Jason nodded, but his expression remained tense. Before he could leave, Ray's voice stopped him.
"Jason."
Jason turned around. Ray's expression had become stern. "Just remember what we told you. You still have to pretend with Olivia."
Jason's expression hardened.
"Don't let her suspect that you know anything. Continue behaving exactly as you have been. 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. His thoughts immediately went to Anne. The woman he had loved for years. The woman he had spent years trying to protect. His expression became determined.
"I'll continue pretending with Olivia." His voice was calm but firm. "But no matter what happens, I'll protect Anne with everything I have."
Ray and Aaron exchanged a brief glance. They both knew Jason meant every word. Without saying anything else, Jason turned around and hurried out of the office.
Outside the door, Russ was already waiting for him.
The moment he saw Jason's expression, he immediately knew that something was wrong. Jason rarely allowed his emotions to show, but there was something different about him now.
His expression was colder than usual.
His eyes were filled with determination.
And there was an unmistakable tension in his movements.
"Where to, sir?" Russ asked as he quickly followed him.
"The company," Jason replied without slowing down. "There's an emergency."
"Yes, sir." Russ immediately followed him. They walked quickly down the hallway toward the elevator.
Jason remained silent. His mind was still filled with Aaron's words.
Olivia tried to hurt Anne.
He clenched his jaw.
For years, he had believed Olivia was simply an innocent girl who had grown up surrounded by complicated circumstances.
He had never imagined that she could be capable of something so terrible. But there was another thought that troubled him even more.
If Olivia wasn't acting alone... then who was behind her?
Jason's eyes darkened. Whoever that person was, he would find them. And when he did, they would have to answer for what they had done to Anne.
The elevator doors opened. Jason stepped inside, followed closely by Russ.
As the doors slowly closed behind them, Jason stood silently, his reflection visible on the polished metal doors.
For the first time, he realized that the truth he had been searching for might be far more dangerous than he had ever imagined.
***
In the Living Room
Back in the living room, Olivia noticed that Madison had fallen silent. She appeared to be lost in thought. Olivia watched her carefully for a few seconds before speaking.
"Aunt Madison..."
Her voice was soft and hesitant. Madison looked at her.
Olivia immediately put on a pitiful expression. "My mother... she can come with us, can't she?"
She gently held Madison's arm. "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. For a brief moment, she felt a faint sense of disappointment. She knew Sophie had always been a complicated subject in her life.
Even after all these years, there were still things Madison couldn't completely forget. But Olivia was smiling at her so innocently. Madison didn't want to ruin her happiness.
So she forced herself to smile gently. "Of course, Olivia."
She reached out and lightly patted her hand. "You're her only daughter. How could she miss such an important occasion?"
Olivia's eyes immediately sparkled with happiness. "Thank you, Aunt Madison."
She smiled brightly. "You're the best. You take care of me just like my mother does."
Olivia leaned closer and affectionately wrapped her arms around Madison's. "Sister is so lucky to have you as her mother."
Madison smiled warmly at her words. But the smile didn't last long. Her expression slowly dimmed.
"You're also like a daughter to me," she murmured sadly.
She lowered her gaze. "But I wish Anne understood that."
Her voice carried a hint of pain. "I've always wanted what's best for her... yet she never seems to care about my feelings."
Olivia lowered her head. She carefully hid the triumphant smile that briefly tugged at the corners of her lips.
She knew exactly what she was doing. But when she looked up again, there was nothing but concern on her face. "Aunt Madison, please don't be upset."
She gently squeezed Madison's arm. "We're going shopping today anyway. Why don't we invite Sister to join us?"
Madison's expression brightened immediately. But after a moment, she hesitated.
"No, Olivia. I don't think that's a good idea."
She sighed. "Anne has so much work. I don't want to disturb her."
"I know Sister is busy," Olivia replied softly. She lowered her gaze again. "I don't want to bother her either."
There was a faint sadness in her voice. "Maybe she just prefers keeping her distance from me."
Madison's heart softened. Olivia continued speaking before she could respond. "But I've always wanted a sister."
She looked up at Madison with a small, hopeful smile. "I keep hoping that one day we'll become close." She paused.
"Maybe if I spend a little more time with her, she'll understand that I really do care about her."
Madison looked at Olivia for a long moment. The girl's words touched something inside her. Perhaps Olivia really was trying to repair her relationship with Anne. Perhaps she simply didn't know how.
"Okay," Madison finally said.
She reached for her phone. "I'll call Anne."
The moment Madison looked away, Olivia lowered her gaze. A small smirk briefly appeared on her lips. But it disappeared just as quickly. She immediately returned to her innocent expression and waited.
Madison dialed Anne's number. The call didn't connect. She tried again. Still nothing. Madison frowned at her phone.
"This girl... Why is her phone switched off?" She sounded frustrated.
Olivia tilted her head slightly. "Aunt, why don't you try calling Sister's office?"
Her voice was innocent. "I'm sure she'll pick up there."
Madison considered it for a moment before nodding. "You're right."
She searched for Anne's office number and called. The phone rang twice before someone answered.
"Miss Anne's office."
"Hello, Megan. This is Madison, Anne's mother." Madison's voice immediately became softer.
"Where is she? I've been trying to call her, but her phone isn't reachable."
"Hello, Madam," Megan replied politely. "Miss Anne is currently busy in a meeting. Is there any message you'd like me to pass on to her?"
Madison sighed. "Just tell her to call me as soon as her meeting is over."
She paused. "How long do you think the meeting will take?"