Chapter 52 This Wealthy Family, Forget It!
To avoid worrying her parents, Olivia quickly suppressed her emotions and said, "Just took Bianca out for a bit. Bianca, say hi to Grandma and Grandpa."
Bianca blinked and hesitated for a moment before calling out in a sweet, childlike voice, "Hi, Grandma! Hi, Grandpa!"
"Such a sweet girl!" Victoria and Vaughn Smith were delighted and responded warmly.
Victoria immediately hugged Bianca, her face full of love. "My darling, I haven't seen you in months! I missed you so much."
Vaughn also smiled warmly. "I brought lots of toys for you this time. Want to go inside and see?"
Bianca nodded eagerly.
Olivia quickly led them inside.
Once they were inside, Victoria and Vaughn started unpacking the bags they brought.
Besides a big bag of toys for Bianca, there were also supplements for Olivia and her favorite desserts and snacks.
Seeing this, Olivia couldn't help but say, "Mom, Dad, you didn't have to go to all this trouble!"
Victoria and Vaughn were both high school teachers with limited monthly salaries.
These items looked expensive, likely costing several months' wages.
Vaughn placed the items on the table and said with a smile, "We bought these for you and Bianca. How can you say it's too much? The money we earn is meant to be spent on you and Bianca. Besides, these homemade treats don't cost much. Your mom made them herself early this morning! You haven't had them in a while, so try them!"
Olivia felt a pang of sadness but forced a smile. "Alright!"
She sat down and picked up a piece of dessert, taking a bite.
The familiar taste was sweet but not overpowering, leaving a lingering flavor that couldn't be found in store-bought treats.
"Delicious!" Olivia genuinely praised.
Victoria handed Bianca to Vaughn and sat next to Olivia, scrutinizing her.
After a few seconds, she couldn't help but touch Olivia's cheek with concern. "Why have you lost so much weight? Last time you visited, you still had some meat on your cheeks. Is it because you're too sad about Emily's passing?"
Olivia paused in her eating.
She felt a wave of grievances, but didn't want Victoria and Vaughn to worry about her, so she didn't share what had happened recently.
She nodded slightly. "It was tough for a while, but I'm feeling better now..."
Victoria looked at her, unsure if she believed her.
Vaughn, on the other hand, noticed something different. "Bianca seems much better than before. She answers questions and shows interest in toys, unlike before."
Victoria had noticed this too and agreed. "Yes, that's true!"
Olivia seized the chance to shift the conversation. "We met a very skilled psychologist recently. His guidance and treatment have made a big difference for Bianca."
"Really?"
Victoria and Vaughn were delighted.
Many renowned psychologists had failed to help before, so this improvement was a cause for joy.
Since the family rarely got together, Olivia spent the day with Victoria, Vaughn, and Bianca.
In the evening, Michael returned home and saw Victoria and Vaughn in the living room, a look of surprise flashing across his face.
Victoria greeted him first. "Michael, you're back? Have you had dinner?"
Michael composed himself and replied coolly. "Not yet. When did you arrive?"
"This afternoon," Vaughn answered.
Michael nodded, walked over to pat Bianca's head, and then said indifferently. "I have some work to finish. You all sit."
Without waiting for Victoria and Vaughn to respond, he turned and went upstairs.
Olivia's expression turned cold as she clenched her fingers.
Victoria looked at her with concern, "Olivia, did you and Michael have a fight? Or is something wrong?"
Earlier, Olivia and Michael hadn't exchanged greetings or even glanced at each other, which felt off.
"No, he's just been very busy lately." Olivia shook her head, trying to appear natural so Victoria and Vaughn wouldn't notice anything amiss.
Victoria and Vaughn exchanged a silent look and said no more.
During dinner, Yara went upstairs to call Michael down to eat, but he refused, citing unfinished work.
Vaughn, sitting at the table, rarely showed a hint of anger. "Is he not welcoming us?"
Olivia forced a smile. "Dad, don't worry about him. He's been very busy with projects lately and often skips meals. Let's just enjoy our dinner. Here, I made this especially for you. Try it."
Vaughn's anger didn't dissipate, but he didn't want to spoil Olivia's kind gesture.
The dinner ended warmly, thanks to Bianca's presence.
Afterward, Victoria and Vaughn took Bianca to the yard to walk off the meal.
When they returned to the living room, they saw Michael coming downstairs.
Upon seeing Victoria and Vaughn, Michael immediately said, "I've arranged for a hotel for you. The driver will take you there shortly."
Olivia's patience nearly snapped after holding back all evening.
She said coldly, "We have guest rooms here. They can stay without needing a hotel."
Michael replied indifferently, "Yara is off work. It's too late to clean up the rooms now. The hotel will be more convenient."
Olivia heard the underlying message to get rid of them and could barely contain her anger.
Since their marriage, Michael had never treated Victoria and Vaughn with respect.
Victoria and Vaughn, on the other hand, often worried about his work and health, reminding Olivia to be considerate of him.
They always included him when buying supplements, but he never even looked at them, nor did respect them.
Olivia almost exploded, but feared worrying Victoria and Vaughn.
Taking a deep breath, she forced herself to stay calm. "It's okay. I can clean the rooms myself. There's still time."
She then stood up, brushed past Michael, and went to the third-floor guest room to start tidying up.
Michael's face darkened, and he turned back to his study without saying anything else.
Victoria and Vaughn watched the whole scene, their smiles long gone.
"Olivia and Michael are definitely having issues."
Vaughn's expression was worried. "You should find a chance to ask Olivia if she's been mistreated. She didn't seem right today, and she's lost so much weight. She doesn't look happy..."
Talking about it made him angry. "Look at Michael, acting all high and mighty. We can excuse his naturally cold demeanor, but trying to send us away? We're not going to steal anything from him. What's he afraid of?"
Vaughn, a high school teacher, had always been polite and respectful, earning the same in return. Being treated like this by Michael naturally angered him.
Victoria felt just as upset but sighed. "If Olivia is happy, our feelings are secondary..."
"But if she's not happy, then being a wealthy man's wife isn't worth it."