Chapter 4 You Really Are Something

A sarcastic smile, far too mature for his young face, spread across Martin's features. He shoved Olivia, who was still in a daze, sending her stumbling to the ground. Then, in a few quick steps, he ran over to Hestia.

"Aunt Hestia, I'm scared of her. Get her out of here!"

Hestia seized the moment and pulled Martin into her arms, her tone laced with feigned reproach. "Martin, you mustn’t push people. That's very rude."

Though her words sounded like a reprimand, the look she cast at Olivia was filled with provocation and mockery.

It was as if she were saying, "Look. This is your own son, and he’s chosen my side."

A dull ache spread through Olivia’s wrist and her chest, stealing the breath from her lungs.

She closed her eyes briefly, trying to steady herself, then spoke in a low voice, "Martin, come here. Come home with me."

Martin glanced at her before tightening his grip on Hestia. "I'm not going back with you, you annoying woman. I want to stay with Aunt Hestia."

Olivia slowly got to her feet, her gaze locking onto him as she spoke each word clearly. "I'll say it one more time, Martin. Come back with me."

A flicker of unease passed through Martin under her gaze, and he unconsciously loosened his hold on Hestia.

Sensing the change, Hestia immediately drew him closer, deliberately twisting the situation.

"Olivia, what happened today isn't Martin's fault. I was the one who told him to add me to the parent group, and I told him not to tell you about skipping class today. If you're angry, take it out on me, don't blame Martin."

She held him as though shielding something fragile, as if Olivia were someone dangerous.

Olivia let out a short, cold laugh, anger simmering beneath it. "Ms. Sharp, what gives you the right to say any of that? As Ethan’s mistress? If I remember correctly, Ethan and I are not divorced yet. And yet you can’t wait to step in and help raise my child?"

Her words were sharp enough to cut, and Hestia’s smile nearly faltered.

A flash of malice crossed her eyes before she quickly masked it, her expression turning wounded.

"Olivia, how can you say that about me? Ethan and I are innocent. Why do you always assume such shameful things about us?"

"Besides, I just care about Martin. Why do you have to belittle me in front of him?"

As she spoke, tears slid down her cheeks, as though she had been deeply wronged.

The sight of her crying immediately agitated Martin.

"Bad woman!" he shouted at Olivia. "You always force me to do things I don't want to do! I like being with Aunt Hestia. She doesn't treat me like you do."

"Go away! I don't want to see you!"

His harsh words cut into Olivia like knives, leaving her nearly unable to stand.

She looked at Martin, watched him smile sweetly at another woman, and felt her eyes sting.

Six years of raising him, only for him to grow into someone who looked at her with such disgust.

Even more than Ethan’s betrayal, what she could not accept was her own child’s hatred.

"Martin, you really won't come back with me?" Olivia took a deep breath, trying to steady her voice.

Martin frowned at her, his eyes full of impatience. "No! It doesn't matter how many times you ask, I'm not going back with you."

Those words shattered the last of Olivia’s hope.

She looked at the two of them huddled together, said nothing more, and turned to leave.

This child—she didn't want him anymore.

Martin watched her retreating figure, a strange emotion stirring in his chest, but quickly pushed it aside.

He told himself it was better this way. With Olivia gone, she would no longer interfere with his time with Aunt Hestia. No one would restrict him anymore. No one would tell him what he could or could not do.

As Olivia stepped out of the fast-food restaurant, it felt as though a heavy stone was pressing down on her chest, making it difficult to breathe.

Just then, her phone rang. It was Mira calling.

Olivia hesitated for a moment before answering.

"Olivia..." The moment the call connected, a gentle yet anxious voice came through.

"Are you okay?"

Warmth spread through Olivia’s chest, and she replied softly, "I'm fine, Grandma. Don't worry."

"That's good."

Mira seemed to let out a sigh of relief before continuing, "I'm hosting a party tonight. You and Ethan must come back. As long as I’m here, I won't let anyone bully you."

Those words brought Olivia a sense of comfort.

She wanted to tell Mira about her decision to divorce Ethan, but just then, a violent coughing fit came from the other end of the line.

Olivia's expression changed instantly, her grip tightening on the phone. "Grandma, are you okay?"

"I'm fine, I'm fine. It's just an old problem."

Mira took a few breaths, her voice tinged with fatigue. "Remember, you must come tonight."

Hearing the strain in her voice, Olivia could only agreed. "Okay."

Under the night sky, the moon hung high as the villa stood quietly atop the hill.

Cars lined the driveway, and inside, the party was already in full swing.

Olivia wore a white dress, its hem adorned with pearls that swayed gently with her steps.

As she looked around at the bustling crowd, she felt a wave of exhaustion.

Then she spotted a familiar figure and immediately moved toward him.

"Ethan! Wait!"

The tall figure paused and turned, revealing a cold, indifferent face.

"What is it?"

Olivia was caught off guard by his tone.

In the past, even if he disliked her, he would at least show restraint out of respect for Mira.

She lingered in her surprise for too long, and Ethan’s impatience grew.

"Olivia, don't tell me you're having second thoughts?"

"What?"

She frowned in confusion, only to meet his mocking gaze.

"You were the one who brought up divorce, and now you're the one chasing after me. Do you think I’m something you can toy with?"

Olivia quickly shook her head. "You've misunderstood. I just wanted to remind you that Grandma's health isn't good, so we shouldn’t tell her about the divorce for now."

Her sincerity only made Ethan appear colder, almost unreasonable

His expression darkened, his tone getting colder. "What did you say?"

"I said that since I was the one who brought up the divorce, I won’t take it back."

Her voice was steady and resolute.

Ethan's face hardened as he stared at her in disbelief.

This was the same woman who had used underhanded means to enter his life, who had endured his indifference for six years without leaving. And now she was saying she would not regret divorcing him?

The more he thought about it, the angrier he became, his entire presence radiating cold fury.

He was about to respond with sarcasm when a voice suddenly rang out from upstairs.

"I invited everyone here today to make one thing clear. The Wood family has only one mistress—Olivia."

Ethan looked up to see Mira standing on the second floor, supported by a servant, her presence still commanding despite her frailty.

"As long as I am alive, none of those with ulterior motives will ever step into the Wood family."

As her words fell, the entire banquet hall fell silent, and all eyes turned toward Olivia.

Ethan followed their gaze. The uncertainty in his heart vanished, replaced entirely by anger.

He strode forward, grabbed Olivia’s wrist, and pulled her into a corner before pressing her against the wall.

"Olivia, on one hand you say you want a divorce, and on the other you get Grandma to pressure me. You really are something else. Saying one thing while meaning another."