Chapter 4 Her Boyfriend's Call
1069 Words
No one was unaware of the Thompson family, whose wealth rivaled that of a nation, holding the title of the country's richest.
Matthew, the youngest son of the Thompson patriarch, born when he was forty, leveraged his innate talents to become the family's top heir.
Yet Matthew was strikingly low-key, never appearing in public, with the outside world clueless about his appearance.
Joseph sighed in frustration, "The Thompsons are the richest family. The gap between our resources and theirs is just too vast. How can we possibly connect with them?"
Nicholas shook his head and continued, "Intelligence suggests the land for Paradise Resort was bought by the Thompsons long ago. Matthew will oversee the project entirely. If we can secure his support, all our troubles will vanish."
Joseph let out a breath.
"Father, this is impossible. So many want to link with the Thompsons. If we visit them in New York, seeking support, we'll likely be kicked out by security," Joseph said.
"Who said we have to go to New York? Matthew is in Los Angeles right now, and he's been living there for three years."
Steven frowned. "How is that possible? LA is just a small piece of land. If he came to LA to inspect the resort project, how could he settle here for three years?"
"Matthew's mother, Hannah Thompson, is from Los Angeles. She came here three years ago to convalesce, and Matthew followed. But this hasn't been common knowledge. They've been living at Summit Manor ever since."
Summit Manor, a villa nestled on the hillside in the southern district, stood alone on the entire hill. Its security was extremely tight, and no one knew who lived there. For years, rumors had swirled that its owner was a reclusive billionaire.
No one had expected it to be an asset of the Thompson family.
"Father, how did you come by this confidential information?" Grace couldn't help but ask.
"It used to be a secret, but now everyone knows because tomorrow is Hannah's birthday gala, and the leading families of Los Angeles have all received invitations. I just didn't expect that we've received two," Nicholas said.
"Whatever Hannah's intentions are, this is our chance to save the company. That's why I had Steven return urgently," Nicholas added, pulling out two invitations.
"Steven, Olivia, you two will attend Hannah Thompson's birthday party tomorrow night. Prepare a generous gift. Remember, you must get close to Matthew. Strike up a conversation, and if possible, befriend him."
"Alright, alright, now that the work stuff is settled," seizing the moment, Grace said, "Steven, Olivia, you two should sleep in the master bedroom tonight. Now that Steven's back, it's time you have a child."
"I have things to do tonight; I'm going out," Steven said indifferently.
Grace slammed her knife and fork on the table. "What could be so important? Going to that vixen's place? If you dare step out of this house tonight, I'll make sure that mistress gets a lesson!"
"Mom, don't do that to Abigail," Steven said.
"You'll see if I will!" Grace retorted.
Olivia sat at the table, sipping her soup and watching the drama unfold.
Truthfully, she hadn't fully let go of the past.
After all, when she was at her lowest, the two people she trusted the most had betrayed her cruelly.
But now, she could watch the drama unfold like an outsider, with keen interest.
She herself couldn't remember exactly when she had let go of it all.
She was simply curious: how far would Steven go for Abigail?
The outcome didn't disappoint Olivia. Once again, Steven chose to comply and stay.
Steven called Abigail from the balcony of the bedroom.
"Baby, I'm sorry I can't come to you tonight..."
He had been coaxing Abigail for half an hour, yet her occasional sobs still sounded through the phone.
Steven continued to soothe her patiently.
Olivia couldn't help but recall her time with Steven. He had never been this patient with her.
During their two years together, they didn't even kiss each other, not even once.
Had she not met that man, she might have turned 23 without ever knowing what a kiss felt like.
Olivia's mind drifted to the man's handsome face, his statue-like physique.
And the way he kissed her, as if deeply in love.
Olivia smiled.
It had been just last night that they broke up, and she already missed him a little...
Olivia picked up her phone.
She found "Pretty Boy's" number.
To her surprise, after keeping him for three years, she realized she had never asked for his real name.
It wasn't her fault, though.
Their meetings were always at night, and they always got straight to the point.
Once in bed, they called each other "baby" and "darling."
As she daydreamed, her phone buzzed again.
It was "Pretty Boy" calling.
Was it a telepathic moment?
Olivia recalled the accusatory texts from the car and stared at her phone, hesitating for a few seconds before answering.
"Miss me?"
Olivia's voice had a natural allure, sending a shiver down his spine.
There was a pause on the other end.
A deep voice came through.
"Where are you now?"
"Home."
"Meet me at Greenlawn Villa. I need to see you."
Olivia lazily twirled her hair, her voice equally nonchalant. "Pity. I told you last night, my husband's back. I have to stay with him tonight."
"You can't have s*x with him, Olivia."
The man's previously restrained voice was now clearly out of control.
"Alright, if you think the breakup fee isn't enough, I'll give you an extra shop as compensation. How's that? With that, you won't have to work at the club anymore."
"Olivia, it's not about that. Do you know who I am?"
"No matter who you are, we're over."
Compared to the man's anger, Olivia's voice remained gentle and soothing, as if she was calming a child.
At that moment, Steven finally finished coaxing Abigail and entered the room from the balcony.
Olivia deliberately said with a smile, "Well, my husband's back. You should get some rest too."
The man at the other end of the phone roared, "Olivia, you dare to hang up..."
Click!
Olivia hung up and switched her phone to Do Not Disturb mode, placing it face-down on the table.
Steven glanced at her and frowned. "Who called you?"
Olivia's smile grew wider as she explained, "My boyfriend, of course."
- Writer
