The Billionaire's Charade

Chapter 7 Matthew's Arrival

After delivering the gifts, Olivia and Steven walked toward their table near the entrance. Since no one had taken their seats yet, they had to wait on the side. Midway, Steven's phone rang. He glanced at it and hurriedly walked toward the garden by the side door. Olivia knew it was Abigail calling, but she didn't mind and turned to admire the antiques in the banquet hall.

Before long, several young girls approached Olivia, asking her for the recipe for the perfume she was wearing.

Olivia was a bit taken aback by the situation but agreed to each request, promising to send them the formula that evening. After all, these girls were either the daughters of mayors, heiresses of top conglomerates, or even the granddaughter of the president. Only a fool would turn down such an opportunity to make connections!

Mia, watching from afar, gritted her teeth in anger. She complained to Chloe, "Mom, are they stupid? Why are these high-class ladies fawning over Olivia? What do they see in her?"

Chloe replied calmly, "They're not stupid. Many guests brought gifts, but only hers caught Hannah's eye. They want the formula to please Mrs. Thompson in the future."

Mia scoffed, "What's the point of pleasing Mrs. Thompson? Matthew will decide who he marries. Maybe he doesn't even like these prim and proper heiresses and prefers a rebellious Cinderella instead."

Chloe seemed to see through Mia's thoughts and gently advised, "Mia, the Thompson family is not something people like us can dream of…"

But Mia wasn’t listening to any of it. Her mind was filled with vivid fantasies of what it would be like to become Mrs. Thompson.

"Mom, we should aim higher. How do you know Matthew won't like me if we don't try?"

Chloe sighed and didn’t say anything more.

Meanwhile, the young girls surrounded Olivia, chatting. Olivia played along, in return, making them particularly happy. But their good manners were only for Olivia; they still competed fiercely among themselves.

"Last month, I saw him. He even complimented me on how pretty I looked."

"Before Mrs. Thompson sent out the invitations, no one knew Matthew was in Los Angeles. You're lying."

"I am lying, but you sounded so disgusting. Matthew? How familiar are you with him? You haven't even spoken to him."

The girls argued incessantly. Olivia finally understood that they all liked Matthew. But she couldn't comprehend why. Despite their high status and wealth, why were they all so determined to marry Matthew?

Avery, the daughter of the commander of the Capital Military District and the first to approach Olivia for the perfume recipe, seemed to see right through Olivia’s confusion. She awkwardly explained, "Olivia, we all like Matthew, but not because of the Thompson family's wealth. If you see him, you'll understand. Once you've seen his face, no other man in the world can compare."

Olivia chuckled. So, they were all attracted to his looks. She could understand; she liked handsome men too. The first time she met that man was a drunken mistake, but she kept him for three years because of his looks.

"Mr. Thompson is back!" The butler hurriedly entered, running toward Hannah. The lively banquet hall instantly fell silent as everyone turned to look at the entrance.

Olivia, curious to see this legendary figure for herself, followed their eyes and looked toward the entrance.

Then, a long leg stepped into view. The man was formally dressed in a custom-made suit with a dark blue tie. He had a tall, slender build with broad shoulders and a narrow waist. His posture was straight, and his proportions were perfect. Each step he took seemed to tread on the hearts of young girls.

Judging by his physique, he was indeed exceptional. Olivia silently praised him. Her gaze moved upward, landing on the man's face.

As soon as she saw his face, Olivia's body stiffened. It was as if she had been immobilized by a spell, and she felt her blood freeze. His features were exceptionally handsome, with a jawline as sharp as if carved by a master sculptor, seemingly God's most prized creation. His skin was a flawless bronze, exuding a sense of powerful vitality and wildness.

Although the young ladies had been eager to be the first to approach him, once he appeared, they felt an overwhelming sense of intimidation and dared not speak to him.

The man's gaze didn't linger on Olivia for even a second. He almost brushed past her. Olivia stood frozen, finally managing to ask, "Who is he?"

Someone nearby quickly answered.

"The future heir of the Thompson family, Matthew."

Olivia remained dazed, still processing the sudden revelation.

'Is it really him? Impossible...' she wondered.

Olivia abruptly turned her head, her gaze still fixed on the man's tall and straight back. Wherever he walked, it was as if a dark cloud loomed over the city, and everyone around him was intimidated by his powerful and icy aura.

The eyes of all those present were filled with respect, admiration, and even fear. This was because Matthew's aura was chillingly terrifying. No, it couldn't be him. Olivia dismissed the absurd thought in her mind. After all, the Pretty Boy she kept didn't have such an aura. He was as fiery as the midsummer sun, wild and uninhibited, even somewhat roguish.

Every time they met, he would seduce her actively, play hard to get when she was passionate and flatter her to the extreme when she wanted to give up. He was a master at the art of bedroom pleasure. Olivia often poked his chest and scolded him. "You're just so naughty." He would always pinch her chin wickedly and say, "You don't like it?"

How could such a wanton person be the cold and ruthless heir in front of her? Olivia convinced herself, but a faint unease still lingered in her heart. As the gift-giving session ended, the guests began to take their seats. Olivia scanned the entire hall but couldn't see the man again.

She took out her phone and scrolled through her contacts, stopping at the number labeled Pretty Boy. She stared at the number, feeling as if someone was watching her. Suddenly, she looked up and met a cold gaze from the second floor. It was him! Because of the distance, Olivia wasn't sure if the man was looking at her. Nevertheless, her heart skipped a beat. On an impulse, Olivia dialed the number.

The man on the second floor remained motionless. Thankfully, it was not him. Olivia felt a sense of relief. She lowered her head, about to hang up the phone. But then, the call was suddenly connected. Reflexively, she looked up at the man on the second floor. He was still standing there, but it was clear that he was holding a phone to his ear.

Olivia's heart pounded like a drum, faster and faster. She slowly brought the phone to her ear. A familiar, low, and cold voice finally came through. "Long time no see, Olivia."