Madison's eyes narrowed "You know what, Sophie? I'm tolerating this conversation only because of Olivia. We didn't come here to argue."
She turned toward Eva "Our time is precious, and I'd rather not waste it."
Madison started walking toward the mall entrance with Eva.
Only then did Sophie notice Eva properly.
"Oh, Mrs. Black..."
Her expression instantly changed into a warm smile.
"It's been such a long time since we've seen each other. And now, we're officially going to be in-laws soon."
Eva offered a polite smile but made no attempt to continue the conversation.
"I think we should get going. We can talk later."
She moved toward Madison.
Sophie watched her walk away, the pleasant expression disappearing from her face.
Olivia noticed the change and gently squeezed her mother's hand.
"Mom, don't mind her. She's always been arrogant."
Sophie abruptly pulled her hand away.
"Why didn't you say anything when Madison was taunting me?"
Olivia's eyes widened.
"And why didn't you tell me Eva was coming with you?"
"Mom, don't be angry. I told you we were at the old mansion and that we were going shopping. I thought you understood."
"I thought you meant Madison and Jason," Sophie snapped. "I didn't know Eva would be here too." She glanced around.
"And where is Jason? Isn't he always with you?"
"He's busy with an important business meeting," Olivia replied, her voice becoming quieter.
"What could possibly be more important than your engagement preparations?" asked Sophie suspiciously
Sophie grabbed Olivia's arm "Didn't I tell you to keep an eye on him?"
"He's busy with his business, Mom. You know he never lets me get involved in that part of his life." Olivia's voice carried a hint of frustration.
"But I'm watching him. I promise."
Sophie stared at her daughter for a moment before finally releasing her arm. "Fine. Just be careful."
She took Olivia's hand again, this time more gently.
"The reason I'm telling you to keep an eye on him is because I don't want you to make the same mistakes I did."
Olivia frowned. "What mistakes?"
For the first time, something vulnerable crossed Sophie's face. But it disappeared almost immediately.
"You'll understand someday. But it doesn't matter now. You should focus on your plan."
She gave Olivia's hand a reassuring squeeze
"Just remember one thing. Don't ever become so confident in a man's love and words that you stop paying attention to his actions."
Olivia remained silent for a moment, thinking about her mother's words.
Sophie quickly smiled and changed the subject. "Now come on. You're getting engaged soon. Let's make sure you look like the most beautiful woman at your engagement."
Olivia smiled faintly, but her thoughts had already returned to Jason.
He was irritated the moment Anne was mentioned.
Her eyes darkened.
Could Jason still have feelings for her?
For the first time, Olivia wondered whether Anne was a bigger threat to her engagement than she had imagined.
***
Inside Imperial City Mall
The moment they entered the mall, Madison looked around at the luxurious stores surrounding them. "There are so many shops here. Where should we start?"
Imperial City Mall was one of the most prestigious shopping destinations in the city. It was known for its luxury boutiques, designer stores, and high-end restaurants. The mall had five floors, with the uppermost level reserved for some of the city's most exclusive brands.
Sophie walked closer to Olivia and quietly whispered something in her ear. Madison was distracted by a display in one of the nearby stores and didn't notice. Eva, however, noticed the exchange. She glanced at the two of them but decided not to interfere.
"Aunt Madison," Olivia said brightly, "I heard Sister recently opened an her 'Angel by Anne' store here. Some of my friends have been talking about her latest collection. They said it's incredible. Why don't we start there?"
Madison's face immediately brightened "Yes! I've heard about it too. I haven't seen Anne much lately." She looked around the mall.
"Is she back in the country? I heard she had been living abroad for some time. And after the accident three years ago, I hardly got the chance to see her." said Sophie giving Madison a meaningful smile.
"Anne is doing well. She's following in her father's footsteps and has become the CEO of the clothing brand. She's built quite a successful career for herself." Madison's face filled with pride at her daughter's accomplishments.
"She really has. I'm so proud of everything she's accomplished." Sophie studied Madison's expression.
"But I heard she doesn't live with you anymore." Her smile became slightly mocking. "What happened? Is she still angry with you for sending her abroad?"
Madison's expression changed slightly.
Before she could answer, Olivia gently squeezed Sophie's hand. Sophie looked at her daughter questioningly. Olivia subtly shook her head, then she glanced toward Eva. Sophie followed her gaze and noticed Eva watching them coldly.
Her expression immediately changed. Even Sophie knew better than to provoke Eva Black in public. The Black family was one of the most influential families in the city, and Eva, as Jason's mother and daughter-in-law of the powerful Black family, commanded considerable respect. She was also the daughter of a retired general from the prestigious Russo family.
Sophie quickly looked away. "Let's go," she said, forcing a smile. "We can visit Anne's store later."
She lightly pulled Olivia toward another boutique. The four women continued exploring the mall. One after another, the assistants presented Olivia with elegant gowns, but she rejected every one of them.
"No." She shook her head after looking at another dress. "I don't like it."
After several more stores, the women were beginning to grow tired. Finally, Olivia noticed the mall manager walking past. "Excuse me."
The manager stopped immediately. "Yes, Miss?"
"Could you tell me where the 'Angel by Anne' store is?"
The manager's expression changed slightly. "Oh, that store is on the fifth floor. It's one of the mall's most exclusive boutiques."
He glanced at the four women standing before him and immediately understood that they were looking for the store. "The fifth floor is dedicated to high-end luxury brands. The access is slightly different from the other floors."