Chapter 9 Who Sent You Back?

"After all, you're about to become one of my company's high-value recruits. I'm simply eager to bring talent onboard… You're not going to make me wait in vain again, are you?"

'You'd do best not to cause trouble,' Olivia thought.

Her smile was faint. "Thank you for your concern, Mr. Robinson. I promise I won't disappoint you."

She hesitated, then added, "I'll take care of my personal matters as soon as possible and join your company."

Brandon's gaze settled on her eyes, a lazy curve playing at his lips. "That's for the best."

"If you ever need anything, my door is always open. Supporting our people is part of the Robinson Group's culture."

Olivia glanced at him, a flicker of skepticism in her gaze. Inwardly, she scoffed, 'Pretty promises… but what company is truly that generous? Most would squeeze every ounce of effort from their staff without a second thought.'

Maybe it was her imagination, but there was something… off in the way he spoke.

Olivia shook her head, brushing the thought aside. She had nothing left for anyone to take—if Brandon meant to manipulate her, he'd come away empty‑handed.

Brandon's brow creased. "The last time I saw you at the hospital… was that for an eye exam? What did the doctor say?

"I can see fine now. The results have been getting better," Olivia replied evenly.

He nodded once. "Good. Knowing my employees are healthy puts me at ease."

He added, "Come on, I'll drive you home."

"What?"

Olivia's eyes widened, but Brandon's tone remained unhurried. "There are plenty of eyes on us right now, Ms. Smith. Let's not give them anything to gossip about."

A faint glimmer of amusement flickered in his gaze. Olivia's throat tightened, but she couldn't argue. After a beat, she inclined her head.

The dinner party was only halfway through, yet it was already close to ten. Wearing a gown and flagging down a cab alone would be both unsafe and inconvenient.

"Thank you, Mr. Robinson."

Since she'd agreed, Olivia didn't bother with false modesty. She followed him by touch until Brandon's hand closed suddenly around her wrist. "Careful, Ms. Smith."

She forced a small smile and let him guide her into the car.

Thankfully, Brandon didn't speak again during the ride. He seemed absorbed in the files he'd pulled from his briefcase. Finn, the driver, was equally silent.

At first, Olivia sat stiffly, every muscle taut. But gradually, her shoulders eased. Outside, the city blazed with light—crowds spilling across the streets, neon signs shimmering against the night. The beauty carried a quiet undertone of loneliness she couldn't shake.

It had been two years since she'd last seen Skyview City's nightscape. She found herself staring, lost in thought… unaware that Brandon had set his files aside, his gaze fixed on her profile with unwavering focus.

They reached her building sooner than she expected. Olivia blinked herself back to the present, stepped out, and murmured another word of thanks.

Brandon gave a curt nod. "Take care of your affairs and come to work."

The car pulled away.

Olivia's lips curled in a silent scoff as she watched the taillights vanish. Arrogant bastard.

With Austin out for the night and the house freshly tidied by the housekeeper, Xyla, Olivia slept soundly.

Until the next morning, when Austin's furious voice jolted her awake.

From upstairs, she could hear him berating Xyla. Her good mood evaporated instantly. She took her time washing up before feigning surprise as she stepped out. "Austin… you're back?"

His temper was already simmering. The night before, he'd been working hard to charm a group of major clients, only to be plied with drink until he blacked out. He had no idea where he'd ended up—until dawn, when he woke slumped outside a hotel, reeking of alcohol, puddles of vomit nearby. Passersby stared, whispered, pointed.

In that moment, he'd wanted to sink through the pavement.

He'd been killing himself for the sake of this household… and what had his dear wife Olivia been doing? Sleeping peacefully at home.

Even hearing her voice now, he refused to answer, stewing in resentment.

Olivia noted his silence and cursed him inwardly. Living off her inheritance, spending her money, and still daring to give her attitude.

If she had even a shred of leverage, she'd slap the ungrateful bastard into the floor.

But for now, she swallowed her rage. Tears welled as she stumbled down the stairs, reaching for him. "Austin… don't ignore me…

"You left me alone at the dinner last night. I thought you didn't want me anymore… How could you be so cruel?

"Austin, say something! Do you not love me anymore? Is that why you abandoned your blind wife?"

Her tears streamed steadily, her flawless skin made all the more striking by her fragility.

Even Xyla, still enduring Austin's scolding, shot him a reproachful look.

Austin's mouth opened, but no words came. He'd wanted to vent his own grievances, but how could he compete for sympathy with his blind wife?

Grinding his teeth, he forced a smile and pulled her into his arms. "I'm sorry, Olivia. It's my fault.

"There were too many business dinners last night. I lost track of you. Please don't be angry… I'm doing this for our family."

Olivia leaned into him, hiding the roll of her eyes. "Austin… I was so scared…"

Faced with her "fear," Austin could only keep comforting her.

Eventually, her emotions settled. Exhausted, Austin let go of the previous night's incident—though suspicion lingered. "Olivia… how did you get home?"

She sniffled, wiping her tears. "I… I don't know.

"Austin, I was so scared. I kept looking for you, but I couldn't find you. Then… I think someone helped me home.

"But I was too frightened to remember clearly."

Austin frowned. "How could you not remember? Olivia, think harder."

But when he pressed her, she only shook her head in helpless panic. If he pushed too far, she cried again, and eventually he gave up.

"Alright… I won't ask anymore. Just rest, okay?"

Olivia slumped against the sofa, feigning weariness.

Austin, still unsettled, left the house under the pretext of work.

At Horizon Innovations Group, he mulled it over before calling his assistant, Floyd Ryan. "Find out who brought Olivia home last night."

Floyd nodded.

By that afternoon, Austin had his answer. Even with all his mental preparation, the name on the report made him sit bolt upright.

"How could it be him?"