Chapter 26: Olivia’s Stepping Stone
Dr. Ricker was sweating profusely but said determinedly, “I didn’t! Mr. Carter, even if I were the most courageous person alive, I wouldn’t dare falsify the test result.” He had received favors from Mrs. Carter and couldn’t betray her. Moreover, Mrs. Carter wouldn’t spare him if the truth was exposed.
Mr. Carter snorted coldly, his expression stern and intimidating as he looked at Dr. Ricker with cold, assessing eyes. His thin lips parted slightly as he remarked, “You’re such a bold person. You have quite the nerve!” Despite giving Dr. Ricker a chance, the man remained obstinate. Nathan got up abruptly and left the office, followed closely by Ethan.
Dr. Ricker breathed a sigh of relief, feeling like he had narrowly escaped a dire situation. His heart was racing. However, his relief was short–lived. Ten minutes later, the senior management of the test center issued a personnel order for Dr. Ricker’s immediate dismissal.
Emily was taken aback when she received news of Dr. Ricker’s termination. She had just returned home and was startled by the development. It was evident that Nathan had a hand in this decision. Why? Had something been uncovered that led to this outcome? Emily no longer felt pleased with herself. Instead, she began feeling uneasy.
“Mrs. Carter, Ms. Patel is here,” the butler announced as he entered the room. Emily immediately responded, “Let her in.”
Emma entered hurriedly with a flustered expression. She went straight to Emily, grabbed her hand, and asked, “Mrs. Carter, Ethan just informed me that Nathan wants to annul our engagement. Did something happen? Did I do something to upset Nathan?”
Emily’s smile vanished instantly, and her expression changed abruptly. She hadn’t anticipated Nathan’s swift actions. First, he dismissed Dr. Ricker, and then, he annulled his engagement. It was a clear display of his displeasure towards her. Emily was incensed, “How dare he?!”
“Mrs. Carter, please tell me what’s going on.” Emma was so anxious that she was on the verge of tears, and her upset appearance distressed Emily. Emily hastened to reassure her, “It has nothing to do with you. It’s not because of anything you did.”
Emma bit her lip, trying to hold back her emotions. “So why… Could it be because of Olivia?”
Emma had considered numerous possibilities on her way there, ultimately suspecting Olivia had something to do with it. Only that woman could influence Nathan… Emma was filled with jealousy when she thought of this possibility. That stupid Olivia. Why can’t I get rid of her? Emma had been waiting by Nathan’s side for five years, but he completely ignored her. Moreover, he annulled their engagement once Olivia reappeared. A subtle, hostile expression flickered across Emma’s eyes.
“It’s not because of her this time.” Emily shook her head, her displeasure evident at the mere mention of Olivia. “It’s because of Olivia’s son!”
“What do you mean?” Emma was dazed and perplexed.
“She has a son with Nathan.” Emily glanced at her and hesitated before revealing the truth.
Emma’s heart instantly sank, her expression changing drastically. Olivia had borne Nathan’s child? How could this be? How is it possible?! She vividly recalled that night five years ago when Olivia had spent the night in Nathan’s room. Emma should’ve been the one to enter the room back then. Instead, she had just been a stepping stone for Olivia. Emma clenched her fists tightly, her nails digging into her palms as if the pain could keep her grounded in reality.
