Chapter 70 All Changes Started When She Met Him
Michael couldn't answer her question.
After leaving the Johnson Group, he went straight to Bianca's school.
It was dismissal time, and Benjamin and several teachers were standing at the school gate, escorting the children.
Michael approached and stated his purpose, "I'm here to pick up Bianca."
Benjamin saw him, his expression indifferent, and refused to hand Bianca over. "Sorry, Mr. Johnson, at our school, children can only be picked up by their guardians."
Michael was clearly displeased with Benjamin, his demeanor icy and imposing.
"I am Bianca's father, and thus her legal guardian!"
Benjamin shook his head. "But when Bianca was enrolled, the guardian section was filled out with only Ms. Garcia's name. To take her, you need Ms. Garcia's permission, and I haven't received any notification from her."
Michael's expression turned angry.
Olivia didn't include his name?
He pulled out his phone, ready to call her, but Olivia arrived just in time.
She immediately noticed Michael's presence.
His tall, striking figure stood out among the other parents, drawing several admiring glances from the moms around.
Olivia, however, frowned and asked coldly, "What are you doing here?"
Michael put away his phone and demanded, "I'm here to pick up Bianca! Olivia, I'm her father. Why didn't you put my name as her guardian? Now, I don't even have the right to take my own daughter home!"
With people coming and going at the school gate, Olivia didn't want to argue with him.
Still, she found his questioning somewhat laughable.
"Why would I list someone who never bothers about her situation? Michael, if you didn't care from the start, don't pretend now that you want to be good to her!
You do have the right, but think carefully, do you truly care about her safety?
You can't even sense her changes, yet you have the audacity to talk about qualifications!
Bianca's recovery to her current state hasn't been easy. She's still adapting to her new environment, so I'm asking you to give her a buffer period.
Don't arrogantly decide what's best for her!"
Olivia's sharp retort left Michael's face looking extremely displeased.
Yet he couldn't refute her words.
Seeing that he was at a loss for words, Olivia didn't waste any more time and quickly took Bianca away.
Before leaving, she gave Benjamin a grateful look.
That evening, Yara prepared a feast.
Olivia rarely cooked, but made two dishes to welcome Evelyn.
As they sat down, she invited Yara, "Join us, otherwise we won't be able to finish all this food."
Yara was overwhelmed and kept saying, "Oh no, I really can't."
She was just a servant; how could she dine with the family?
Olivia gently insisted, "We don't have those kinds of rules here. From now on, you're eating with us."
Unable to refuse Olivia's kindness, Yara finally picked up her fork.
Dinner was filled with joy and laughter.
Evelyn enjoyed the meal immensely, exclaiming, "Yara, your cooking is out of this world! And Olivia, these dishes are so good, I could almost eat the plate! Knowing you both is such a blessing!"
Olivia chuckled at her exaggerated praise, but her smile faded a little.
She had learned to cook well back then for Michael.
Michael never appreciated it.
Yet to Evelyn, it was a blessing.
Was that the difference between caring and not caring?
Maybe Olivia's words had an impact, because Michael didn't show up for the next week.
Olivia enjoyed the peace, and her new life gradually settled into a routine.
The lab was finally completed, and the research staff were hired.
Olivia spent several days getting ready for the new drug development.
Though busy, she made sure to come home on time every day to be with Bianca.
Bianca's condition improved day by day, and with Lightning's companionship, the house was filled with laughter.
Olivia felt these changes started when she met Andrew.
The dog he gave them, Lightning, had special meaning.
Lightning was incredibly smart, understanding various commands.
Except for speaking, it could almost communicate with people!
Even Evelyn, who visited often, became well-acquainted with it, understanding the different meanings of its barks.
Olivia used to think life without Michael might be tough.
But now she realized life without Michael was wonderful!
The next day, because the lab was entering the early stages of development, there were many things to prepare. Olivia was delayed and couldn't pick up Bianca from school, so she called Evelyn for help.
Benjamin sent a message: [This Friday, the school has an event with performances by the children. Bianca has been assigned a task and needs parental accompaniment. Ms. Garcia, if convenient, please arrange accordingly.]
Olivia saw the notification when she got home.
Bianca was clearly waiting for her, running up immediately to talk about the event, and then quietly asked, "Will Daddy come?"
Bianca's eyes were filled with hope.
Olivia hesitated.
Although she and Michael were separated, Bianca probably didn't feel much difference.
She thought Michael was just busy with work, coming home occasionally.
Before, she never sought Michael.
But this time, it was her first school performance, and she seemed to really want him to come.
Olivia couldn't bear to crush her hope and said, "I'll ask him."
Bianca nodded, her eyes sparkling.
Olivia went to the balcony and temporarily removed Michael from the blacklist.
When she called, surprisingly, Michael answered.
His tone was cold, "What do you want?"
He seemed still angry about the previous incident.
Olivia ignored it and explained, "This Friday, Bianca's school has a performance requiring the father's participation. She wants you to come. Do you have time?"
Michael didn't immediately agree but responded indifferently, "I need to check my schedule."
Olivia's eyes darkened, not pushing further, "Consider it and give me an answer by 8 PM tonight!"
With that, she hung up.
Michael was at the Johnson Mansion.
Tonight, Sophia brought Aiden over to dine with Amelia and her husband.
To showcase her culinary skills, Sophia personally cooked several of her best dishes for Amelia.
Sophia was now inviting him to join them for dinner.
Michael put away his phone and sat down, hearing Amelia praise, "Sophia is so capable and kind. Not only can she handle business, but she also cooks so well. Whoever marries you is truly fortunate."
Sophia smiled gracefully, "Mrs. Johnson, you're too kind. It's my fortune that you and Mr. Johnson enjoy my cooking!"
Hayden was equally pleased with her and praised Aiden, "You're so busy yet you can raise a child this well. It's impressive."
Aiden, proud of the praise, said, "Grandpa Hayden, I wrote a diary at school today and won first prize. The teacher said there's a reward on Friday."
"You can write diaries at such a young age? That's impressive!" Amelia looked at him in surprise.
Aiden nodded, "My mom taught me! It's my first prize since returning to the country. Can I invite Daddy Michael to accompany me to receive it?"
Michael was slightly taken aback, "Me?"
"Yes, other kids have their parents with them."
Aiden's eyes were pleading, tugging at his clothes, "Daddy Michael, can you come with me?"
Sophia also looked at him hopefully, saying, "Michael, last time when you accompanied Aiden to enroll, some kids saw you and said his dad was very handsome and wanted to see you again. Please don't refuse?"
Michael hesitated, but before he could answer, Amelia chimed in, "Since it's an award ceremony, Michael should go. Aiden is so outstanding; your attendance is an honor!"
"Yeah, you already consider him your godson. What's the difference from a biological father?"
"Michael, you have to go. Otherwise, if the kids mock Aiden for not having a dad, what will you do? Can you bear to let Sophia face that?"
Hayden and Chase urged him.
Michael couldn't bear it, so he quickly agreed, "Alright, I'll go with you."
Aiden and Sophia smiled brightly, "Thank you, Daddy Michael. You're my favorite."
"Thank you, Michael."
Michael shook his head, his eyes exceptionally gentle.
That night, Olivia waited until midnight but didn't receive Michael's reply.
Bianca kept asking about it until bedtime.
Olivia felt a cold laugh inside.
Indeed, she shouldn't have expectations of him.
His sudden concern was all a façade.
She thought it through and finally understood his actions from those few days.
He was probably unhappy about the divorce and wanted to use Bianca's custody to trouble her.
Michael was deliberately causing her problems!
Since Michael didn't want to come, Olivia naturally wouldn't force him.
The next day, she called Benjamin to explain the situation and asked, "Can I accompany Bianca myself? Or maybe have my friend join us?"
Benjamin replied, "Actually, the purpose of this event is to heal the children's psychological issues, especially designed for that...
Bianca's situation, as you know, is due to the long-term lack of her father's care, leading to feelings of unworthiness. Her father's role in this performance is crucial.
If he doesn't attend, it won't have the intended effect!"
Olivia hadn't realized the performance had this purpose.
Her heart ached, and she couldn't help but resent Michael.
Every time Bianca needed him most, he was absent.
Such a father... what was the point of his coming?
Olivia's emotions surged, but she maintained her calm tone, "If that's the case, can the school staff help? I think with your guidance, Bianca's psychological gap might not be as significant..."
She spoke earnestly, "Mr. White, would you be willing?"
Benjamin was momentarily stunned but quickly responded, "Of course, the school considered this aspect. We can allow teachers to help with psychological guidance. But... are you okay with it?"
Olivia replied, "Of course, Bianca trusts you."
Compared to Michael, any teacher here was more responsible!