Chapter 182 Helen's Matchmaking
Chapter 182 Helen's Matchmaking
I didn't know how to define Ethan's relentless grip—this refusal to let go. Calling it "love" felt wrong. It seemed more like an obsession born from wanting something he couldn't have.
I didn't answer him. Instead, I walked straight into my office.
Ethan followed behind me, his voice unbothered. "If you want it to be from me, then it's from me. If you don't want it to be, then it's not."
I stopped at my desk and turned to face him. "Stop sending them. I'm past the age of liking flowers."
He didn't look the least bit embarrassed by my rejection. Instead, he smiled. "What do you like?"
"I like you not bothering me."
"I'm afraid that's not possible." His smile widened. "We have business dealings now. I couldn't avoid you even if I tried."
I didn't say anything else. I walked to the break room and made myself a cup of coffee.
As I settled into my desk chair, I pulled out my phone to order lunch. I'd been eating in the employee cafeteria every day lately, and frankly, I was sick of it. Today, I wanted something different.
But before I could even open the app, a voice called out from the doorway. "Mr. Bennett? Your food delivery is here."
That's when my assistant, Amy, appeared.
When she spotted Ethan, she froze for half a second, then bowed her head slightly. "Good morning, Mr. Bennett."
She shot me a meaningful look.
I grabbed my phone and work badge, stood up, and walked out. If staying here meant dealing with this, I'd rather eat in the cafeteria after all.
Ethan handed the breakfast bag to Amy, then quickly followed me out.
---
I made my way down to the employee cafeteria on the ground floor. I ordered a black coffee, scrambled eggs, two slices of whole wheat toast, and a small bowl of fruit salad. I also grabbed some butter and jam on the side.
Ethan ordered the exact same thing—except he added a bacon and cheese bagel.
I'd just sat down when he slid into the seat directly across from me, tray in hand.
I was about to get up and move.
But before I could even touch my tray, Ethan reached out and pressed his hand over mine. "Just eat here. If you keep running around, your food's going to get cold."
I hesitated.
Then he leaned back in his chair, exhaling slowly. "And if you move to another table, I'll just follow you there too."
That did it. I gave up on the idea of relocating and stayed where I was.
---
After breakfast, I walked back toward my office as quickly as I could, deliberately keeping distance between us.
Ethan strolled behind me, one hand in his pocket, his pace unhurried.
Back at the office, I gathered my team in the small conference room for a quick meeting.
When Ethan requested to sit in, I had no choice but to agree.
Normally, clients only reviewed final results. They didn't sit in on design discussions. So his request was… unusual.
I didn't want anyone on my team to pick up on the tension between us, so I kept my expression neutral. I even smiled and asked Amy to bring Ethan a comfortable leather chair.
During the discussion, when I asked questions, Ethan occasionally offered suggestions—and to my surprise, they were sharp. He'd clearly done his homework.
For a brief moment, I felt a flicker of admiration. No wonder this man succeeds at everything he does.
When the meeting ended, Ethan leaned in close as we walked out of the conference room. His voice was low. "When can I see the initial proposal?"
I shifted slightly to the side, putting more space between us. "I can't give it to you today. Earliest would be tomorrow."
"No rush."
Just then, his phone rang. He pulled it out, glanced at the screen, and quickly stepped outside to take the call.
After hanging up, he walked back into my office, leaning down slightly so his face was level with mine. "I've got something to handle. I'm leaving now, but I'll come pick you up this afternoon."
"You don't have to," I said quickly. "I have my own car."
"If I don't come, I'll send Harry to escort you."
"Really, I don't need—"
"Don't make this difficult, Olivia."
Before I could protest further, he lifted his hand and—just for a second—ruffled my hair. Then he pulled back, turned on his heel, and walked out.
---
That afternoon, when I finished work and headed down to the parking garage, I didn't see Harry.
Instead, I saw Logan and Gavin.
I'd worked with both of them for nearly three years. They'd been my security detail back then. For a brief period, I'd even considered them friends.
I offered a faint smile. "Long time no see."
Logan grinned and stepped forward. "Boss sent us to pick you up."
"And if I said I don't need a ride, would you guys actually not escort me?"
Logan's smile widened. "Liv, you know the drill. When the boss gives an order, we follow it."
I nodded slowly. "Fine. Just… keep up."
---
I got into my car. Logan and Gavin climbed into theirs and followed close behind.
As I was about to start the engine, my phone rang.
It was Helen.
"Olivia, honey, I'm picking Jack up from school today. You can just head home after work. No need to swing by the preschool."
I smiled into the phone. "Thank you so much, Helen. I really appreciate it."
"Oh, it's no trouble at all. I'm retired—what else am I going to do?" She paused. "You know, last time Max came home, I tried to get him to help you with pickups. I thought maybe you two could… you know… get to know each other better. But then—"
I cut her off quickly. "Helen, I'm driving right now. Let's talk when I get home, okay?"
I knew exactly what she was hinting at. But I wasn't interested in dating anyone. After three years with Ethan, the idea of romance made my skin crawl.
---
I parked in the underground garage but didn't go straight upstairs. Instead, I headed to the children's playground.
Helen was there with Jack, chatting with another elderly woman while Jack played in the sandbox.
"Helen!" I called out, smiling as I approached.
She turned and waved. "Oh, Olivia!"
I took her arm gently. "We're going out to eat tonight. I already made a reservation."
The other woman looked me over curiously, then turned to Helen. "Is this your daughter-in-law or your daughter?"
Helen pulled me into a side-hug and grinned. "What do you think?"
The woman studied me. "Daughter-in-law?"
Helen laughed. "If only!"
I forced an awkward smile and excused myself to play with Jack.
A moment later, Helen came over, her voice dropping lower. "Olivia… be honest with me. What do you think of Max?"
I smiled diplomatically. "Helen, you raised him. He's obviously a great guy."
She swatted my arm playfully. "Stop buttering me up. I'm asking if you have feelings for him."