Chapter 48:
Everyone in the room stared, their eyes widening in shock as the soaked, bruised woman leaned against the doorway. Weak, pale, yet undeniably beautiful, she looked like a survivor—barely standing, but fiercely alive.
It was Olivia.
The company and factory employees, who had been swept up in the drama unfolding in the room, recognized her immediately.
Evan, his heart pounding in relief, sprang to his feet and rushed to her side. He supported her carefully, his voice trembling with joy. “Olivia, you’re alright.”
The surge of emotion he felt nearly overwhelmed him, and he wanted nothing more than to pull her into his arms and hold her tight.
Olivia gave him a weak smile, her voice soft but steady. “I was lucky. I didn’t die.” She paused to gather her strength before explaining, “My grandmother lives by the sea. I’m a strong swimmer, I know how to survive the waves.” She winced slightly, pressing her hand against her side, then continued, “When I jumped… I hit a rock with my leg, not my head. The leg wound is severe, but a kind girl helped me back to the factory. I had to return. I needed to expose Derek and Zoey.”
Evan’s eyes immediately flicked to the blood-soaked towel wrapped around her leg. His face twisted with concern. “You’re injured. I’ll take you to the hospital.”
Olivia shook her head firmly, though her face was pale with exhaustion. “Let’s handle this first. I can manage.” Her eyes locked onto Zoey, her expression cold but full of fire.
Evan could see she wasn’t going to back down. Olivia was fragile in appearance but fiercely strong-willed. Knowing he couldn’t change her mind, he reluctantly put his arm around her shoulders, gently pulling her close. A few steps later, noticing the effort it took for her to keep standing, he scooped her up into his arms. The room fell into stunned silence as Evan carried Olivia, his actions intimate and protective. He placed her softly into his chair, disregarding the stares from the others.
The employees were left in shock. They had previously claimed there was nothing between them, but this moment was far too personal. Ann Maxwell’s heart ached at the sight. For Olivia, however, the embrace was a balm for her pain; she didn’t have the energy to think of anything else but the comfort it provided.
Olivia’s gaze flickered to Ann Maxwell, whose phone was still on speakerphone, broadcasting the conversation for everyone to hear. Olivia’s eyes narrowed as she sneered. “Vice President Zhu, how dare you? You should have made sure I was really dead before making your accusations!”
Zoey, ever the master of manipulation, feigned ignorance. “Ms. Frost, what are you talking about? I don’t understand.” He tried to maintain his calm, believing there was still no solid evidence against him.
Turning to Ann Maxwell, he continued his charade. “Ann, her return—this dramatic reappearance—seems like a slap in the face, but really, it’s to make you look foolish in front of the President. She’s incredibly manipulative.” His voice dripped with feigned sympathy.
Olivia could barely hold back a laugh at his audacity. This guy is shameless!
Ann Maxwell, however, was swayed by his words. She glared at Olivia, her voice dripping with resentment. “Olivia, you’re framing Vice President Zhu, staging this whole thing. You dragged everyone here late at night just to watch you seduce the President, right? Your scheming is appalling!”
Olivia’s eyes widened, her mind racing with disbelief. Is Ann Maxwell an accomplice? She couldn’t believe it. It was impossible… Zoey must have gotten to her first.
