Chapter 374 In Front of Him, No Need to Pretend
"I knew it—you might be here," Rodolfo said with a smile.
Hearing Rodolfo's familiar tone, Olivia felt a slight sting in her nose.
She turned to look at Rodolfo, and the first thing she said was an apology. "I'm sorry, Mr. McCoy. I think I've embarrassed you."
Rodolfo let out a quiet sigh and led her to sit down in the living room.
His tone was gentle and understanding as he said, "I already know what happened. You just need to tell me—when the data went through your hands, are you sure there were no mistakes?"
Olivia nodded firmly. "Yes, I'm certain!"
Rodolfo nodded. "In that case, just wait calmly for the investigation. Trust that the investigation team will be fair and impartial.
However, you need to be mentally prepared for this.
If it's not your problem, then it must be one of your two team members.
In your opinion, which one do you think it is?"
Without hesitation, Olivia told Rodolfo, "Zoey! But the data didn't go through her hands, so I've been wondering how she managed to do it."
Rodolfo didn't seem surprised. "She's in the same group as you. It's possible for her to make a move right under your nose.
But what kind of grudge do you two have? Why would she scheme against you?
Did you have some major conflict with her?"
Olivia knew Rodolfo was trying to understand the situation, so she spoke honestly. "There's no real grudge. If anything, it's her one-sided hostility toward me."
"What do you mean?" Rodolfo looked at her, puzzled.
Olivia briefly explained to him about Zoey's feelings for Oscar.
She also mentioned how Zoey had come to pressure her into apologizing to Charlotte.
Rodolfo's face showed sudden understanding. "It's related to the Ross family? No wonder Frank deliberately gave you a hard time."
Now Olivia was confused. "What do you mean by that?"
Rodolfo stroked his graying beard and explained to Olivia, "Frank has some connection to the Ross family.
His sister married into a branch of the Ross family years ago, and ever since, he's been sucking up to them.
Plus, years ago, I always had the upper hand over him, and he's never been willing to admit that Medica Vitae Sect is stronger than the Ross family!"
Olivia hadn't expected there to be this layer of reasons.
She had originally thought Frank's harsh words toward her today were truly because he was angry about the incident, and because of his rivalry with Rodolfo.
She hadn't expected this additional factor.
Suddenly, Olivia felt a bit helpless.
How unlucky were they to get tangled up in anything related to the Ross family!
Olivia's mind worked quickly, and she soon thought of a possibility.
Zoey used to be Charlotte's lapdog too.
For her to suddenly have the guts to frame her like this, Charlotte might very well be pushing things along behind the scenes!
That woman's personality was arrogant and domineering—she definitely held grudges.
Having lost a hand and a good marriage prospect, how could Charlotte just let it go?
Thinking of these possibilities, Olivia's eyes instantly frosted over with a layer of ice.
"Come have lunch with me first. Don't think too much about it—let them handle the investigation," Rodolfo said, trying to comfort Olivia as he led her inside.
Olivia obediently helped him walk into the house.
After lunch, neither of them returned to the research institute.
Olivia was suspended.
But why wasn't Rodolfo going to the research institute either?
She asked the question directly. "Aren't you busy this afternoon?"
Rodolfo looked calm. "I'm on leave."
Olivia's heart tightened. "Is it because of my situation? Did I drag you into this?"
Rodolfo shook his head. "No, I requested it myself!
I'm not going to avoid any appearance of favoritism, so people can't say I'm protecting you later.
Even though we've done nothing wrong, we can't stop others from being suspicious.
By not going to the research institute, it's like I'm not interfering. That way, no one will dare say anything about us later!"
Toward the end, he snorted dismissively.
Olivia felt terrible inside.
She lowered her eyes apologetically. "I'm sorry, it's all because of me..."
Originally, everyone looked up to Rodolfo with respect—who would dare question him about anything?
But now, because of her, they would start to doubt Rodolfo too.
But Rodolfo didn't share her worries. He even shook his head cheerfully and said, "It has nothing to do with you.
I'm not a masochist who rushes to find work every day either.
Taking advantage of this opportunity to have a few days off—what's wrong with that?
Without going to the research institute, I can play chess or go fishing every day.
And spend time with Bianca—life doesn't get more relaxing than this."
At this point, Rodolfo showed a longing expression. "Speaking of which, I haven't seen Bianca in quite a few days. When she has time, bring her over to keep me company."
"Okay." Seeing Rodolfo still looking cheerful, without any unhappiness about being dragged into this, Olivia felt a bit more at ease.
How wonderful!
Since coming back, Rodolfo hadn't blamed her for anything. Instead, he'd given her complete trust and even comforted her.
Her mood also settled down in Rodolfo's calmness, and her heart didn't feel so empty anymore.
After lunch, because Rodolfo had a habit of taking afternoon naps, Olivia didn't want to disturb him and didn't stay long, preparing to head back.
But as soon as she walked out the door, she saw a familiar car.
Shifting her gaze, she also saw a familiar figure.
Andrew stood tall beside the car.
The man wore a black, custom-tailored suit that was crisp and sharp, his presence clearly cold and noble.
But those beautiful phoenix eyes, when they looked at her, were filled with tenderness.
Why was he here?
Olivia's thoughts were momentarily stunned.
The next second, her body reacted before her brain, and she jogged toward him.
Her tone was a bit surprised as she asked, "Why did you come? You didn't tell me beforehand?"
Andrew looked at her with affectionate eyes. When she ran up to him, he raised his hand and gently patted her head, saying, "I came to take you home."
Olivia's heart trembled, and she immediately understood.
He knew everything.
His information network was incredibly fast.
Olivia thought about today—how she'd argued her case at the research institute.
How she'd apologized in front of Rodolfo like a child who'd made a mistake, afraid of dragging Rodolfo down.
All those complicated emotions she'd had to mask with composure, pretending to be calm.
In front of all those people, she'd kept up the act so well.
But somehow, in front of Andrew, all that strength was like a balloon that had been popped.
It just deflated.
She couldn't hold it together anymore, her nose stinging.
Finally, she simply buried her face in his chest, her voice carrying a hint of grievance. "I didn't do anything wrong. I'm certain—that wasn't data I produced."