Chapter 43 Stunning the Entire Audience
That evening, not long after Olivia took Bianca back to their room, Michael also took Aiden home.
On the way, Aiden kept up his act. "Uncle Michael, Bianca's painting seems really valuable. Maybe we should have my mom buy her a new one or compensate her. That way, Aunt Olivia won't be mad at me..."
Michael responded calmly, "No need. What's broken is broken. It's not worth much and doesn't need to be replaced."
He didn't seem concerned, thinking Olivia was making a big deal out of nothing.
A psychologist couldn't fix Bianca, so what good could a painting do?
Later, after Michael dropped Aiden off at home, Sophia greeted him with a warm and grateful expression. "Michael, thank you so much. I couldn't have managed without your help with Aiden."
"Of course," Michael replied kindly.
Since he had unfinished work, he didn't stay long and left promptly.
Before he left, Sophia reminded him, "Michael, don't forget about the cocktail party tomorrow night."
Michael nodded slightly, "Don't worry, I remember."
After Michael left, Sophia took her son inside.
As soon as the door closed, Aiden's face lit up with pride. "Mom, I have good news. Tonight at Daddy Michael's house, that awful woman argued with Daddy Michael again because I purposely ruined that silly girl's painting. She got so mad, she even talked about divorcing Daddy Michael!"
"Really?" Sophia's eyes sparkled with interest.
Aiden nodded and vividly described the scene.
Sophia felt delighted and proud, praising him, "You did great!"
Aiden raised his head proudly, "Of course, I haven't forgotten my mission!"
Sophia smiled and ruffled his hair, feeling a bit excited.
She hadn't expected Olivia to be so foolish as to suggest divorce to Michael.
If she didn't get divorced, she'd at least still be Michael's wife.
If she did get divorced, she'd be nothing.
But this was exactly what Sophia wanted. She just couldn't understand why Michael didn't agree. Was their conflict not big enough?
Although Sophia hoped they'd divorce soon, she wasn't in a hurry.
Now, with just a beckoning finger, Michael would appear before her. He was hers sooner or later.
'Olivia, what do you have to fight me with? Watch me ruin you!' Sophia thought.
The next morning, Olivia went to the military district as usual to treat the special forces soldiers.
In the afternoon, she took advantage of Bianca being distracted with her harmonica to sneak out with the ruined painting to find someone to repair it.
However, the painting was severely damaged, and Andrew's artistry was so exceptional that even with restoration, it couldn't return to its original state.
Olivia felt deeply troubled but decided to keep it a secret for now.
Fortunately, Bianca was currently focused on her harmonica and hadn't thought about the painting.
Olivia planned to ask Andrew for a favor the next time she saw him, hoping he could paint a new one for Bianca.
In the afternoon, Daniel suddenly called, asking her for a favor. "Hey, Olivia. Tonight, Joseph's granddaughter, Beatrix Miller, is hosting a cocktail party. Could you attend on my behalf? There's a medical project that might involve cooperation with the military, and Beatrix is the initiator. I'm in a neighboring city right now and might be late getting back. I'll have my secretary bring the proposal to you."
Olivia agreed without hesitation.
Her career was closely tied to Daniel's, and since Daniel had recently helped her a lot, she naturally wouldn't refuse.
In the evening, she was in her dressing room choosing a gown.
It was ironic.
There were many gown styles, mostly custom-made at high prices by Emily when she was alive.
Yet Olivia had hardly worn them out.
Michael had never taken her to any grand events, at most just family gatherings where she'd make a brief appearance.
Feeling unsure, she asked Evelyn for help.
Evelyn had extensive experience in this area and came over to help her select a gown.
Eventually, Olivia wore a light gold mermaid-style dress. The color wasn't too flashy, the design was unique enough, and it perfectly highlighted her curves.
Evelyn also spent time doing her hair, adding a refined makeup look, and matching accessories.
Evelyn was blown away by Olivia's transformation. "Wow, Olivia, you look absolutely stunning! Michael must be out of his mind to let you go."
Night quickly fell.
At Sophia's place, Michael arrived as planned to take her to the cocktail party.
Sophia should have been ready early, but she purposely delayed, appearing shy as she approached Michael while still dressing. "Michael, could you help me zip up? I can't reach it myself..."
Michael nodded slightly and stepped behind her.
The open back revealed a thin, alluring expanse of skin, tempting thoughts.
Michael's eyes darkened, and he raised his hand to zip her up, his voice low and husky. "Done."
"Thank you," she said, turning around with a smile.
As she turned, she stumbled slightly in her high heels, nearly falling.
Michael quickly caught her, pulling her into his arms.
Sophia placed her hands on his chest, her face flushed, eyes shy.
Michael's gaze grew darker, his grip on her waist tightening.
However, nothing happened between them, and soon they left the house.
The cocktail party was about to begin!
The Miller family's cocktail party was highly prestigious, attended by the elite of Emerald City.
Michael and Sophia arrived at the Miller Mansion at seven-thirty.
Luxury cars filled the area, and security was strict, requiring an invitation to enter.
Just before entering the banquet hall, Michael realized his invitation was missing.
After searching for a while, he couldn't find it, so he called and had a new one brought over.
By the time they entered, many guests had already arrived.
Michael's appearance immediately drew attention.
The Johnson family held a significant position in Emerald City, not quite on par with the old-money families but still a top business family.
Michael himself was renowned for his business acumen, a prominent figure among the younger generation.
Since Emily's passing, he had fully taken the reins, elevating the Johnson family's status even further.
Many guests flocked to greet him, and even Sophia received numerous compliments.
"Is this Mrs. Johnson? She truly is as beautiful as the rumors say, a perfect match for Mr. Johnson."
"Mr. Johnson is so devoted, always bringing his wife along..."
Despite the praise, some attendees knew that Michael's wife wasn't Sophia.
However, Michael had been seen frequently with Sophia lately, and it was clear he had a special interest in her. Hence, many flattered them as if they were a couple.
Sophia enjoyed the compliments, smiling brightly as she held onto Michael's arm.
Michael didn't bother to explain, calmly responding to the guests.
But among the crowd, someone exposed the truth. "Mrs. Johnson? That's not her. That's the Brown family's daughter, recently divorced and back in the country, already cozying up to a married man. How shameless."
"I think they're a great match. Ms. Brown and Mr. Johnson are business partners, a powerful alliance."
"Exactly, Ms. Brown is exceptional. As for Mrs. Johnson, I've heard she's just a housewife. How could she compare?"
"A housewife? That's hardly impressive."
"Probably. Mr. Johnson is so outstanding. How could he be with an ordinary woman?"
As the guests whispered among themselves, the banquet hall doors opened again.
A figure slowly walked in from outside.
At first, no one paid much attention, just glancing casually.
But once they saw the person's face, they couldn't help but be captivated.
The newcomer had an extraordinary beauty, her lightly made-up features exquisitely defined, her curvaceous figure accentuated by the gown, her waist slender.
Her gaze swept the room, instantly drawing attention, enchanting everyone, yet her demeanor carried a touch of cool elegance.
There was an inexplicable sense of untouchable aloofness.
Everyone was stunned, their minds racing with guesses: Who was she?
No one noticed Sophia's shocked expression.
Others might not recognize her, but Sophia instantly knew it was Olivia!
Why was Olivia here?
Michael was equally surprised, not expecting her to show up dressed like this.