Chapter 5: Reunited
Olivia was just as shocked to see Emma here as Emma was to see her. The woman had clearly changed over the years—matured, refined, and grown more arrogant. Emma still held herself with elegance, but now there was an underlying haughtiness in her demeanor, much like before. Olivia felt a surge of disgust and knew there was no reason to waste words. Stepping back, she said coldly, “We don’t know each other very well. Please keep your distance.”
Emma’s expression soured, her words momentarily faltering. She couldn’t help but notice that Olivia was no longer the meek, humble servant she remembered from her days at Carter Manor. In the past, Olivia had always worn worn-out clothes, performing menial tasks. But now, she was dressed in a sophisticated, mature outfit, exuding an aura of confidence and poise. It was as though she had transformed from a humble servant into an elegant, aloof queen. Emma even felt a twinge of intimidation as she met Olivia’s gaze.
Taken aback yet annoyed, Emma scoffed, “Oh, putting on airs now, are we? It’s been five years, and you’ve certainly changed. I remember when you didn’t even have the right to speak in front of me. Now, look at you, all virtuous and refined. Seems like you’ve fared well in these years…” As she spoke, Emma reached out and touched the corner of Olivia’s outfit. “Such nicer clothes you’re wearing now!”
Olivia’s eyes turned cold, and she grabbed Emma’s wrist with force, applying pressure until Emma winced in pain. “Since you’re so keen on my clothes, don’t touch them. You can’t afford them,” Olivia snapped, shaking Emma’s arm off as if she were contaminated.
Emma was incredulous. As the daughter of the Patel family and the future fiancée of Nathan Carter, she was accustomed to getting her way. To have a former servant, now dressed so elegantly, dare taunt her was unacceptable. But Emma, still seething with anger, made an even nastier remark. “So, you’ve found yourself a benefactor… Could it be the gentleman beside you?” Her gaze shifted to Benjamin, who stood by Olivia’s side. With his striking appearance, Benjamin looked every bit as dignified as he was handsome. Emma had already noticed him and assumed him to be Olivia’s sugar daddy.
Benjamin raised an eyebrow at Emma’s presumptions. He didn’t deny them, but there was no mistaking the contempt he felt for her. Foolish woman, he thought to himself, an expression of disdain flashing across his face.
Olivia, unbothered, replied bluntly, “Is it any of your business?”
Emma, convinced of her assumptions, grew even more contemptuous. “Fine. I have nothing further to say to someone like you. Just a word of advice—since you’ve left the Carter family, it’s best to keep your distance. I’m set to be engaged to Nathan next month, and I’d prefer not to have any unwanted interference.” She deliberately emphasized the last words, smugly pleased with herself.
Olivia, who had been listening quietly, suddenly broke into a light laugh. “I lead a busy life and don’t indulge in idle gossip. But since you’ve spoken so proudly, I’ll offer my congratulations,” she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
Emma was taken aback, caught off guard by Olivia’s unexpected response. But before she could process the situation, the sound of the villa’s gates opening broke their tense exchange. Olivia and Emma turned in unison to see a figure emerging from the courtyard, unnoticed until now.
The man was dressed in a sleek black suit, his shirt buttoned up to the collar. His tall, lean frame made him look like an international supermodel. His refined features and aloof demeanor exuded coldness. The thin line of his lips gave no sign of emotion, and his dark eyes lacked warmth. His presence alone seemed to lower the temperature in the air, sending a chill down everyone’s spine.
