Olivia was more than happy to indulge her!
Just as she opened the ride-hailing app, Michael also came out of the yard.
Michael, with long strides, carrying his coat, seemed ready to leave as well.
Olivia initially planned to ignore him, but Michael approached her first and said, "Get in the car, I'll take you."
"No need, I'll call a cab myself." Olivia didn't even look up, refusing him.
This morning, they had to ride together because of all the eyes watching; she didn't want to be criticized and lectured.
Now that everyone had left, there was no need to pretend!
Michael frowned slightly, "You know how hard it is to get a cab here, right? In this cold weather, do you really want Bianca to stand here and freeze with you?"
Olivia hesitated.
Emily liked quiet, and her home was halfway up a mountain, where cars rarely came.
Even if they called one, it would take over half an hour to arrive.
Seeing her pause, Michael grew inexplicably annoyed and picked up Bianca, carrying her to the car, "Stop dawdling! Also, help me get my medication later!"
His leg always needed medication after treatment to prevent a recurrence.
Olivia scoffed.
No wonder he suddenly changed his tune; he needed something from her.
Indeed, Michael's attitude improved only when he had another motive.
For Bianca's sake, Olivia reluctantly got in the car.
The ride back was quiet.
The driver focused on the road, while Michael leaned back with his eyes closed, resting.
Bianca sat in the middle, playing with a Rubik's Cube, her small hands moving deftly and focused.
Olivia watched for a while before turning her gaze to the scenery outside the window.
Half an hour passed, and the car finally stopped.
The driver called out from the front seat, "Mr. Johnson, we're here!"
Olivia was about to get out when she realized something was off.
This wasn't the pharmacy; it was the Johnson Group.
Michael straightened up, his voice low and tired, "Alright."
"Why are we here?" Olivia frowned, confused.
Michael glanced at her and replied indifferently, "I need to meet a client later and pick up a document first."
With that, he opened the door and got out.
Olivia's gaze followed him and soon spotted a figure in the office building.
Sophia, in high heels, walked gracefully toward Michael, her face lit up with a charming smile, "Here's the document you needed."
Michael reached out to take it, his tone gentle, "Thanks for making the trip."
Sophia's eyes sparkled, "Compared to you, what I did was nothing. You must be exhausted from the early morning memorial service..."
She raised her hand to straighten his messy collar.
At that moment, her eyes flicked to the back seat, spotting Olivia and Bianca.
Her expression froze, a flash of surprise in her eyes.
Olivia watched their interaction coldly, feeling a bit nauseous and finding Sophia's reaction quite amusing.
Though her relationship with Michael was strained, they were still legally married. Sitting in his car shouldn't be surprising.
Sophia quickly composed herself and withdrew her hand, saying, "Olivia's here too?"
Michael instinctively explained, "I asked her to get my medication. My leg was bothering me this morning."
Sophia immediately showed concern, "Is it serious? Do you need to see a doctor?"
Her expression and tone were filled with worry, with a hint of apology.
"No need, it's fine now, don't worry!"
Michael gently reassured her, "You go back to work, I'll meet the client and return later."
Sophia reluctantly nodded.
Soon, Michael returned to the car.
Olivia had watched the whole scene. She wanted to take Bianca and leave, but Sophia's reaction had inevitably affected her.
Something flashed through her mind, but before she could grasp it, the car started moving.
Missing the chance to get out, Olivia was eventually dropped off at the pharmacy.
Due to Michael, Olivia had practically become a regular at the pharmacy.
Once the car stopped, Michael said, "Hurry up and get it."
Olivia didn't respond, taking Bianca out of the car. Once she was standing, she coldly said, "The prescription is on your phone. Buy it yourself; we have other things to do."
She no longer wanted to go out of her way for someone who didn't deserve it!
Soon, Olivia left with Bianca, not looking back.
Michael was left stunned in the back seat, his expression dark.
He didn't expect Olivia to dare to play him like that!
Ultimately, the driver had to buy the medication!
Shortly after Olivia left, Sophia came over and knocked on Michael's car window.
When they left the Johnson Group earlier, she had followed, worried that Michael might change his mind about Olivia or repair their relationship.
Fortunately, things didn't develop as she feared.
When Michael saw her, he was clearly surprised and quickly opened the door, letting her in. "Why are you here?"
Sophia replied softly, "I was worried about you. How could I focus on work when you're like this? Did you get the medication? I saw Olivia leave directly... Doesn't she care about you?"
Mentioning Olivia, Michael's eyes turned cold, "Don't bring her up! The medication is bought, I'll take it later."
Sophia quickly soothed him, "Don't be upset. Come to my place later, I'll take care of you, okay?"
Michael's eyes darkened at her invitation, not refusing, "Alright, you're always so considerate, Sophia."
Sophia shook her head, "I'm happy to take care of you."
Michael felt a wave of warmth, genuinely believing Olivia couldn't compare to Sophia.
Only she knew how to be considerate!
Meanwhile, Olivia was unaware of his thoughts.
Her attitude towards Michael had become increasingly indifferent; otherwise, she wouldn't have left him at the pharmacy door.
After leaving with Bianca, she went directly to buy art supplies.
Afterward, she took Bianca to a nearby nature park to draw.
The park was beautifully designed, with a large, clear lake, fish visible in the water, a stone bridge crossing the lake, and willow trees lining the shore. In summer, it was filled with greenery and flowers.
Though it was winter now, the park had a unique charm with a layer of snow.
Many schools still organized student activities and sketching here.
Once there, Olivia took Bianca to a pavilion and set up her easel.
Then she opened the new paints, saying, "Sweetie, pick whatever you want to draw, and go ahead, okay?"
Bianca was fascinated by the new paints, vibrant and colorful, quickly sparking her interest.
Bianca nodded, grabbed her brush, and pondered for a few seconds.
Then she started painting, freely expressing herself on the paper.
Olivia didn't have high expectations for the quality of Bianca's work.
After all, Bianca had never learned to paint.
She just wanted to capture Bianca's interest, hoping to reduce her time spent in her own world.
However, after a while, Olivia noticed something unusual.
Though Bianca's painting was abstract and shapeless, her use of color was bold.
It seemed chaotic, but once formed, it had an inexplicable coherence, even catching the eye of an amateur like Olivia.
Olivia was stunned.
Bianca remained focused, continuing to paint.
Neither of them noticed the people approaching.
A group of elementary school students, who came to sketch, had gathered to watch.
Initially quiet, they soon couldn't help but discuss, "This little girl uses colors so well. How did she do that?"
"She looks so young, but paints better than me. Amazing!"
"What is she painting? A tree? A mountain?"
"Is it a flower? Only flowers have so many colors!"
The children's discussions quickly brought Olivia back to reality.
She turned to see several kids crowded together, discussing Bianca's painting.
Behind them stood a figure.
It seemed to be their teacher!
The teacher's expression showed surprise.
Seeing Olivia look over, he asked, "How long has your child been painting? She looks young but paints so well."
Olivia paused, then answered honestly, "She hasn't learned. This is her first time painting."
The teacher was shocked, "Never learned? Really? Then your daughter has incredible talent!"
Clearly excited, he started pointing out details in the painting.
From color clashes to composition, and the gradually forming shapes...
After his analysis, he concluded, "A genius painter must have a keen sense of color, innate shaping ability, rich imagination, unique creativity, and an advanced sense of innovation...
Your daughter's inner world must be very vivid! If possible, you should find a master to train her. She might shine brightly in the art world one day!"