Chapter 4
Olivia's POV
That evening at home, I began an important investigation in my private study.
In my past life, Victoria had embezzled my earnings for various investments, even transferring money to offshore accounts. That money belonged to me, and it was time to get it back.
I opened my financial records, examining each page carefully. Sure enough, most of my income had been transferred under the guise of "family investments." That greedy BITCH!
I picked up the phone and called my private attorney.
"Mr. Johnson, this is Olivia. I need you to investigate these transfer records... Yes, I suspect someone's been misappropriating my assets."
After hanging up, I gazed out at the night, filled with vengeful satisfaction.
Victoria, your good times are about to END.
The next morning, Ryan's call came right on schedule.
"Dress formally," his voice sounded tense. "Today there'll be some... unfriendly voices."
My stomach tightened. I remember this part clearly from my past life—certain executives would question my abilities.
Universal Studios' executive conference room was suffocating. The long table was flanked by suited executives, each face screaming "money."
I entered on Ryan's arm, feeling all eyes scanning me like searchlights. Some curious, some questioning, others showing undisguised contempt.
"Ladies and gentlemen, this is our leading lady, Olivia Martinez."
A balding middle-aged man immediately jumped up—Vice President Henderson, wearing a fake smile. "Mr. Blackwood, we all know Miss Martinez has... charm. But this is an eighty-million-dollar production. Given recent unfavorable rumors, we need to ensure she truly possesses professional competence, rather than..."
He deliberately paused, the implication clear.
Professional competence? What does this money-counting MORON know about professionalism?
Just as I was about to retort, Ryan stood up first. His expression instantly turned ice-cold.
"Mr. Henderson, what the FUCK are you implying?" Ryan sneered. "You all saw Olivia's audition yesterday. Martin Scorsese personally selected her. Anyone questioning Olivia's professionalism now is questioning my judgment and this project's value."
The conference room fell dead silent. Henderson clearly hadn't expected Ryan to be so aggressive, even swearing.
"I just think the media reports..."
"Media?" Ryan interrupted, sneering. "Since when do you believe that tabloid BULLSHIT? Or do you think Martin would be blinded by beauty and make poor judgments?"
Why is he defending me like this? This feeling... so strange.
I watched Ryan's resolute profile, warmth flooding my heart like never before. Though he'd defended me in my past life, he'd never been this forceful or confronted company executives head-on for me.
"Besides base salary, I'm also securing 5% producer's share for Olivia." Ryan continued pressing. "She's not just an actress—she'll be deeply involved in production."
Producer's share? I never dared dream of that in my past life!
Henderson was completely stunned, other executives exchanging glances. "This... this completely breaks protocol... How could a newcomer possibly..."
"Protocol?" Ryan's smile turned dangerous. "Olivia is this project's absolute core. Without her, there's no film. She deserves appropriate compensation. If you disagree, I can take the project elsewhere."
The contract was finalized. I received not only generous salary but also unprecedented 5% producer's share.
That evening, Ryan drove me to his Malibu beach house.
The villa was like something from a movie. Perched on a cliff overlooking the endless Pacific, the setting sun painted the entire ocean gold-red as waves gently lapped the shore with hypnotic sounds.
"This place is unreal." I stood on the deck, sea breeze caressing my face with its salty scent.
Ryan joined me, offering a glass of rich red wine. "I come here often to think. Getting away from Hollywood's BULLSHIT keeps my head clear."
"Why did you choose producing?" I turned to look at him, moonlight silvering his profile like perfect sculpture.
Ryan was silent for a moment, gazing toward the distant horizon. "Because I want to use cameras to record truth, protect those who need protecting."
His voice was soft, but I heard the depth of feeling and determination.
"This industry is so DAMN dark, too many innocent people get hurt. If I have the power to stop these tragedies, why wouldn't I?"
Protect those who need protecting... is he talking about me?
We stood side by side on the deck, listening to waves, feeling each other's warmth. In this moment, I suddenly understood what it meant to be moved.
"Olivia," Ryan suddenly turned to face me, his eyes holding tenderness I'd never seen. "I know you're guarded with me. Maybe because how we met was too... unusual."
"But I want you to know," his voice deepened, "my feelings for you are real. From the first moment I saw you, they were real."
My heart began racing, ready to burst from my chest. No, Olivia. You can't make the same mistake. Past life's tragedy cannot repeat.
Back in the villa's living room, the fireplace blazed, orange flames dancing on walls. But my heart was filled with fear and conflict.
Past life's tragedies were vivid. Emma's death, my depression, the final destruction... I absolutely couldn't let this happen again.
"Ryan," I tried staying calm, but my voice still trembled. "This is just business cooperation. We shouldn't cross lines."
He looked at me, obvious pain flashing in his eyes, quickly replaced by understanding.
"I understand your concerns." He said softly, voice somewhat hoarse. "Maybe we did meet too fast, too suddenly."
"That's not the reason," I turned away, not daring to meet his eyes. "I just... I don't want to complicate things. Emotions are... too dangerous."
I can't tell you the truth. I can't say I fear repeating past life's mistakes, can't say I fear losing everything again.
Ryan moved behind me but maintained distance, not touching.
"Olivia," his voice was filled with sincerity, "even if you reject these feelings, I'll still silently protect you. That's my choice, nothing to do with you."
I closed my eyes, tears nearly falling. This feeling of unconditional protection—I'd never experienced it before.
Damn, why does he have to be so good to me?
"Why do you..." my voice choked slightly.
"Because you deserve protection." Ryan's answer was simple and firm. "Whether you believe it or not, that's my truth."
I turned around, meeting his sincere gaze. Firelight danced in his eyes, holding warmth and security I couldn't resist.
"Ryan..." I whispered, voice clearly trembling.
"Yeah?"
I looked into his eyes, seeing depth and determination I'd never witnessed before. In this moment, I suddenly understood what it truly meant to be cherished.
"Maybe... we could try." I said softly. "But I need time. Lots of time."
Ryan nodded, gently stroking my cheek. "Time—we have all the time in the world. I can wait."
In that instant, I felt unprecedented security. Maybe this time, everything really would be different.