Chapter 5 Defiance
As the elevator doors began to close, threatening to completely shut out Alexander who was about to leave, Olivia felt a surge of panic.
She desperately tried to push away James's grip on her hand, but no matter how hard she tried, James gripped her tightly, refusing to let go.
Seeing that Olivia's gaze remained fixed on Alexander, James moved a couple of steps, deliberately blocking her view with his tall frame. "He's gone now. You can stop pretending," he said coldly.
He released her hand, his voice icy, devoid of the affection he had displayed earlier. "What was that display at the table? Not only did you embarrass Isabella, but you nearly angered Stephen and jeopardized our partnership."
"Fortunately, Stephen merely thought you were nervous and forgave you. I've rearranged everything. Tomorrow, you'll go to Stephen's villa to apologize in person." James placed his hand on Olivia's face, lightly pinching her cheek as his tone softened. "Be on your best behavior, and remember, don't repeat tonight's mistakes."
"Understood?" He smiled slightly, his manner gentle.
If Stephen hadn't taken such a liking to her, he wouldn't have bothered to treat this woman, who had ruined his plans, with kindness.
"Get lost!" Olivia snapped.
"That's a good girl, when you get there..." James began automatically, smiling with satisfaction at her apparent compliance. Then his brain caught up with what she'd actually said. "Wait, what?"
"I said get lost!" Olivia forcefully slapped away James's hand from her face. She stared him down, enunciating each word clearly. "I told you to get lost. Do you not understand?"
Seeing his shocked expression, she laughed coldly, pointing directly at his nose.
"James, you're truly shameless; how dare you send your fiancée to another man's bed just to secure a business deal for your future sister-in-law! Does your family know you're pimping out women? Disgusting!"
"You!"
Was this the same woman who had always tried to please him?
James exploded with anger. "What do you mean 'pimping'? Have you lost your mind?"
"Touched a nerve, did I?" Olivia laughed. "Am I wrong? I think you'd be better suited as a brothel owner!"
"You! You!" James's eyes bulged with rage. Being pointed at and insulted by a woman—especially one who had previously come running at his beck and call—was the greatest insult he could imagine!
His anger turned to bitter laughter. "You have the nerve to call yourself my fiancée? Let me tell you, if it weren't for our families' business alliance, I would never have agreed to you as my fiancée. Isabella is the one I truly love! You should know your place and step aside!"
"Deal. Then let's break off our engagement," Olivia replied without hesitation.
Strangely, instead of escalating, James suddenly calmed down.
He gave a cold, knowing smile. "Olivia, don't think I don't recognize this new trick of yours."
When the soft approach didn't work, she'd switched tactics to play hardball, but it was all just a ploy to get his attention. What else could be going on in that simple mind of hers besides love and relationships?
"Bastard," Olivia muttered in disbelief, rolling her eyes and turning to leave.
She had hoped to capitalize on his anger to end this troublesome engagement, but somehow he'd twisted everything back to being about his irresistible charm.
The man was delusional!
As she rushed out through the main doors, Olivia realized it had started drizzling outside.
A car slowly drove past, and after recognizing the familiar license plate, her eyes lit up. Without hesitation, she dashed into the rain.
"Mr. Blake!"
Standing by the car, she bent slightly forward with one hand shielding her forehead from the rain. With her other hand, she gently knocked on the rear window, calling out to Alexander with a hint of urgency in her voice.
The window rolled down slowly, revealing Alexander's exceptionally stern face. "Yes?"
"Ms. Harper, here's an umbrella."
Just as Olivia was about to speak, she noticed a sophisticated black umbrella being extended over her head.
She turned, puzzled, to find Simon standing behind her with a polite smile, courteously offering the umbrella.
He had been wary of this woman all along, and when he saw her come out, he had a bad feeling.
Sure enough, after spotting Alexander's car, she ran toward it. This was clearly an attempt to seduce Alexander under the pretext of needing a ride!
Olivia paused, surprised. "Thank you."
But a moment after accepting the umbrella, she bent down again and asked Alexander. "Mr. Blake, my friend can't make it anymore, and it's raining quite heavily. I can't seem to get a cab. Would you mind giving me a lift if it's on your way?"
She looked up at him with pleading eyes, her wet hair clinging to her face, making her already beautiful features appear even more alluring.
"Alright," Alexander cleared his throat, turning his gaze away coldly.
Olivia's face lit up with a smile. "Thank you."
'Another victory for Olivia,' Simon thought with displeasure.
Olivia gave Sophie's address. She wrapped the blanket tighter around herself, feeling the dry warmth gradually dispel the chill from the rain.
The car was silent. Olivia ventured tentatively, "Mr. Blake, I really want to thank you for today."
"You're so kind. I didn't expect you would help me."
"What do you mean?" he asked.
Seeing his confusion, Olivia quickly made excuses about feeling dizzy from the alcohol.
Strange, wasn't that the right thing to say?
They must have known each other for some time—otherwise, his appearance in her memory wouldn't be that of a college student. He always seemed to offer her help, albeit with a cold demeanor. Perhaps they'd had a disagreement before?
Hadn't her words just now been a signal for reconciliation? Why was he acting so strangely?
Alexander discreetly glanced at Olivia, momentary hesitation visible in his eyes.
He didn't respond, and the car once again fell into silence.
Oh no, the silence again! She shouldn't have brought up that topic, or maybe she shouldn't have drunk so much.
"Mr. Blake, I noticed you hardly ate anything tonight. Did the restaurant not suit your taste?" After some pointless chatter, Olivia finally reached her point. "Do you have any food preferences or dietary restrictions?"
She smiled brightly at Alexander, waiting for his response, her gaze innocent and curious.
"Ms. Harper, please have some water." Suddenly, a glass of water appeared before her.
Simon then produced some snacks from the car, asking with concern, "You look a bit pale. Did you drink on an empty stomach? You might have low blood sugar. Have some snacks to tide you over."
"Thank you."
With this interruption, Alexander didn't continue the conversation.
The car stopped at their destination.
Simon reminded her kindly, "Ms. Harper, we've arrived."
"Great, thank you."
Opening the door, Olivia turned back to Alexander and said, "Mr. Blake, I truly appreciate your help tonight. May I treat you to dinner tomorrow as thanks?"
As her words hung in the air, Alexander's previously composed expression suddenly darkened.
He finally looked directly at her.
But his eyes held emotions she couldn't understand.