"We still don't know the entire reason behind what she did to Anne," Aaron added. "We're trying to find out what motivated her."
Ray's expression darkened.
"And we have reason to believe Olivia may not have acted alone."
Jason looked between the two men "You think there's someone else behind all of this?"
Aaron nodded.
"That's what we suspect. But until we have proof, we can't be certain."
Jason's mind was overwhelmed. For years, he had believed Olivia loved him.
For years, he had played the role of the devoted man beside her while secretly trying to protect Anne. And now he was being told that the woman he had pretended to love had deliberately tried to hurt Anne—and that there might be someone else pulling the strings.
Jason was stunned and confused by everything he had just learned.
Before he could ask another question, his phone suddenly rang. Jason glanced at the screen. He recognized the caller but decided to ignore it, wanting to hear the rest of Aaron's explanation. A few seconds later, the phone rang again.
Aaron looked at him "Take it. It might be urgent."
Jason hesitated before answering "Excuse me."
He stepped away from the desk and accepted the call "Hello?"
His expression immediately changed after hearing the person on the other end "What?"
He listened for a few seconds "Okay. I'll be right there. Wait for me."
Jason ended the call and quickly turned toward Ray and Aaron "I'm sorry, but there's an issue at the company. I need to get there immediately. Apparently, it's something that can only be resolved by me."
Ray nodded "It's fine. You don't have to worry about it. We can continue this conversation later."
Jason nodded but remained serious.
Ray's expression hardened "Just remember what we told you. You still have to pretend with Olivia. Don't let her suspect that you know anything. Keep an eye on her, just as you've been doing."
"Yes," Aaron added. "Monitor her movements carefully. Be aware of everything she does, and don't let your guard down."
Jason nodded firmly "I understand."
He paused for a moment.
Then his expression became determined "I'll continue pretending with Olivia. But no matter what happens, I'll protect Anne with everything I have."
With that, Jason turned and hurried out of the office.
Outside the door, Russ was already waiting for him.
The moment he saw Jason's expression, he knew something was wrong "Where to, sir?" Russ asked, following him.
"The company," Jason replied without slowing down. "There's an emergency."
Russ quickly followed him.
As they walked toward the elevator, Jason's expression remained tense.
His mind was still filled with Aaron's words.
Olivia tried to hurt Anne.
And now another thought troubled him.
If Olivia wasn't acting alone... then who was behind her?
The elevator doors closed behind them.
***
In the Living room
Olivia noticed that Madison had fallen silent, seemingly lost in thought.
"Aunt Madison..." she called softly, putting on a pitiful expression. "My mother... she can come with us, can't she? I want her by my side throughout my engagement preparations. It would make me so happy."
Madison looked at the hopeful smile on Olivia's face.
Despite the faint disappointment she felt deep inside, she forced herself to smile gently.
"Of course, Olivia. You're her only daughter. How could she miss such an important occasion?"
Olivia's eyes sparkled.
"Thank you, Aunt Madison. You're the best. You take care of me just like my mother does. Sister is so lucky to have you as her mother."
She affectionately wrapped her arms around Madison's, looking loving and obedient.
Madison smiled warmly, but her expression soon dimmed.
"You're also like a daughter to me," she murmured sadly. "But I wish Anne understood that. I've always wanted what's best for her... yet she never seems to care about my feelings."
Olivia lowered her head, hiding the triumphant smile tugging at the corners of her lips.
"Aunt Madison, please don't be upset," she said gently. "We're going shopping
today anyway. Why don't we invite Sister to join us?"
Madison's expression brightened immediately, but she hesitated.
"No, Olivia. I don't think that's a good idea. Anne has so much work. I don't want to disturb her."
"I know Sister is busy," Olivia replied softly. "I don't want to bother her either. Maybe she just prefers keeping her distance from me."
She lowered her gaze, pretending to feel hurt.
"But I've always wanted a sister. I keep hoping that one day we'll become close." She looked up at Madison with a faint smile. "Maybe if I spend a little more time with her, she'll understand that I really do care about her."
Madison's heart softened "Okay. I'll call Anne."
Without hesitation, she reached for her phone.
Olivia lowered her gaze, hiding the small smirk that briefly crossed her lips before quickly masking it.
Madison called Anne, but her phone was switched off.
"This girl... Why is her phone switched off?" Madison muttered in frustration.
"Aunt, why don't you try calling Sister's office? I'm sure she'll pick up there," Olivia suggested innocently.
Madison nodded and called Anne's office.
The phone rang twice before someone answered.
"Miss Anne's office."
"Megan, this is Madison, Anne's mother. Where is she? I've been trying to call her, but her phone isn't reachable."
"Hello, Madam. Miss Anne is currently busy in a meeting. Is there any message you'd like me to pass on to her?" Megan asked politely.
"Just tell her to call me as soon as her meeting is over. How long do you think the meeting will take?" Madison asked, sounding slightly disappointed.
"I'm sorry, Madam, but I can't give you a specific estimate of when the meeting will end."
"Could you at least tell her that her mother is waiting for her? We're going to the mall to shop for Olivia, and I wanted Anne to come with us."
"Of course. Please wait a moment while I ask her."
After a brief pause, Megan spoke again.
"I'm sorry, Madam, but Miss Anne said she won't be able to join you. She's busy right now."
Madison's disappointment deepened.