Chapter 29: Someone Like You?
Benjamin’s blood ran cold as Nathan’s sharp gaze locked onto him. His heart skipped a beat—few people could intimidate him like this. Nathan was truly formidable. Nevertheless, Benjamin stood tall, refusing to be cowed. He straightened his posture and spoke with determination, “Mr. Carter, now that the DNA results are out, this matter should be resolved. Despite the Carter family’s influence in this country, I won’t allow anyone to harm Ms. Olivia.”
At this, Nathan’s eyes narrowed dangerously, his displeasure evident. Someone like you thinks you can protect her? Nathan sneered, his gaze aggressive and scornful. Benjamin’s identity surprised Nathan. With his status, Benjamin was clearly no match for Nathan, who had the authority and influence of the entire Carter family behind him. But Benjamin didn’t back down.
“Of course,” Benjamin replied defiantly. Still, compared to Nathan’s overpowering presence, Benjamin appeared somewhat outmatched, though his stance remained firm. The tension between the two men was palpable, neither willing to yield.
Just then, Ethan, who had just parked the car and exited the driver’s seat, stepped in at the right moment to defuse the situation. “Mr. Hayes, this is between Mr. Carter and Ms. Olivia. It’s not something you can interfere with or decide. Why don’t you step aside and chat with me instead?”
Ethan flashed a smile, attempting to put his arm around Benjamin’s shoulder in a friendly gesture. But Benjamin shot him a pointed look, which Ethan skillfully avoided, his movements swift and precise. Before Benjamin could react, Ethan had quickly grabbed him by the arm, his display of martial skills catching Benjamin off guard.
Benjamin froze, and for a split second, considered retaliating. However, just then, the villa’s door swung open, and Mr. Valtor emerged, calling out, “Benjamin, why are you being impolite to the guests?”
Benjamin immediately withdrew his hand and turned to face Mr. Valtor. The older man gave him a polite but firm look before nodding respectfully to Nathan. “Mr. Carter, this way. Ms. Olivia is waiting for you in the study on the second floor.”
Nathan nodded indifferently, his gaze cold and detached, and without a word, he proceeded inside.
Inside, Olivia sat anxiously in the study, her forehead resting against her hand as she massaged the bridge of her nose. She had been waiting for Nathan’s arrival, and the tension in her body only grew as she recalled how quickly he had come. If she had known he’d arrive so soon, she wouldn’t have consumed so much alcohol. She sighed, trying to calm her nerves.
Just as she began to lose herself in thought, the sound of slow, deliberate footsteps reached her ears. Instinctively, she opened her eyes, only to find Nathan standing before her, his tall, lean figure casting a shadow across the room. His deep, intense gaze fixed on her, and the faint scent of sandalwood lingered in the air, familiar and intoxicating.
Olivia’s heart skipped a beat, but she quickly composed herself, forcing her thoughts to steady. “I assumed that once the results were revealed, you would give up, Mr. Carter. Why have you returned? What is it that you seek?”
Nathan’s expression remained unreadable as he replied cryptically, “What do I seek? Don’t you already know?” His voice was low, and his gaze was piercing. “I refuse to accept that outcome.”
Olivia’s heart sank—just as she had suspected. His refusal to accept the truth was no surprise. She raised an eyebrow, a mocking smile curving her lips. “The result is clearly stated in black and white. The child isn’t yours! Moreover, you chose the test center yourself. Doesn’t it seem comical that you don’t believe the results?”
Nathan’s expression darkened, and in a sudden move, he stepped closer. Before Olivia could react, he bent down, reached out, and grasped her chin, his fingers cold and firm. His voice dropped to a menacing tone. “Then, enlighten me. Whose child is it?”
Olivia’s breath caught in her throat. She was caught off guard by his forceful action. Their faces were now mere inches apart, and she could feel the heat of his breath against her skin. The familiar scent of sandalwood enveloped them, and for a fleeting moment, Olivia found herself overwhelmed by the proximity, the intensity of his presence.
She instinctively tried to pull back, but Nathan’s grip on her chin was unyielding. He held her in place, his eyes boring into hers, demanding an answer.
Her heart raced, and she gritted her teeth. The familiarity of his touch, the force with which he held her, unsettled her. But she couldn’t let him have the upper hand.
“I’m not obligated to tell you whose child it is,” she spat, her voice laced with defiance. “Let go!”
