Chapter 186 A Moment of Danger
Just as Olivia was about to be hit by the car, the bodyguards hidden in the shadows watched in horror.
In that critical moment, a tall figure lunged forward from mere steps away, wrapping his arms around her waist as they both tumbled across the rough pavement. The screech of brakes filled the air as the car's bumper stopped just an inch from her head, barely missing her by a hair's breadth.
Olivia's face was deathly pale. Still in shock, she looked up to find herself staring into Matthew's eyes, filled with panic and lingering fear—he had been the one to protect her!
The driver rolled down his window and shouted angrily, "What the hell are you doing? Stay on the sidewalk!"
Before he could finish, the bodyguards had surrounded the vehicle, and Zack's face was grim. He'd arrived just in time to witness the near-disaster. If Matthew hadn't reacted so quickly and something had happened to Olivia, none of them could have faced the consequences.
Matthew rubbed his aching arm—he'd used his body as a cushion to protect her during the fall, and his arm was throbbing with pain. Olivia immediately leaned over him, her cool fingertips gently massaging the injured area, her eyes welling up with tears.
"Does it hurt terribly? This is all my fault..."
"It's not your fault." Matthew cut her off, brushing the tip of her nose with his finger. "I'm fine. As long as you're safe, that's all that matters."
The moment he finished speaking, his gaze turned ice-cold as he fixed his stare on the driver.
The man who had just been shouting finally realized he'd messed with the wrong people. His face went white as he gripped the steering wheel, terrified the bodyguards might take action.
"Mr. Howard, what should we do with this guy?" Zack asked coldly.
The driver was practically trembling with fear, on the verge of tears.
Matthew was about to speak when Olivia tugged at his sleeve.
"It wasn't his fault. Someone suddenly pushed me into the street—he didn't have time to react."
The man's eyes reddened with relief as he quickly agreed.
"That's right! I was rushing home when someone came out of nowhere. I hit the brakes, but momentum kept me going. I really didn't mean for this to happen!"
Matthew glanced down at Olivia, whose fingertips were still resting on his arm, then finally nodded and waved his hand dismissively. Zack and the bodyguards backed off, and the man bowed repeatedly in apology.
"I'm so sorry! I had no idea you'd been pushed. I'll never speak out of turn again!"
With that, the man sped away in his car.
Once the commotion died down, Olivia grasped Matthew's arm again.
"How are you feeling? Should I call an ambulance?"
"I'm fine, just twisted my arm a bit. Some ointment at home will take care of it."
Matthew took her hand in his, his thumb stroking the back of her hand.
Olivia immediately turned to Zack, "Zack, bring the car around. We're going home."
During the entire ride back, Olivia held tightly to Matthew's uninjured hand, constantly checking his expression. Matthew pulled her into his embrace, resting his chin on top of her head.
"Don't worry. I'm really okay. Looking at me like that actually makes it hurt more."
Olivia snuggled deeper into his arms, then looked up at him with a pout.
"It's all your fault for rushing over to save me when it was so dangerous."
"What was I supposed to do, stand there and watch you get hit by a car?" Matthew pinched her cheek, his voice carrying a hint of grievance. "If something had happened to you, what would I have done?"
Olivia's heart raced and her cheeks flushed as she quickly looked away.
Back at home, Olivia retrieved some ointment and cotton swabs, kneeling beside the couch to tend to Matthew's wounds. His shirt sleeve was torn, and his arm showed a large bruise along with several scrapes. She applied the medicine with the utmost care, as if handling a precious treasure.
Matthew deliberately sucked in a breath.
"Did I hurt you? I'll be more gentle."
Olivia immediately stopped.
Matthew's eyes sparkled with mischief as he lifted her chin with his finger.
"I was just teasing you. It doesn't hurt."
Their noses were almost touching. Olivia could clearly smell his scent and see the tenderness in his eyes. Her cheeks instantly burned as she tried to look away, but Matthew wouldn't let her. His fingertip traced her lips as his voice dropped to a low, intimate murmur.
"Olivia, were you really that worried about me?"
"Mm-hmm."
Olivia's heart was pounding, but her voice came out barely above a whisper.
"How worried?"
Matthew pressed, his gaze locked on her eyes.
Feeling embarrassed, Olivia pushed his hand away and focused on applying the medicine.
"Very worried, okay? Stop asking."
Matthew chuckled softly, the rich sound making her ears burn. Just then, Zack's voice broke through the intimate moment.
"Sorry to interrupt, Mr. Howard, but we've checked all the surveillance footage along the route. We couldn't identify who pushed Ms. Smith."
Zack stood in the doorway, his face full of shame.
Matthew's expression darkened, his eyes turning ice-cold.
"Zack, you've disappointed me deeply. I gave you the best team available, yet my wife nearly died tonight!"
"We failed in our duty. Please punish us as you see fit."
Zack kept his head bowed.
Olivia set down the ointment and turned Matthew's face toward her, her voice carrying a hint of playful scolding.
"Enough. Don't blame Zack. I'm the one who asked them to maintain their distance. I share responsibility for what happened."
Seeing the plea in her eyes, Matthew's anger began to subside.
"Your bonuses are cut in half this month—consider it punishment." His tone softened slightly. "If you find the culprit within the month, your bonuses will be restored."
Olivia opened her mouth to protest, but seeing his determined expression, she remained silent.
Zack clenched his fists, "Rest assured, Mr. Howard, we'll find whoever did this and give you and Mrs. Howard, the answers you deserve."
With that, Zack turned and left.
Alone in the room again, Matthew watched as Olivia continued tending to his wounds. The lamplight cast a gentle glow around her.
He suddenly spoke, "Why didn't you return my messages today? And why were you out drinking alone again?"
Olivia's hand paused. Joan's image flashed through her mind, but she quickly looked up evasively.
"Weren't you supposed to be meeting with a client today? How did you end up looking for me?"
"The client meeting wrapped up in five minutes. I wanted to tell you right away, but when I didn't hear back from you, I got worried. I asked Zack for your location and rushed over." Matthew took her hand, his voice tinged with hurt.
Olivia's heart ached. She believed Matthew wouldn't cheat, and she didn't want to seem controlling, so she decided not to mention Joan. She wiped the ointment from her hands and gently cupped his face.
"All done with the medicine. Shall we go to bed and get some rest?" She pressed a soft kiss to his cheek.
Matthew wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her onto his lap, nuzzling her nose with his.
"Yes, whatever you say."
Olivia's cheeks burned as she instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck.
That night, the bedroom was peaceful and quiet, filled only with the sound of Olivia's steady breathing as she slept.
Matthew opened his eyes and turned to look at his sleeping wife. He noticed her brow was slightly furrowed, as if she were troubled by some unease—perhaps a nightmare.
Matthew reached out to smooth her brow. Perhaps sensing her husband's warm touch, Olivia's expression gradually relaxed into a gentle smile.
Just then, his phone buzzed on the nightstand. An unknown number had sent several photos.
Matthew opened them, and after seeing their contents, his expression instantly darkened. His eyes blazed with icy fury as the temperature around him seemed to plummet.