Chapter 3 A Calculated Encounter

Just as Olivia was grumbling, her phone rang.

The screen displayed a contact labeled "Darling Husband."

A sense of foreboding rose within Olivia.

Sophie, sitting beside her, smiled knowingly. "Answer it. That's your 'darling husband' James."

Olivia swallowed her disgust and quickly changed the contact name to "James" before answering.

"How long are you going to keep pretending you have amnesia? Stop with these tricks." As soon as the call connected, James's harsh, commanding tone came through. "Come to the company parking lot right now. Immediately!"

His domineering attitude instantly angered Olivia. She rolled her eyes and responded without hesitation, "I'm not coming."

With that, she hung up without giving James a chance to reply.

"Who does he think he is?" Olivia muttered while blocking his number. "What an absolute jerk!"

Originally, she had planned to spend more time with James to see if it might trigger her memories.

But with his attitude, spending extended time with someone like him wouldn't help recover her memory—it would more likely give her a heart condition.

"You've really changed?" Sophie turned to Olivia, genuinely startled by her series of fluid actions.

Though she knew Olivia had temporary amnesia, Sophie had assumed she was merely angry and would forgive James as soon as he sweet-talked her. That's how it had always been.

Olivia scoffed contemptuously. "I don't know why I was so stupid before, fawning over him, but from now on, I won't be such a fool. James can go to hell!"

After saying this, her attention was drawn to a restaurant they were passing. "I'm starving!"

Olivia hadn't eaten since waking up by the pool, and after so much physical and mental exertion, she was famished.

"Let's eat then," Sophie drove toward a restaurant they used to frequent.

They had barely sat down when Sophie's phone began vibrating continuously. She glanced at the new messages and stood up. "You order first. I need to use the restroom."

Olivia nodded, her eyes not leaving the menu.

Once inside the restroom, Sophie locked the door before checking her phone.

The screen immediately displayed multiple messages from Isabella.

Sophie pressed her lips together, her expression darkening, but still responded politely to Isabella's questions.

When Sophie finally returned to the table, Olivia promptly served her grilled salmon and roasted vegetables.

"What took you so long? If you'd been any later, the food would have gotten cold," Olivia teased.

"Just handling some work matters," Sophie smiled as she picked up her cutlery.

Then she cautiously asked Olivia about her future plans.

"What plans?" Olivia asked, puzzled.

Sophie analyzed the situation for Olivia. Though she was the legitimate heir to the Harper family, most of her assets were inherited from her late mother, primarily real estate. Now that the Harper family had frozen her credit cards and wouldn't let her work, she would soon be penniless if she didn't take action.

"So, I still think you shouldn't avoid James. On the contrary, you should find ways to get close to him, then reclaim the money you've spent on him, maybe get some compensation for damages, and perhaps even recover some memories."

"You're right," after hearing Sophie's analysis, Olivia agreed this was the logical approach.

When Sophie dropped Olivia off at James's location, he was already waiting outside his car.

Seeing her approach, he smiled confidently, as if certain she would come. "Get in. I'm in a hurry."

Olivia suppressed her nausea at the sight of James, fastened her seatbelt, and asked, "Where are we going?"

"Didn't you always want me to take you to those two new stores at Harmony Plaza? Today I'm giving you that opportunity."

James's tone was arrogant. In his mind, no matter how poorly he treated Olivia, a few sweet words would appease her, and she would never hold a grudge.

James had it all planned out. After shopping with her, he would arrange for her to dine with Stephen Johnson, helping Isabella secure a major business deal, as Stephen had seen Olivia's photo and insisted on her company.

Little did he know that his obvious attempt at conciliation had put Olivia on guard.

Fighting her revulsion, she adopted the syrupy tone from their chat history. "Darling, why are you being so nice to me today?"

As expected, James smiled knowingly and casually replied, "Nothing special, just need you to have dinner with Stephen and the others later."

Olivia knew he had ulterior motives. Nevertheless, she decided to play along with his plan.

After some probing, she discovered the true purpose of this jerk's scheme was for Isabella's benefit!

Olivia was furious, but on second thought, she needed money. She decided to collect some interest first and nodded in agreement.

James smiled. "I knew you'd be reasonable."

Olivia added, "You'll pay me two million dollars as commission."

"Two million dollars?" James's expression changed, looking at Olivia in disbelief.

How dare she demand payment?

"I've sacrificed so much for you, and you show no gratitude." Olivia reached for the door handle without hesitation. "No commission, no deal."

James quickly grabbed her hand. "Fine, I'll pay!"

Olivia seriously demanded immediate transfer, following the principle that money in hand is money earned.

This wasn't the first time Olivia had helped him, but it was the first time she'd demanded commission. Despite his inner rage, James had no choice but to transfer the money on the spot.

After confirming the money had been deposited, Olivia no longer wanted to spend time with James and asked him to take her directly to the restaurant.

Upon entering the restaurant's private room, James exclaimed obsequiously.

"Mr. Johnson! Finally meeting you is such an honor!" He enthusiastically approached the man seated at the head of the table.

When Stephen, at the head of the table, saw Olivia behind James, his eyes lit up.

Olivia, however, ignored everyone's reactions, walked straight to the table, picked up a glass of wine, and announced loudly. "I'm in a hurry, so let me toast everyone first, with apologies!"

With that, she drained the glass in one go before everyone's eyes.

The previously lively private room instantly fell silent, with various expressions appearing on people's faces.

James was also stunned by this scene. "Olivia, what are you doing!"

"I have matters to attend to and must leave now!" Having achieved her goal, Olivia set down the glass and turned to leave.

Yes, she had come only to sabotage their plans.

James quickly regained his composure and followed her out of the room.

The corridor was lined with private room doors on both sides. To avoid pursuit, Olivia didn't hesitate—after turning a corner, she randomly opened a door and slipped inside!

Unexpectedly, a familiar voice came from behind her.

"Olivia?"