Chapter 84 Why Can He Hold Her
After handling Yara's situation, Olivia finally felt relaxed enough to eat.
In the days that followed, she immersed herself in her work at the research institute.
Her team was incredibly efficient, calculating every ingredient ratio and step with precision, leading to rapid progress in their development.
One day, she overheard rumors about the Johnson family.
Hayden's birthday was coming up, and the Johnson family was planning a grand party, inviting all the political and business elites of Emerald City.
Last time, at Bianca's birthday, the Johnson family had lost face.
This time, Michael had just won a major billion-dollar government contract and was keen to attract partners to make money together, putting him in the spotlight.
Olivia didn't react much to the news.
In the business world, profit is everything. Bianca's grievances were just gossip to outsiders.
When it doesn't involve their interests, people might express sympathy or pity, but most prioritize their own gain.
There were plenty of people eager to cozy up to the Johnson family.
There were even whispers about the relationship between Michael and Sophia.
Versions of the story varied: "The Brown family's daughter is so virtuous, helping with Hayden's birthday preparations."
"Mrs. Amelia Johnson was hospitalized, and Sophia stayed by her side, taking better care of her than a real daughter-in-law would."
"That real daughter-in-law made a scene at the banquet hall, disgracing the Johnson family. She's probably been thrown out."
Olivia found it ironic.
Every year, the Johnson family's birthdays were always painstakingly prepared by her.
Did anyone remember her kindness?
On Hayden's birthday, Amelia happened to be discharged from the hospital.
Last time, Olivia had wrapped her in tape, injuring her skin, which took days to heal.
Sophia thoughtfully said, "Luckily, you're better in time for Mrs. Johnson's birthday party. Otherwise, you wouldn't be able to wear a beautiful dress."
Amelia gritted her teeth in hatred at the mention of this and increasingly viewed Sophia favorably. "Thanks to your help and care, the party is well-organized. You're so obedient, sensible, and capable."
Sophia smiled gracefully, "It's my duty!"
Amelia nodded slightly and checked the time.
It was getting late, and the guests were almost there.
She quickly instructed Sophia, "Call Michael and tell him to come home early."
"Sure," Sophia responded promptly and went to make the call.
At 4 PM, Olivia was still busy in the lab when she suddenly received a call from Benjamin.
His tone was urgent, "Ms. Garcia, I just got a call from the school. Bianca's father, Mr. Johnson, brought a lawyer and bodyguards and forcibly took her away, saying she needs to attend her grandfather's birthday party. I'm out of town for an academic conference and couldn't stop them. What should we do?"
Olivia's face changed, not expecting Michael to forcibly take Bianca.
She immediately said, "I'll handle it."
After hanging up, she called Michael right away.
Michael answered, his tone cold, "Hello."
Olivia suppressed her anger, speaking coldly, "Michael, why did you take Bianca without telling me?"
Michael's voice was indifferent, "She's my daughter. Why should I tell you? Do you really think the school's rules can restrict me?"
Olivia held back her fury, her voice sharp, "Michael, I don't mind you visiting Bianca, but taking her to that event, what's your intention? Using her to show off as a good father again? Have you forgotten how you treated her on her birthday? How the Johnsons humiliated her? Now you're taking her to that place again. Do you really hate seeing her happy? I won't allow it!"
Michael was irritated by her attitude.
He didn't think he was wrong last time.
"Olivia, I'm just taking Bianca to her grandfather's birthday party. It'll be over in two or three hours. Do you have to argue with me? Since I brought her, I'll take good care of her!" With that, he hung up.
Olivia was furious.
Taking good care of Bianca?
That was the funniest joke she'd ever heard!
She had no trust in Michael anymore.
Not to mention, no one in the Johnson family liked Bianca.
If Bianca was in that environment, who knew how she'd be bullied.
Olivia was deeply worried and quickly handed over her work before leaving the institute.
The Johnson Mansion was bustling with activity.
Guests arriving to celebrate were all affluent and distinguished, dressed in suits and gowns, mingling and toasting.
Michael arrived at the Mansion just as the party was starting.
He wore a custom-made suit, looking tall and dignified, carrying the sweet Bianca, drawing many eyes.
Amelia's face soured, full of disdain, "Why did you bring her?"
Such a grand occasion, bringing a child with autism, was she afraid people wouldn't know she had a foolish granddaughter?
Sophia was also surprised.
Michael hadn't mentioned bringing Bianca on the phone earlier.
She thought she could stand beside him as the hostess tonight, but Bianca ruined it!
Her eyes flashed coldly.
Aiden was even more displeased.
Why should Michael carry that fool Bianca?
Michael didn't notice, simply replying, "Today's Dad's birthday, I brought her to wish him well."
He showed rare tenderness to Bianca, "Bianca, wish Grandpa a happy birthday."
Bianca obediently said in a sweet childlike voice, "Grandpa, happy birthday."
Though Hayden didn't particularly like her, he didn't want to spoil the day.
He nodded, "Good girl."
He even handed Bianca a gift.
Bianca blinked, not reaching for it, but looked at Michael.
Michael immediately took it for her and put it in her hands, "Hold it tight. It's from Grandpa."
Bianca nodded and held it tightly.
After the birthday wishes, the party proceeded smoothly.
Michael stayed with Bianca, socializing with guests.
When it was time to cut the cake, Michael, perhaps to make up for not cutting a cake for her on her birthday, or for other reasons, gave her the first piece.
Aiden was furious.
On Bianca's birthday, Michael had given the first piece to him.
Tonight, he didn't even glance at him!
His eyes flashed with jealousy and anger towards Bianca.
Midway, Michael had an urgent call and left Bianca with Amelia.
Amelia was busy entertaining the ladies, not having time to watch Bianca.
She casually settled Bianca in the lounge area, instructing, "Wait for your daddy here."
Then she left!
Aiden seized the opportunity and approached, "Bianca, let's go play."
Bianca refused, "My mommy doesn't let me play with you."
This person was bad!
Aiden's eyes darkened, and he started coaxing, "But I saw your dog in the yard."
Bianca hesitated, looking at him doubtfully, "Really?"
"Really." Aiden insisted, "Let me show you!"
Bianca was smart and didn't easily believe him, "No, Lightning is at home, not here!"
When they arrived, Michael didn't bring Lightning, and Olivia wasn't here either.
So, Lightning couldn't be here!
Aiden got angry, tired of pretending. He grabbed Bianca's wrist, "I said it's here, don't doubt me!"
He dragged Bianca away forcefully.
Bianca couldn't match his strength and was taken away before she could resist.
When Michael returned from his call, Bianca was nowhere to be seen.
He instinctively asked Amelia, "Where's Bianca? I asked you to watch her."
Amelia shrugged, "How should I know? She was here a moment ago, probably wandered off to play."
Michael felt a pang of unease.
He didn't have time to blame Amelia and quickly ordered people to search for Bianca.
Meanwhile, Olivia had just arrived outside the Johnson Mansion.
The institute was far from the villa, and it was rush hour, so she hurried for over an hour to get there.
As she entered, she saw Aiden skipping happily from the direction of the backyard, looking very pleased.
At first, she didn't pay much attention, just coldly glanced away and called Michael. "Bring Bianca out. After over an hour, the celebration should be over. I'm in the yard."
She had no intention of going inside.
She didn't want to deal with the people and the scene in there.
She just wanted to take Bianca home.
Michael heard her and didn't respond, but came out quickly.
Olivia saw he was alone and frowned, "Where's Bianca?"
Michael hesitated but calmly replied, "Bianca wandered off. I'm having people look for her."
Olivia froze, then exploded in anger, "This is your idea of taking good care of her?"
Michael frowned, "I'm already having people search. The house isn't that big; we should find her soon!"
As he spoke, Sophia came out from the banquet hall. "Michael, I heard you're looking for Bianca…"
She stopped when she saw Olivia.
Olivia felt a sudden unease seeing Sophia.
She remembered Aiden's happy face earlier, and her expression darkened, immediately questioning Michael, "Did you let Bianca be with her son again?"
Michael denied, "No…"
But Olivia didn't have time to listen to his explanation.
Her unease grew stronger, and perhaps some instinct guided her.
She suddenly ran towards the backyard!
Michael followed quickly.
The commotion drew the attention of the Johnsons and some guests.
"What's going on?"
"Seems like… a child is missing?"