Chapter 6: Protecting Her Man
Olivia froze, momentarily lost in thought. A wave of confusion and panic hit her, causing her to subconsciously avoid Nathan’s gaze. Emma, on the other hand, was equally nervous but quickly regained her composure. She reminded herself of the Carter family’s hostility toward Olivia and the impending engagement with Nathan, which gave her the confidence to continue.
She flashed her usual gentle smile and walked over to Nathan, wrapping her arm around his affectionately. “Nathan, why did you come out? Did you know I was coming and decide to greet me?” she asked coyly.
Nathan didn’t answer, though he didn’t pull his arm away either. His dark, intense eyes remained focused on Olivia. She had changed—slimmer, taller, more mature, and far more elegant than before. When he had stepped outside, he’d overheard Olivia’s indifferent congratulatory words to Emma. That was a stark contrast to the humble, timid Olivia he remembered. And beside her stood a tall man, imposing and dignified, who appeared to be standing guard over her. Nathan’s irritation grew, and he narrowed his eyes, his voice cold as he spoke.
“What’s wrong? Don’t you know this is the door? Do you need me to personally invite you in?”
Olivia snapped out of her daze, her breath hitching. Her hands had clenched into fists so tightly that they left marks in her palms, almost piercing the skin with her nails. She composed herself, her expression icy once again. “I didn’t plan to enter Carter Manor. Please bring Liam out, Mr. Carter. I’ll leave immediately after picking him up.”
Her tone was distant and cold, and she didn’t take a step forward.
Nathan’s pupils contracted, and a coldness washed over him at the way she addressed him. His gaze darkened, and he responded icily, “Do you think I asked you to come here just so you could take him away? Now that he’s been brought before me, that’s absolutely impossible.”
Olivia’s expression tightened. Does this mean he plans to take Liam away from me? Before she could speak further, Emma couldn’t stand it any longer. She clung to Nathan’s arm, her voice rising with concern. “Nathan, what are you talking about?”
Emma had pieced together the conversation and realized Nathan had been the one to bring Olivia here. Her flustered confusion was apparent, and she hated feeling excluded.
Nathan only seemed to notice Emma’s presence then. He raised an eyebrow, a slight frown forming. “Why are you here?”
Emma’s face paled slightly, but she quickly regained her composure and said in a slightly aggrieved tone, “I… I came to have breakfast with you.”
Nathan’s impatience grew. “You should leave. I’m busy,” he said flatly, pulling his arm away from her. He didn’t even look back as he addressed the butler. “Send Ms. Patel back.”
Emma, stunned and annoyed, couldn’t hide the surge of resentment rising in her chest. She’d always known Nathan hated Olivia, but he always seemed to prioritize her—every single time. A wave of jealousy swept over her, but she dared not show it. Instead, she played the part of a patient, devoted fiancée. “Alright. I’ll leave,” she said, but not before reaching up to straighten Nathan’s collar in a gesture that oozed affection. Afterward, she gracefully turned and walked toward the car, her facade of devotion intact.
With Emma gone, the air grew tense. Only Nathan, Olivia, and Benjamin remained. Nathan, still standing arrogantly, finally broke the silence.
“Now, can we have a proper conversation?” he asked, his tone dripping with arrogance as if he controlled everything in the situation.
