Chapter 111
OLIVIA’S POV
C
C
“Now c’mon, your father is still waiting for you in the Zoom meeting,” my mom said softly, taking my hand in hers as she led me out of the kitchen.
I followed her, my steps a bit slow, my heart still lingering in the kitchen with the weight of the decision I had just made. I couldn’t deny that a part of me still felt uneasy, but another part–the part fueled by pain and a thirst for justice–was ready to see this through.
I felt a pang of guilt knowing I had left my dad waiting. Despite everything, he had waited patiently for me to return. I had half–expected him to end the call and leave it all to fate, but no–he was still there, still present. That said a lot.
When we walked back into the room, the screen was still glowing softly from the computer. My dad wasn’t on screen at the moment, but just a few seconds later, he appeared again and took his seat in front of the camera on his end. His warm face lit up as soon as he saw me.
I exhaled a small sigh before taking my seat, trying to compose myself.
“I’m sorry for the way I walked out earlier,” I said quietly, meeting his gaze through the screen.
“I understand, dearie,” he replied gently, his voice calm and reassuring. “I know Julian shouldn’t have said things the way he did. Honestly, most people wouldn’t even believe all this is real. We’re not trying to force you into anything you don’t want to do. All these years, we weren’t there to give you the life you deserved, and now, God has given us a second chance. We don’t want to mess that up. We just want what’s best for you.”
His words were like a warm blanket wrapping around my tired heart. I gave a small nod and replied, “I already agreed downstairs in the kitchen. I’ll come to Mexico, take a look at what you want to assign me to. If it’s something I believe I can handle… then I’ll take over the company.”
“Alright, that’s good enough for me,” he said with a grin. “Trust me—it’s not a stressful task. If it was, would I look this good–looking?” he added, smoothing down his graying beard with a playful wink.
I laughed, and thankfully, the tension in the room eased. The air around us felt lighter. My mom chuckled softly from behind me, and Julian, who had silently joined us in the background, smiled.
“So,” my dad said, leaning forward, “I presume your lawyers are already working on the divorce papers?”
My laughter slowly faded as I gave a small shake of my head. “My lawyers can’t really do anything in this case. That’s not the reason I’m still in this marriage.”
His expression changed slightly. “Then what is it?” he asked.
I hesitated for a moment before speaking. “He’s sort of… blackmailing me into staying.”
There was a beat of silence. My dad didn’t look surprised–just disappointed. “I see,” he said quietly.
“But Julian is already working on a way to get me out,” I added quickly, hoping to ease his concern. “And we’re really close. I’m not giving up.”
My dad nodded thoughtfully, his eyes moving to Julian. “That’s good to hear.”
Julian stepped closer, his tone confident as he added, “I can assure you, as we speak, I’m almost done gathering all the evidence I need to prove Olivia’s innocence. And now that she’s agreed to take over the company, I’ll be fast–tracking everything.”
“Is it something serious? Do you need help?” my dad asked with concern in his voice, his expression softening through the screen.
“Don’t worry,” Julian replied calmly, glancing at me. “I have it all covered. My dear sister will be coming to Mexico very soon.”
My father was about to say something else when his phone rang, cutting the conversation short. He looked down at it and sighed. “Well, if you do need help, just let me know, I need to take this call,” he said. Then, just before ending the video call, his eyes settled on me again. “It’s good seeing you, Olivia.”
I couldn’t help but smile, a small one, but genuine. I waved at him, suddenly feeling like a child again under the warmth of my father’s gaze. It was strange how just a simple, heartfelt farewell could make me feel like I belonged–like I was truly loved again after all the pain I’d been through.
The screen went black, and immediately, I felt a pair of familiar arms wrap around me from behind. My mother. Again. She had just hugged me in the kitchen not even ten minutes ago, but here she was doing it again, as if holding me repeatedly would make up for all the years we’d lost.
I didn’t push her away. In fact, I let myself lean into her embrace a little, just for a second. Then I gently pulled away.
“Alright, Liv,” Julian said, cracking his knuckles as he stood straighter. “Since you’re here at my place, how about you give some people a little surprise?”
I raised a brow at him, not quite following. “Some people? Who?”
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Chapter 111
Julian gave me a devilish grin that only spelled trouble–or justice. “As we speak, I still have two of the people that Adrian paid to frame you. One of the reporters and the driver. They’re downstairs in the second basement.”
My eyes narrowed at the information, and I felt a chill run down my spine–not from fear, but from anticipation. Those two had played a part in ruining my life. Because of their lies and cooperation, I had been beaten, locked away like an animal, and made to feel less than human.
They must still think I’m with Adrian. That I’m locked away somewhere, helpless and broken.
Showing up alive, healthy, and free? That would be the real shock.
Maybe now, seeing me like this, they’d talk. And if they didn’t?
Well, then I’d make them.
“Sure,” I said, my voice colder than before. “Let’s go say hello to those two.”
My mother hesitated, looking between Julian and me. “Do you want me to come with you?”
I shook my head. “No, there’s no need. One of the maids can make you a cup of tea. By the time you’re done drinking it, we’ll be back.”
I stood up to my feet, adjusting the edge of my jalabiya as I glanced at Julian. He nodded once and turned to walk out of the room, and I followed, determined.
As we made our way down the winding staircase that led to the basement, the temperature dropped, and the light grew dimmer. Julian slowed his steps just a little so I could catch up beside him. Then he leaned in and said under his breath, “I saw the look in your eyes back in the room. If you want to maybe take out some of your frustration on either of them… you’re free to.”
I didn’t say anything at first. My lips just curved slightly, though it wasn’t quite a smile–it was something darker. “They should pray I don’t,” I finally replied.
As we approached the second basement door, my heartbeat quickened–not with fear, but with fire. My fists clenched at my sides as I steeled myself for the confrontation ahead.
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