After all the threats, the atmosphere between them became peaceful. They were having small talks when a cheerful voice rang out.
"Brother! There you are!"
A young man with lively eyes and boyish energy bounded over, his tuxedo a little too big on him. His grin widened when he spotted Emily standing beside Jason. "Ah, sister-in-law!"
Emily's face flushed crimson. "S-sister-in-law?!"
" You're brother's girlfriend, so you're my sister-in-law."
Emily covered her face in embarrassment, while Jason just shook his head.
After talking with Emily, the young man's gaze landed on Olivia. His confident smile faltered for a moment, his eyes widening as if he had been struck by lightning. "And… who is this goddess?"
Jason answered, "That's Olivia Bennett, Emily's close friend."
The young man blinked, then leaned forward eagerly. "Do you have a boyfriend?"
Olivia raised a brow, unimpressed. "No. And even if I didn't, I'm way older than you."
"Age is just a number, plus you don't know how old I am?" He shot back with a wink, puffing his chest proudly.
Olivia snorted and folded her arms. "I don't think I need to know, I can tell just by looking at you."
He laughed. "I'm Adam Gray, Jason's younger brother. I'm 20. So, how about now, I'm not a kid, I'm a full-grown man, how about you date me?"
Before Olivia could say anything, Aiden's voice cut through the air, sharp and cold.
"Adam."
Adam stiffened instantly, like a rabbit sensing a predator.
"Go play with your friends. Now."
Adam's grin collapsed. His bravado evaporated under Aiden's piercing stare. "Y-yeah, fine! I'll go." Without another word, he scurried away, muttering under his breath.
Emily bit her lip, trying not to laugh, while Jason simply sighed, placing a hand over his face.
Emily and Jason excused themselves soon after, saying they needed to greet Jason's parents and some of his business partners. That left only Olivia and Aiden standing together, the tension between them heavier than the music in the ballroom.
Olivia turned to leave, not wanting to stay alone with Aiden, but Aiden's voice stopped her.
"Olivia."
She turned reluctantly, brows arched. "What now?"
His tone was quieter this time, almost restrained. "The man we saw on the CCTV… he was an employee. But it turns out he was a spy from a rival company. I had him investigated. He's been taken care of."
Olivia folded her arms, unimpressed. "And? Do you expect me to clap for you?"
Aiden's jaw tightened. For a moment, his expression softened, guilt flickering across his face. "I'm saying… I'm sorry."
She scoffed, shaking her head. "Too late, Mr. Aiden Ashford." Without waiting for his reply, she turned and walked away.
She made her way toward the dessert section, her eyes lighting up slightly at the display. If there was one thing that never failed to cheer her up, it was sweets—especially chocolate. She picked up a small plate, carefully selecting a piece of chocolate mousse cake. She just wants to enjoy the cake, but it looks like the luck was not on her side.
As she turned, familiar faces began to surround her.
"Olivia! Long time no see."
"Miss Olivia, it's been ages."
"You look stunning tonight."
One by one, acquaintances from Aiden's world approached her, most of them businessmen, investors, and socialites who had grown accustomed to seeing her by Aiden's side during events.
They all think that Aiden was a fool to let such a talented person leave. They want to seize this chance to try recruiting her.
A woman leaned closer. "Are you considering new opportunities? If you are, our firm could use someone like you."
A younger executive eagerly pressed a business card into her hand. "Please, Miss Olivia, even if it's just consulting—think about it."
Olivia tried to remain polite, though her small clutch bag was nearly bursting with business cards. "I appreciate it, really, but I'm not looking for work right now. When I decide, I'll let you know."
Despite her refusals, the compliments kept coming. Words like "indispensable," "treasure," and "rare talent" floated around her, and she just smiled politely.
Across the room, Aiden stood by the bar, watching everything unfold. His hand gripped his glass tightly as he saw one person after another flock to Olivia. Admiration, respect, even awe.
For the first time in years, he felt the sting of genuine regret.
Just then, Emily rushed over, nearly giggling as she caught sight of Olivia's overflowing bag. "My god, Liv! You're famous! Look at all these cards."
Olivia sighed, shaking her head. "It's ridiculous. I came here for your sake, not to job-hunt."
Emily leaned closer, her voice lowering into a teasing tone. "Still, it's nice to know everyone thinks you're such a big deal."
Olivia rolled her eyes, though a small smile tugged at her lips. "Where's Jason?"
"Oh, he's talking with some of his business partners. Honestly, I didn't understand half of what they were saying, so I escaped."
The two women laughed together, then picked up a plate of desserts. They sat at a small corner table, enjoying slices of chocolate cake and fruit tarts, chatting like they always did. For a while, it almost felt like the old days—simple, lighthearted, free of stress.
When the party began to wind down, Jason returned and offered to have his driver take them home.
Emily shook her head. "No need. We brought our own car."
"Alright."
The three exchanged goodbyes, and soon Olivia and Emily were heading out of the glittering hotel ballroom, stepping into the cool night air.
Olivia clutched her small bag close as they walked to their car Emily glanced at her with a mischievous grin.
"So… Do you approve of Jason?"
Olivia smirked, slipping into the passenger seat. "He's not bad. But I'm still watching him."
Emily laughed at this. She knows that Olivia approves of Jason, but just doesn't want to say it.
Behind them, Aiden stood in the hotel entrance, his gaze locked on Olivia's retreating figure. For the first time, the thought of losing her forever didn't just feel like pride—it felt like a mistake he might never recover from.