Chapter 401 No One Dared to Look Down on Her Anymore
After realizing this, everyone present finally stopped underestimating Olivia.
They finally realized that while they had been busy shutting Olivia out of high society, she had never intended to join their circle in the first place.
She didn’t need their connections she was destined for far greater heights. Olivia had no interest in their so-called elite circle.
Seeing this, Charlotte’s heart sank. She had intended to argue her way out of the situation.
But under the circumstances, no matter how well she argued, there was no way to salvage the situation. She had already lost her chance.
Charlotte wasn’t a complete fool. She could tell that the three of them had been backing Olivia from the start.
When she belittled Olivia’s abilities and claimed she didn’t deserve her position, they stepped forward and publicly shut her down,making it clear to everyone that Olivia had cured difficult cases one after another.
Her patients were all untouchable, high-ranking figures.
She tried to belittle Olivia, claiming she wasn’t worthy of Andrew—but Olivia had already earned the respect of countless influential figures through her own skill.
Everything she did tonight had become a laughingstock in this circle.
Not only was she ruined, but she had also destroyed the Ross family’s future.
Charlotte’s belated panic left her terrified, desperate to beg for mercy. But Olivia ignored her completely, not even bothering to chase her away.
Being ignored was the ultimate humiliation. Everyone else could see that the Ross family was finished.
No one even thought about defending Charlotte—they ignored her completely, treating her as if she didn’t exist.
The few remaining people regarded Charlotte with visible disgust, keeping their distance and refusing to engage with her.
Charlotte stumbled a few steps, nearly collapsing to the ground.
Unable to endure the tension any longer, she turned and fled in shame.
Seeing her run, the desperate Zoey didn’t dare stay behind and hurried after her. With that, the incident finally ended, Zoey and Charlotte retreating in shame.
Right then, Olivia thanked Marigold and the others.
Raising her glass, she said, "Thank you all for tonight, Marigold, my Godfather and Godmother,and Mr. Whitley for speaking up for me. I want to toast all of you."
Marigold looked at her gently and said, "Oh, you silly girl. There’s no need to thank us isn’t it only natural to help you?"
"She’s nothing but a pathetic little fool. She was no trouble at all. And as for those narrow-minded people who cares what they think? You handled that perfectly."
Damon nodded in approval. "That's right. Staying composed under pressure and handling things gracefully that's the kind of presence that keeps bullies at bay."
Tomas and Margaret were a little disappointed with the ball. He shook his head and said, "I haven’t attended events like this in years. I didn’t expect there’d be so many arrogant people here now!"
Margaret held Olivia's hand reassuringly. "Olivia, just be yourself. You’re amazing. Being divorced doesn’t define you, and it’s no stain on your life, no matter what they say."
"It’s not your fault, and no one has the right to judge you."
"After all, a relationship is between just the two of you. If you and Andrew don’t care about your past, who are they to gossip?"
Andrew stood beside Olivia, his distinguished bearing evident as he listened to the elders. He replied calmly, "Mrs. Savage is absolutely right. I’ve always thought the same."
Tomas and Marigold immediately focused on him. Being from Harmony City, they were already well aware of Andrew's reputation.
They had never met Andrew in person before, but seeing him now, they couldn’t help but admit he was truly exceptional.
His appearance, his manners, even his very presence all were impressive. No wonder he had become one of Harmony City’s most prominent young figures.
Damon smiled. "You’ve always had excellent judgment. How could anyone you choose be anything less?"
Marigold looked at Andrew and Olivia standing before her and smiled. "They’re such a perfect match how could anyone doubt it?"
In my opinion, no one is a better match than they are, wouldn’t you agree?" The last part was directed at someone standing behind Olivia.
Olivia turned around, caught off guard to see Rodolfo with Victoria and Vaughn. Surprised, she exclaimed, "Dad, Mom, why are you here too?"
Victoria's eyes were still slightly red. She had witnessed everything that had just happened. Seeing Olivia excluded and slandered by so many people, she had been on the verge of tears more than once.
If Rodolfo hadn't stopped them, Victoria and Vaughn would have rushed to protect Olivia immediately. Vaughn said nothing; he simply came forward with Victoria and took Olivia’s hand.
The warmth of their hands flowed into hers, and Olivia felt a lump in her throat. She realized they must have witnessed everything that had just happened.
This was their way of comforting her. Olivia felt a pang of guilt;
She had always known how much Victoria and Vaughn cared about her.
The reason they didn't approve of her being with Andrew was that they feared a scene like this might occur. Yet they had to witness it all anyway.
Olivia knew she couldn’t turn back time or undo what had already happened.
She could only squeeze Victoria and Vaughn's hands, her voice heavy with apology. "Dad, Mom, I'm sorry for making you worry."
Seeing that Olivia was still thinking of them, Victoria’s eyes reddened even further.
She shook her head quickly. "You don’t need to say that to us. As long as you’re okay." Seeing Victoria and Vaughn there, Andrew’s heart sank a little.
Their presence was completely unexpected; it hadn’t been part of his plans.
Rodolfo stepped forward and replied to Olivia, "Someone sent your parents an invitation, but it wasn’t signed."
The purpose clearly wasn'tstraightforward. It was probably meant to ensure they saw the scene unfold.
Maybe they even wanted to see them lose their composure,ruin tonight's ball, and cause another scene!"
A trace of anger surfaced in his voice, quickly replaced by satisfaction. "But they probably didn’t expect Olivia to be this capableor to have people standing by her! Their plan failed!"
Marigold thought the same and sneered, "Whoever’s behind this has truly malicious intentions!"
Olivia’s expression darkened as she listened to Rodolfo. She hadn’t anticipated such scheming perhaps this was also part of Charlotte’s plan.
Fortunately, she had stayed calmenough, thanks to Rodolfo and Andrew’s help over the past few days.
This gave her a chance to truly understand these people. Otherwise, in a situation like tonight, only Andrew would have been able to step forward and defend her.
In that case, she wouldn’t have been able to hold her ground, and Andrew would have been dragged back into ridicule.
At that moment, Olivia finally understood Andrew and Rodolfo’s intention in having her care for Marigold and the others.
These connections were hers, earned through her own abilities. Their recognition gave her confidence.
It was meant for occasions like tonight, and for any future balls, banquets, or high-society gatherings.
With their support tonight, no one in Harmony City would dare underestimate her again.
Olivia's gaze swept around the venue.
She saw that the way those people looked at her had changed gone was the contempt and disdain, replaced by respect and admiration.
Olivia felt a tingle in her nose, a sign of her emotion. She looked at Rodolfo and said gratefully, "Thank you, Mr. McCoy, for caring about me. I’ve caused you worry too."
Regarding the research institute , Rodolfo didn’t show it outwardly. Yet Olivia knew that the critics’ voices had weighed on him as well.
Rodolfo smiled kindly, "Are you being formal with me?
If someone has no ability, no matter how much others try to lift them up, it's useless.
You earned everyone's affection through your own abilities. It isn’t because of me." Olivia couldn’t deny she was moved.
At the same time, she fully understood why Rodolfo had always urged her to improve herself. Only by honing her abilities could she truly earn the respect of others.
Otherwise, she would end up like Charlotte depending on family connections and achieving nothing.
"Well said!"
Marigold nodded in agreement with Rodolfo. "Regardless, I like Olivia for who she truly is, and it isn’t because of Rodolfo."
Tomas laughed. "I hardly need to say it. I wanted to bring you home as my daughter when you were little, and back then, you were still too young to do anything!"
Damon didn’t voice it openly like the others, but everyone knew he respected Olivia for her abilities as well. Olivia, from their past interactions, knew that his regard had nothing to do with Andrew.
Olivia beamed and spent some time chatting with them, introducing Victoria and Vaughn to Damon, Marigold, and the others.
Victoria and Vaughn were genuinely grateful for the way she had been protected earlier.
However, due to the difference in social standing, they remained a bit reserved. Damon and Marigold, however, were more relaxed and easygoing.
Marigold took Victoria’s hand and smiled warmly, praising both her and Vaughn for raising such a wonderful daughter.
Tomas and Margaret already knew them, and their interactions were now even more relaxed.
The elders gathered and conversed warmly, while Olivia and Andrew, the younger generation, struggled to join in.
Olivia didn’t mind. With Victoria and Vaughn distracted, she slipped her arm through Andrew’s and said, smiling warmly, “Thank you for arranging all this.”
Although many things were directed and schemed by Charlotte.
Olivia wasn't stupid.
She also knew about all the arrangements Andrew had made for her, going with the flow.
Otherwise, how could it be such a coincidence that all three big shots came to this ball?
Not to mention Marigold, Tomas, and Margaret.
Damon was extremely busy, with tasks almost every day.
How could someone like him waste time attending a ball?
Obviously, someone had specially invited him.
And the timing was arranged just right!