Chapter 7 Please Show Mercy, Brandon

Early the next morning, Austin arrived at the hospital with Olivia for a consultation.

The routine was one she knew by heart. After two years of countless examinations, Olivia could have gone through the motions with her eyes closed. She wore an easy, untroubled expression, every symptom described with practiced precision. Even Dr. Kurt Lowe failed to notice anything unusual.

Still, Olivia wasn't willing to gamble too much.

When the final test was done, she listened to Kurt frown over the report. She spoke softly, almost cautiously. "Lately... I think my eyes might be getting better. If I rest enough, sometimes I can make out vague shapes. It's not consistent, Dr. Lowe. Does that mean there's a chance I might see again?"

Her voice trembled with hope as she gazed into the empty space before her.

Kurt's expression eased a fraction. He nodded. "The scans show the hemorrhage is starting to clear. If things continue this way, it's possible you could regain your sight. Since rest helps, your family should make sure you don't overexert yourself."

Beside her, Austin nodded calmly. He smiled and brushed his fingers through her hair. "Such an important thing, Olivia... why didn't you tell me?"

Olivia tilted her head slightly, as if searching for him, though in truth she was quietly avoiding his touch. "It's only happened once or twice, early in the morning. I thought it might be my imagination. I didn't want to give you false hope."

"How could it be false? If it's about your eyes, no matter how small, promise you'll tell me, alright?"

She pressed her lips together in a shy smile, her face radiating sweetness. Even Kurt couldn't help but remark, "You two have such a good relationship."

Austin nodded again, asked a few more questions about her condition, and, satisfied with the improvement, guided her out of the office.

They had barely stepped into the underground parking lot when an unexpected figure appeared.

Olivia's heart gave a sharp jolt. She lowered her head instinctively, trying to avoid his gaze.

Brandon's presence was like a blade—cold, precise. His assistant, Lon Ramos, wore a stern expression as they strode forward in long, purposeful steps. In moments, they would pass without a word.

Or so she thought.

Austin's voice cut through the air, tinged with surprise and a subtle edge of caution. "Mr. Robinson?"

A shiver ran down Olivia's spine. Her eyes fixed on the gleaming leather of Brandon's expensive, custom-made shoes.

Brandon stopped right beside her.

It was as if he had only just noticed them. His brows lifted slightly, the sharp line of his eyes glinting with a flicker of mockery. "And you are...?"

Austin's grip on Olivia's arm tightened. She didn't resist. In fact, a faint curve touched her lips.

"Mr. Robinson, you certainly have a short memory," Austin said, forcing a smile.

Austin was a master at reading people. He could tell Brandon wasn't here as a friend, so he didn't bother with pleasantries. "It seems you've taken quite an issue with me lately—poaching five of my biggest clients in a row. I can't imagine what I've done to offend you.

"If it's a misunderstanding, I'd like the chance to clear it up. I've always admired the Robinson Group. Why don't we put this behind us and move forward together?"

His tone softened, slipping into the polished charm of the business world. "If I truly have wronged you, Mr. Robinson, perhaps you could be generous and let it go. As compensation, I'm willing to offer a five percent concession in any future deal."

It was a painful offer—one Austin would never make unless the other party's influence was overwhelming. Even Olivia glanced at him in surprise.

Brandon's reply was as cutting as ice. "Five percent? Beggars give more to their gods than that."

Austin's face drained of color. He stared at Brandon, jaw tight.

Brandon didn't flinch. The mockery in his eyes deepened. "I can't remember which company you run, but if you say I'm targeting you... let's call it that."

"As for generosity..." He let out a low laugh. "Being targeted by the Robinson Group is a privilege."

Without another glance, Brandon walked away, cold and unhurried.

Austin stood trembling with rage, teeth clenched, eyes red with unspent fury. He looked as though he might tear into Brandon with his bare hands.

Olivia watched him for a moment, amused at his defeated posture, before slipping her arm around his. "Austin... are you alright? Who was that Mr. Robinson? Some kind of business rival?"

He didn't bother answering her "foolish" question. It took him a long moment to smooth his expression into something gentler. "Just business, Olivia. Nothing you need to worry about. Let's get you home."

Even as he drove away, Austin's gaze flicked toward the direction Brandon had gone. 'Brandon... I'll be waiting for the day you choke on your own arrogance,' he thought.

Austin wasn't the type to just sit back and take a hit. In fact, he could endure almost anything.

Olivia had to admit she admired that about him—setting aside personal grudges when it served a greater purpose.

Humiliation still fresh, Austin wasted no time learning Brandon's movements. When he discovered Brandon would be attending a high-profile gala, he somehow secured two invitations.

He even offered advice on Olivia's outfit. "Switch to pearls. This dress is elegant and understated—pearls will suit it better."

The makeup artist nodded immediately, swapping her necklace for a string of pearls and adjusting her look.

Olivia hesitated. "Austin, do I really need to go? I can't see... I might embarrass you."

"Don't worry, Olivia." He squeezed her earlobe gently, his voice warm. "You've been to plenty of galas before. Just follow the usual routine. And you might not know—Mr. Robinson appreciates your professional skills. You could be a help to me."

It made sense now why he was breaking his own rules to bring her along. She lowered her head to adjust her gown, hiding the chill in her eyes. 'Too bad, Austin... you're going to be disappointed,' she thought.

At seven sharp, they arrived at the gala.

Hosted by the city's investment council, the event was crowded with the region's major players. The moment they stepped into the hall, the air was thick with perfume and conversation.

Everywhere, people leaned close to exchange information, striking silent agreements for future ventures. Assistants moved deftly through the crowd, trading business cards.

This was the marketplace of ambition.

Olivia let the familiar-yet-strange atmosphere wash over her, her emotions tangled. She had never regretted anything as sharply as she did in that moment. Never seen so clearly how much she had lost over the past two years—not just in love, but in wasted time and opportunity.