Chapter 83 Fortunately, Firmly Chose Him
After dropping Sophia off at home, Michael drove straight back to the Johnson Group, his mood darkening with every mile.
He couldn't get the image of Olivia with that other guy out of his head.
How could she cheat on him while they were still married?
When did it even start?
Was she trying to get back at him for all those years he was cold to her?
But what right did she have?
If she hadn't used her pregnancy to force Emily to make him marry her, he would never have tied the knot with her in the first place!
Even if they were getting divorced, that decision wasn't hers to make.
The more he thought about it, the angrier he got. Michael yelled for Robert, "Find out what Olivia's been up to since she moved out of Silverbrook Manor! Besides Daniel and Benjamin, has she been seeing anyone else?"
Robert was taken aback.
He had worked with Michael for a long time and had never seen him so worked up about Olivia.
And he was so angry.
Wasn't he supposed to be more concerned about Sophia?
Despite his confusion, Robert quickly agreed, "Got it."
That evening, after Andrew finished his usual art lesson with Bianca, he had to leave early because of an urgent matter.
Evelyn came to pick up Bianca and Olivia.
On the way back, Bianca said, "Uncle Andrew showed me how to make my painting look more three-dimensional, and here... he said to outline it like this. I've learned so much!"
Olivia looked at the new painting, which was indeed much better than before.
"Bianca, you're amazing."
She praised Bianca and couldn't help but marvel, "Mr. Hamilton is truly a master artist. Just two lessons, and Bianca's skills have improved by leaps and bounds."
Evelyn, who had learned about Andrew's new identity from Olivia, chimed in, "That's why he's a big shot! Look at our Bianca, she's changed so much. Who would guess she used to have autism?"
Olivia nodded.
Bianca's self-isolation had lessened significantly, her personality had become much more lively, and her expressions were richer.
Most of the time, she was willing to communicate with people.
Of course, there were still limitations.
She would revert to her closed-off state with unfamiliar or unkind people.
But overall, she was much better than before.
Olivia was full of gratitude toward Andrew.
Fortunately, she had firmly chosen him to treat Bianca, leading to such progress!
As they talked, the car arrived at the entrance of their community.
Evelyn, always on alert, immediately spotted Michael standing at the gate. "Great, just our luck. What's he doing here?"
Olivia heard the disdain in her voice and looked up, puzzled.
The next second, she saw Michael too.
Michael, in his suit, stood in the cold wind, his icy demeanor almost blending with the chilly air.
Olivia also felt it was bad luck and instructed Evelyn, "Ignore him. Just drive in, don't stop."
Evelyn nodded and pressed the gas pedal harder.
However, when they reached the garage ramp, Michael's bodyguards blocked their way.
Evelyn angrily rolled down the window and shouted, "Move! Are you looking to get run over?"
The bodyguards stood firm, their faces stern.
Michael strode over, his tone commanding, "Olivia, get out of the car!"
Evelyn rolled her eyes and glared at him disdainfully, "Who do you think you are? Does Olivia even know you that well?"
Michael's face was filled with cold fury, "I'm here to see Bianca. She's my daughter. You have no right to interfere!"
He then knocked on the rear window, "Get out!"
Evelyn was unwilling and threatened, "Move, or I'll run you over!"
Olivia didn't want to cause a scene.
But Bianca had already noticed Michael's presence.
Not wanting Evelyn to get into trouble because of her, Olivia reassured her, "Evelyn, you go ahead. I'll get out."
"But..." Evelyn was worried.
Olivia spoke calmly, "It's okay. He does have the right to see Bianca."
Legally, she couldn't stop him from visiting.
But that was all he was entitled to!
Soon, Olivia got out of the car with Bianca.
Evelyn, seeing this, reluctantly warned her, "This guy is definitely up to no good. Be careful. If anything happens, call security! Our community's security team is all former military. They're very reliable if there's trouble!"
She said this loudly, clearly intending for Michael to hear.
Michael's face darkened.
Was she treating him like a threat?
Olivia ignored his expression, watching Evelyn head inside.
After Evelyn left, Bianca greeted him first, "Daddy..."
Michael forced a smile, suppressing his irritation, "Hey, Bianca."
Bianca took small steps towards him, reaching out her little hands.
It was obvious she wanted a hug.
But Michael didn't get it. He just touched her lightly and then withdrew his hand.
Olivia's eyes showed a hint of coldness. She bent down and picked Bianca up, then asked coldly, "Have you seen enough? If so, we're going back. Bianca is doing very well now. Her autism is improving, thanks to her new routine and support system. So, if you have nothing else to say, we'll be on our way."
"All thanks to you, her recovery was delayed because of that Harper incident!" Her tone dripped with sarcasm.
Michael, already fuming, grew even more furious at her words.
He looked at Olivia coldly and demanded, "Oh, really? So, who did you hire as a psychologist? Care to share?"
Olivia shot back, "Is that necessary? You don't really care about her! You just need to know she's getting better. As for who I hired, it's none of your business!"
Michael was extremely displeased with her attitude.
When did the Olivia who used to be so submissive to him become so strong-willed?
How dare she?
Who gave her the confidence?
Was it that man from earlier today?
Michael's entire demeanor became oppressive as he asked harshly, "Olivia, are you hiring a psychologist for Bianca or busy finding a man for yourself? Do you really think I don't know anything?"
Olivia was stunned.
When she regained her composure, she found his words laughable.
A man who spent all his time with his mistress dared to accuse her without any evidence!
Did he think everyone was as shameless and dirty as he was?
Olivia was filled with anger but didn't want to explain further, "Michael, before you accuse others, take a good look at your own actions. Who's the one constantly entangled with Sophia? Do you have any right to question me?
Even if I were doing that, so what? If you're unhappy, sign the divorce papers. Otherwise, just stay out of my business!"
Her words clearly struck a nerve with Michael.
His face darkened instantly, his anger boiling over.
But Olivia had no intention of arguing further, "If you have nothing else, please leave. If you're not genuinely here to see Bianca, don't pretend to show fatherly love. She doesn't need it."
With that, she turned to head into the community.
"Stop!" Michael shouted, reaching out to grab her wrist.
The moment he touched her, Olivia felt a wave of nausea. "Don't touch me!"
Her face showed intense disgust.
Michael was momentarily stunned by her expression, forgetting to pull her back.
Taking advantage of this, Olivia quickly led Bianca into the community.
Michael watched her disappear, his anger reaching new heights.
When Olivia left the Johnson Villa, she didn't take anything with her. Where did she get the money to buy a place here?
Could it be a gift from another man?
Daniel? Or the man from earlier today?
The thought of this possibility made Michael want to destroy everything in his path.
Olivia was unaware of his vile thoughts.
She took Bianca home, and the first thing she did was head to the bathroom to wash her hands.
The spot where Michael had touched her felt filthy, and she scrubbed it several times with soap.
Evelyn followed her, concerned, "Did he hurt you?"
Olivia, holding back her disgust, nodded, "He grabbed me..."
Evelyn, full of disdain, urged her, "Wash it a few more times with hot water. Don't let any of his filth linger!"
Saying this, Evelyn even joined in to help her wash her hands.
They didn't stop until the skin turned red.
When they came out, Yara had just finished preparing dinner and called them over to eat.
As Olivia picked up her fork, she said, "Yara, starting today, you should quit working for Michael. From now on, I'll pay your salary."
Yara was taken aback, "But..."
Olivia's gaze was sharp as she looked at her, "Michael suddenly assigning you to take care of Bianca might just be an excuse. His real intention is probably to have you spy on me. Has he asked you about my affairs these past few days?"
Yara hesitated, feeling a bit guilty, "Mr. Johnson... did ask about some things."
Evelyn frowned, her tone displeased, "He's cheating, staying at his mistress's place every day, and still sends someone to spy on you? Does he have no shame? Does he think everyone is as shameless as he is?"
Olivia didn't respond to Evelyn, continuing to address Yara, "I didn't want to keep you, but because you genuinely care for Bianca and take good care of her, I agreed to let you stay. But that doesn't mean I accept this situation.
You should be well aware of my relationship with Michael... it's beyond repair. So, I need a clear stance from you.
If you consider him your employer, you can go back to him. I won't stop you!
But if you want to stay here, you need to quit. I'll ensure your compensation remains the same!"
Yara, after hearing this, didn't hesitate much, "I'm sorry. I didn't think much of it before, just felt that daily life details weren't important, so I shared them! But don't worry, I'll resign from Mr. Johnson's employment as soon as possible and focus on taking care of Ms. Johnson!"
Olivia was satisfied with Yara's response, "Why not resign right now?"
Yara nodded and didn't hesitate, immediately finding her phone to submit her resignation to Michael.
Seeing this, Olivia's expression finally softened.
She wanted to cut off all ties with anything and anyone related to Michael!