Chapter 371 He Couldn't Bear It
Outside, Aiden stood in the hallway, his small body trembling.
His skin was covered in bruises.
Every time Sophia was bullied by Peter, that man would come and beat him too.
Whenever Peter was in a bad mood, he would also take it out on Aiden.
In Aiden's eyes, deep fear and resentment surfaced.
This was all Bianca and Olivia's fault!
If it weren't for them, Michael wouldn't have abandoned him!
Before, they all liked him so much!
It was all their fault!
If anyone saw Aiden's expression right now, they would be scared by the darkness in his eyes.
Was this the kind of look a child of a few years old should have?
While Sophia was entangled with Peter here, Michael had easily integrated into Harmony City's upper-class circle.
Although the affair back then had caused quite a scandal.
The Johnson family was still the wealthiest in Emerald City, and ranked among the top elite families in the country.
Not to mention Michael's business acumen in the commercial world.
Despite the scandals, in those people's eyes, it was just being a Playboy.
Many people were still eager to cooperate with the Johnson Group.
So when Michael appeared in public, in just a few days, he was already thriving in this social circle.
When Daniel came over, Olivia didn't have time to host him, so she had Evelyn and Benjamin accompany him for dinner.
Evelyn also knew about Michael coming to Harmony City.
When they were eating together, the disgust on her face couldn't have been more obvious. "Why is this guy so annoying?
Wasn't staying in Emerald City good enough for him?
What's ridiculous is that quite a few people are still flattering him. Damn it!"
"Calm down, it's not worth getting upset over someone like that." Benjamin poured her some water while trying to console her. "In business, the ability to make money is what matters most. Moral character doesn't concern many people.
Besides, in circles like these, there are plenty of playboys. They mess around with women themselves.
Not just the men - those wealthy girls also go through boyfriend after boyfriend, it's just all kept private.
So in their eyes, Michael's engagement scandal isn't really that condemnable."
At this point, Benjamin suddenly realized he seemed to have lumped himself and Andrew into that category too.
So he quickly added, "Of course, that doesn't include Andrew or me or Andrew. We're both very devoted and have a strong moral compass!"
Hearing this, Daniel immediately defended himself too, "I don't mess around either! I haven't even had a girlfriend yet!"
Evelyn found their anxious explanations a bit amusing.
But she still hadn't completely cooled down.
She took a sip of water, and after calming down a bit, continued her rant, "Trash like Michael can be so easily forgiven, so why do they look down on Olivia so much?
Upper-class circle? Ha! More like a lower-class circle!
What kind of normal values could they possibly have?
They're completely blind!
Olivia is so outstanding and she's the victim in all this, yet from the moment she arrived in Harmony City, they've been mocking and ridiculing her!"
Thinking about that reception she had Olivia accompany her to, where she was bullied by those people.
Even trash like Saul dared to humiliate her - the fire in Evelyn's heart burned even hotter! "What a bunch of two-faced people!"
This time Benjamin didn't try to calm her down, and actually agreed, "Yeah, this world is indeed more forgiving toward men.
Fortunately, Olivia has Andrew protecting her."
Hearing his words, Daniel's eyes seemed dazed for a moment.
He seemed to recall again the image of Olivia and Andrew standing together.
Benjamin noticed this, and immediately changed the topic, looking at Daniel and asking, "Mr. Wilson, how long are you planning to stay in Harmony City this time?"
Daniel collected his thoughts, pressed his lips together, and said, "About... two months."
That long?
Benjamin was a bit surprised. He wondered to himself, could this guy also be here for Olivia?
They're all gathering here now.
But Olivia and Andrew are already together.
As if guessing what Benjamin was thinking, Daniel reluctantly added, "The new team for Nexora Tech's expansion.
Due to certain circumstances, they can't go to Emerald City for now.
The project is at a critical stage right now and needs supervision, so I've arranged for them to work temporarily at the Wilson Group offices."
His tone was a bit stiff when he said this.
After hearing this, Benjamin looked him over a few times, then laughed.
He realized he had been overthinking.
He saw honesty and gentlemanly demeanor in Daniel.
Nothing like Michael at all.
Besides, Andrew had already met Daniel.
If Daniel weren't a good person, Olivia wouldn't continue working with him.
Benjamin smiled and warmly put his arm around his shoulder, saying, "Staying a bit longer is good. When you're done with work, you can check out the nice scenery in Harmony City.
Back in Emerald City, although I saw you a few times, we never really got to know each other well.
You're Olivia's friend, which makes you our friend too.
I'll definitely take good care of you. When we're free, we can have meals together!
Come on, let me toast you!"
Daniel wasn't used to people getting this close, especially being this enthusiastic.
He didn't think his relationship with Benjamin was that good.
Being held by the neck like this made him feel very awkward and uncomfortable.
So he kept a straight face, looking somewhat disdainful.
"That's not necessary. In business, there are no permanent friends. We might even become enemies."
But Benjamin wasn't affected by his cold face at all, and said with a grin, "Don't worry! I don't have any business to discuss with you.
Besides, our personalities actually match pretty well. I think we can be friends.
Even if we did have business together, I'd give in to you!
Come on, have a drink!"
This overly familiar attitude made Daniel even more disdainful.
But Benjamin drank his wine first, so Daniel couldn't refuse anymore. In the end, he reluctantly drank it too.
Seeing them drink, Evelyn also raised her glass, "Come on, we're all good friends now. When you guys hang out, don't forget to include me!"
The three of them finished dinner in a fairly pleasant atmosphere.
Benjamin had something to take care of and had to leave first. Before leaving, he made plans with them, "Next time when we're free, let's go have a few drinks together!"
"Sure, it's getting late. Drive safe!" Evelyn waved at him, and after watching his car leave, she turned around to look at the somewhat silent Daniel behind her.
She couldn't help but ask, "Are you staying this long for Olivia? Haven't you given up on her yet?"
Daniel felt like everyone was fixated on this question.
When clearly, he and she had no relationship at all.
Feeling irritated, he lit a cigarette and took a deep drag. Thick white smoke rings escaped from his lips.
His demeanor was casually elegant, but somehow this scene took on a tinge of loneliness.
That momentary posture had an indescribable charm.
"I haven't quite given up, but what good does it do to not give up?"
His own indecisiveness had cost him his chance.
By the time he realized it, it was already too late.
Just like before he came this time, his mother's warning in his ear: "Back then, I gave you a chance, but you were useless!
When she wasn't married, you didn't pursue her.
Later, when she got divorced, you two spent so much time together, and you still didn't make a move.
Now someone else has won her over, and only now do you start regretting it.
I'm warning you, Daniel. This time, going to Harmony City, if Olivia isn't doing well, you can try to win her back, and I'll support you!
But if she's doing well, then you'd better remember - don't you dare ruin her relationship or her happiness!
If I find out you're doing something so despicable, I'll personally come to Harmony City and break your legs!"
His usually gentle mother had shown her fierce side to him for the first time.
Thinking of her warnings, Daniel couldn't help but let out a scornful laugh.
He thought Isabella really didn't understand him at all.
When it came to Olivia, whether before or now, he had never had any boundaries.
Let alone destroying her joy and happiness.
How could he bear to do that?
Seeing the desolation in his eyes, Evelyn felt terrible too.
She suddenly felt that the question she just asked was somewhat cruel.
Actually, as someone who had known Daniel earlier, logically, she should be trying to set him up with Olivia.
But somehow, she had never had that thought before.
Now, seeing his dejected look, Evelyn felt very guilty.
After hesitating for a few seconds, she asked, "Want to drink? My treat!"
Hearing this, Daniel looked back at her and said, "Alcohol doesn't drown sorrows, but if you want to drink, I can reluctantly keep you company."
Evelyn felt like her question was a bit unnecessary.
She even wanted to ditch Daniel.
But that thought remained just a thought. She didn't actually leave him behind, and instead took him to the bar she and Benjamin used to frequent.
Olivia didn't know about this.
But before going to bed that night, she received a message from Evelyn.
Evelyn: [Let's be real, a girl as considerate, loving, kind, and just as me, who'd even comfort her friend's rejected admirer? That's one in a million.]
What did this exclamatory tone mean?
Olivia was completely confused and couldn't understand what she was rambling about in the middle of the night.
So she asked: [What's wrong?]
Evelyn quickly replied: [Nothing, nothing, I just think I'm particularly great, just expressing my feelings.]
Looking at her reply, Olivia was quite helpless and started wondering if she had been drinking again and had too much.
After thinking about it, she called Evelyn to confirm. As soon as she answered, she asked, "Evelyn, have you been drinking again?"
Evelyn laughed on the other end. "How did you know I was drinking?"
Olivia said with amusement, "From the way you're talking nonsense. How much have you had tonight? Can you get home by yourself?"
Evelyn giggled, "Don't worry about me. Daniel is with me. We'll head back soon."
Hearing that she was with Daniel, Olivia felt relieved, but still reminded her, "Don't drink too much. You both have to work tomorrow."
"Yeah, I know!"
...
Being busy at the research institute, time passed quickly.
In the blink of an eye, it was Olivia's third month at the institute.
The trust team held a summary meeting.
The leadership mainly conducted a comprehensive evaluation of everyone's performance during this period.
This also included areas where everyone needed to improve and enhance.
Because as the research deepened, team members in each group might change or increase.
Moreover, with the heavy workload, they might possibly recruit a second group of newcomers later.
Rodolfo also attended.
At the meeting, the overall leader of the newcomer group also specially praised Olivia's team. "This time, Group A's results are the best among all groups.
Especially Olivia's ability is exceptionally outstanding. I hope the rest of you can also learn from her and strive to catch up with Group A's performance."
This evaluation was very objective, without any excessive flattery.
However, after hearing this, Zoey sneered inwardly.
Why only praise Olivia?
Wasn't it because Olivia's mentor was Rodolfo, so they deliberately praised her to get Rodolfo's attention?
So hypocritical.
But then she remembered Charlotte's advice.
Zoey calmed down again.
Let them praise all they want.
Anyway, the higher they lift her now, the harder she'll fall later!
Since talking with Charlotte, Zoey had been looking for an opportunity.
After formulating a plan in her mind, Zoey also actively stood up and praised Olivia, saying, "Yes, Olivia is indeed very responsible and exceptionally capable. Even Oscar and I can't compare.
Although we're a few years older than her, there's quite a gap in our abilities.
But that makes sense - after all, Olivia is a student personally taught by Mr. McCoy. She's naturally different from us."
After speaking, Zoey looked at Rodolfo as if joking and asked, "Mr. McCoy, do you tutor Olivia every day after you finish work? Having a teacher like you is so enviable."
Her words prompted others to laugh and chime in, "Isn't that right? Mr. McCoy is not only amazing himself, but also great at teaching students. Mr. McCoy, are you taking any more students? How about considering us?"
"Who wouldn't want a teacher like Mr. McCoy? I've worked with Mr. McCoy the longest. If he's taking students, he should take me first!"
"You've only been here one day longer than us, how is that long? Mr. McCoy, look at me."
Everyone started competing to become his student.
Although she knew everyone was joking, Olivia couldn't help feeling suspicious.
Why was Zoey suddenly praising her out of the blue?
Since the last time when she had that conflict with her over Charlotte, they hadn't really talked much.
Although she had indeed been more well-behaved since then and hadn't made mistakes at work.
Their relationship still wasn't close.
Olivia was somewhat doubtful.
Rodolfo glanced at Zoey indifferently.
Having lived so many years, he was much better at reading people than Olivia.
Not to mention, he also knew that Zoey didn't get along well with Olivia.
Suddenly, helping to say nice things - something seemed off.