Chapter 5: A Thorough Conclusion
When Olivia got there, the man’s phone rang. He swiftly grabbed it and hurried off.
Olivia merely caught sight of a tall, poised, and distinguished figure. Without dwelling on it, she refocused on Bianca.
"Bianca, are you alright?" she asked worriedly, checking her daughter.
Bianca looked slightly stunned, pausing before murmuring, "No, that man… caught me…"
Once Olivia confirmed Bianca wasn't hurt, she nodded. "I saw it; he saved you."
Bianca nodded, "He left... I didn't get to say thank you..."
Olivia felt a pang of regret too.
He had left so quickly that she hadn't even seen his face clearly.
She inquired of her daughter, "Bianca, can you remember his appearance? If so, we can express our gratitude the next time we encounter him."
Bianca nodded, "I remember... He was handsome..."
Olivia was slightly surprised.
Bianca usually paid little attention to people around her, rarely noticing others.
It was the first time she had called a stranger 'handsome.' Apparently, his act of rescuing her had made a lasting impression.
Olivia ruffled her hair affectionately, "Really? Then you'll definitely recognize him next time. Do you want to keep playing, Bianca?"
Bianca nodded, not deterred by the recent incident.
Olivia felt a bit relieved and let her go.
It was then that Michael called, questioning, "I told you to come in today for the handover, why didn't you?"
Olivia's heart sank as she remembered.
She responded coolly, "Bianca wasn't feeling well today, I..."
Michael interrupted, his tone displeased and cold, "Olivia, I'm very busy and don't have time for these delaying tactics. Don't think using Bianca as an excuse will change my mind. You need to come to the office for the handover tomorrow morning!"
He gave the final deadline and hung up without waiting for an answer. Hearing the dial tone, Olivia shivered.
Michael didn't even ask how Bianca was.
He simply assumed she was leveraging their daughter as a tactic.
Swallowing her bitterness and sorrow, Olivia quickly set them aside and slipped her phone into her pocket.
Fine, she would settle this tomorrow.
The next morning, Olivia went to Johnson Group as planned for the handover.
When she arrived at the R&D department, she immediately saw Sophia sitting at her desk.
Sophia was dressed elegantly in a white suit, exuding an air of sophistication.
Olivia's fingers tightened.
She had entered this unfamiliar field for Michael's sake.
She never expected to be thrown out after all her hard work and dedication.
Olivia closed her eyes briefly.
So be it.
Anything related to Michael was no longer worth cherishing.
With that thought, Olivia walked in calmly.
Sophia looked up as soon as she heard footsteps.
Her face, which had been serene and gentle, turned cold and haughty upon seeing Olivia.
"Why are you just getting here? Ms. Smith, do you have no sense of time? Or are you trying to delay again, thinking Michael will soften?"
Olivia was startled by Sophia’s demeanor. They had never spoken before, though Olivia had observed Sophia from afar.
Sophia hadn't seemed like this then.
It seemed she had two faces.
Olivia collected herself, her expression icy. "Johnson Group’s workday begins at nine. It’s 8:58. I don’t see an issue with my timing. If you can’t wait, then don’t."
Sophia sneered, her face showing disdain, "Michael said the lab management would be handed over to me today. Do you think I'll leave because of what you said?"
Her expression turned haughty, "Stop wasting time and hand over the work. Michael is waiting for my progress report!"
Olivia felt a pang in her heart at Sophia's bragging tone.
But she didn't show it.
She didn't want to give Sophia the satisfaction.
Keeping a cold face, Olivia patiently did the handover with Sophia, being thorough to ensure a smooth transition.
But before she finished, Sophia interrupted impatiently, "That's enough. I get it. We can stop here."
Olivia frowned, "There's still an important part of the research to go over..."
"It's all outdated data. What's the point? Once I take over, all that old stuff will be eliminated! That's why Michael chose me!"
Sophia stood up, looking down at Olivia, "You can leave now."
Olivia's lips twitched, and she finally gave a cold laugh, "Fine. I hope you can handle it..."
The R&D department was vast, and it would take days to hand over everything she had worked on for three years.
Sophia's confidence was almost laughable.
Sophia's face darkened, "What do you mean? Are you doubting my abilities? But... Michael chose me!
Olivia, you should realize by now, neither the company nor he is within your reach!"
She quickly regained her smug look.
Olivia, seeing her gloating face, said calmly, "I do regret it. I thought it was a rare and precious diamond, but it was already dirty."
"What are you insinuating?" Sophia frowned, glaring at her.
Olivia's tone was mocking and cold, "Nothing. If you don't get it, forget it. But I'm curious, if you care so much about Michael, why did you marry someone else and have a child? Do you really love Michael?
Or did you come back to Michael because your other choice fell through?"
Sophia's face changed, her eyes showing a moment of panic.
Olivia caught it and sneered, "It seems some things aren't coincidences. Michael's grandma just passed away, and you rushed back."
"You..." Sophia hadn't expected someone like Olivia to dare mock her.
She wanted to retort but was at a loss for words.
Seeing her reaction, Olivia felt she had guessed right.
But it didn't seem to matter anymore.
After all, Michael was willing to go along with it, wasn't he?
