Chapter 80
1147 Words
Jonathan closed the door and forced a goofy smile. "I ate too much and couldn't sleep, so I went for a walk."
He walked over to Olivia, squatted down, and took her cold hand in his. Feeling shy, Olivia quickly pulled her hand away and brushed a lock of hair behind her ear. "Since you're back, get some rest."
Olivia stood up and walked toward the bedroom in her slippers. At the doorway, she hesitated for a moment before saying, "Please don't interfere in my matters again. Thank you."
Watching the door close, Jonathan felt a pang of sadness. He stared at a picture of Olivia and Ruby. In the picture taken in a park, Ruby held a Barbie doll, and they smiled happily at the camera.
Jonathan picked up the frame and hoped to be a part of that happiness. After a long moment, he touched the picture gently and whispered, "Olivia, Ruby, I won't let you two suffer."
The next day, Declan, Maeve, and Sophia arrived at the Harrison Group early in the morning.
Sophia wore high heels and a tight black skirt. She looked hot but maintained a cold, stern expression.
She barged into Olivia's new office, slammed some documents onto Olivia's desk, and scolded, "Olivia, what's the matter with you? Why did you stop the material production at the suburban factory? Weren't you in charge of these factories? Time is valuable! For every day we delay, the mall project gets set back. That costs the Harrison family money. Clearly, you're not fit for this job."
Olivia quickly stood up. "I'm sorry, Sophia. There are some issues at the suburban factories. I was just about to go there."
Olivia grabbed her bag and headed to the door. Sophia grabbed her arm and snarled, "What can you accomplish, b***h? I'm here to warn you: I'll handle the factories' production lines. You just focus on the mall project's progress. Don't meddle in anything else. Even if Grandpa asks something, just keep your mouth shut, or I'll rip it open."
Olivia bit back tears. "Sophia, Grandpa put me in charge of..."
Sophia scoffed, "Don't think for a second that Grandpa's going to side with you over me. He dotes on me the most. Even if he finds out, he'll act as if nothing happened. If you want to stay in this family, do as I say. Otherwise, I've got plenty of ways to deal with you and your little bastard."
Sophia turned to leave but stopped at the door. She glanced back over her shoulder and threatened, "And don't even think about telling Jonathan. I'll make sure you regret it."
After Sophia left, Olivia headed for the suburban factory. She knew some problems wouldn't be solved by hiding from them. She had to find a way without relying on Jonathan.
In the office, Declan and Maeve looked up as Sophia walked in.
"Sophia, how'd it go? Did that b***h agree?" Maeve stood up and tugged Sophia's arm.
Sophia smirked. "Mom, don't worry. If she tries to tattle, I'll teach her a lesson. She'll think for her little bastard. They'll be homeless if they're kicked out of the Harrison family."
Maeve nodded with a menacing smile. "Good."
Declan took a sip of coffee. "Still, we should check with Eddy to avoid any mistakes."
Sophia nodded and called Eddy. She was greeted with an angry roar. "Stop calling me! I've entered a full production partnership with Mrs. Parker. Your money is going back."
Click!
The line went dead. Sophia was stunned.
"What happened?" Declan noticed her pale face.
Sophia replied with a frown, "Dad, Eddy said he's entered a full production partnership with Olivia. And he's returning the money you sent yesterday."
Before she could finish, an assistant burst in and called out, "Mr. Harrison, Ms. Harrison, people from the factories are here to see you."
Just then, a group of workers in factory uniforms shoved their way in, tossed money bags on the floor, and shouted, "Mr. Hansen says he wants none of your bribes and won't conspire with you. He's already partnered with Mrs. Parker for full production. Forget about bribing him."
With one last glare, they marched out.
Declan, Maeve, and Sophia turned pale at once. It also threw the whole office into chaos.
"No way! Mr. Harrison tried to bribe Eddy!"
"I didn't expect him to stoop that low just to undermine Olivia. I thought he was a good guy."
"Sophia always bullies us. Now we know what her family's really like."
Declan felt exposed and yelled, "What are you saying? Get back to work! Anyone gossiping on the job will be fired!"
He slammed the door, glared at the scattered money on the floor, and smashed his desk in rage. "That b***h Olivia! She set this up to embarrass us. There's no other way Eddy would take the money yesterday and turn against us today."
Sophia asked anxiously, "Dad, what do we do now? How did the b***h strike a deal with Eddy? Could there be something between them? Maybe they slept together!"
Declan's eyes widened. "Yes, that's it. Olivia must have slept with that rascal. Sophia, send someone to the factory. Get evidence if you can. We'll expose their scandal at the board meeting."
"Got it," Sophia agreed and immediately made some calls.
Half an hour earlier, at the suburban factory, upon learning Olivia was coming, Eddy had halted all production and lined up every worker at the gate to greet her.
Eddy waited anxiously with several managers and secretaries.
Seeing Olivia step off the bus, Eddy ran over with a fawning smile and bowed deeply. "Mrs. Parker, you're finally here. I apologize for yesterday. Please don't hold it against me. We'll follow all your orders."
The workers behind him echoed loudly, "We'll follow all your orders, Mrs. Parker!"
Olivia clutched her documents tightly and asked in a trembling voice, "Mr. Hansen, what are you doing?"
Eddy thought for a moment and started slapping himself. "Mrs. Parker, I'm deeply sorry. Please forgive me. I was foolish yesterday. I've cut ties with Declan. From now on, I'll do whatever you say."
Terrified, Olivia hurriedly stopped him. "Mr. Hansen, please don't do that."
"I won't stop until you forgive me," Eddy insisted and continued to slap himself.
Last night, Dorian had warned him that if he didn't get Olivia's forgiveness today, he might as well drown himself.
Olivia pressed her lips together. "Mr. Hansen, I forgive you."
Eddy smiled and respectfully guided Olivia inside. "Mrs. Parker, everything is ready. You can inspect at your convenience."
"Wait." Olivia hesitated. "Why did you decide to work with me all of a sudden? Did someone ask you to do this?"
Eddy's attitude had flipped overnight. Olivia sensed something fishy.
Jonathan had sneaked out last night. With this in mind, Olivia had a chilling hunch.
'Did Jonathan help me?'
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