Chapter 7

So Olivia knew everything.

He had thought that after giving birth and injuring her leg, Olivia wouldn't have the strength to leave the bed. But he had completely underestimated the urgency and desperation a mother feels when she wakes up and can't find her child.

He had also convinced himself that he'd hidden everything so well, playing out his self-righteous drama in front of Olivia.

When Olivia begged him not to take the medicine, when her eyes pleaded with him, he ignored it all. He half-coaxed, half-forced her into making a decision that would permanently take away her ability to be a mother.

Now, Alexander couldn't even begin to imagine the pain Olivia had been enduring all this time.

His mind was reeling, and everything around him seemed to blur. All he could think about was Olivia, and the image of the child he had suffocated.

The guests were stunned, murmuring among themselves.

"Are you serious? That child was actually Sophia's? And Olivia's baby was suffocated by Mr. Carter? Isn't that a crime? Both kids were his flesh and blood, how could he be so cruel?"

"Yeah, and they called him a loving husband. More like a wife-beater and a child-killer. All to make room for his mistress's bastard child. What a monster. How heartbroken must Olivia have been when she found out?"

"I always knew Sophia was no good. She's so flirtatious. Married and constantly hanging around the Carter house. No self-respect whatsoever."

Their voices were getting louder. Sophia's face drained of color, and she grabbed Alexander's sleeve.

"Alex, everyone's looking at me like that. What should we do? Say something!"

But Alexander didn't even acknowledge her. He yanked his sleeve away and started to walk off.

He barely took two steps before Mrs. Carter blocked his path.

"Son, at a time like this, you're still thinking about that useless woman?"

"It's good she's gone. I never approved of her as a daughter-in-law. She looked so poor, I was afraid she'd be a bad influence on my grandson."

Turning to the crowd, she continued, "Ladies and gentlemen, there's been a misunderstanding. As you know, videos and audio can easily be fabricated. My son divorced Olivia a long time ago. She's been harassing him, and now she's using these low blows to frame him."

"It's true that Andy is Sophia's child. She's the Carter family's true daughter-in-law. She couldn't make it public before due to her pregnancy, but when the two children have their grand wedding, I hope you all come and celebrate with us."

Her half-apologetic, half-threatening speech was typical of the Carters' power. The smart guests picked up on the undertones, understanding what was being implied.

Since the Carters had spoken, no one wanted to get involved. It wasn't their business, so they dismissed it as just another piece of gossip.

But Alexander wouldn't let it slide. His frown deepened, and he shot back, "Mom, what are you talking about? What divorce? What new daughter-in-law? Sophia has her own husband. Olivia is your daughter-in-law."

Mrs. Carter seemed to have anticipated his reaction. She kindly took Sophia's hand and placed it in Alexander's.

"Silly boy, Sophia has already divorced her foreign husband. She did all of this for you. Didn't you always like her? Now, you can finally be together."

"What's so great about Olivia? She can't have children anymore. Our family business is huge, how could one child be enough? Besides, Andy is Sophia's child anyway. You two should focus on giving me more grandsons."

Alexander looked at Sophia, confused. She gave him a coy smile.

"Alex, since Mom has said so, how can we, as juniors, go against our elders' wishes?"

"We're meant to be together. I was wrong to leave you and go abroad back then. But I never forgot you, nor the kindness you showed me. Olivia isn't worthy of you."

"You were so kind to her, threw her a celebration party, but what did she do? She betrayed you. She knew how much you meant to me and tried to harm me. How could such a vicious woman be good to Andy? Now that she's divorced you, you shouldn't indulge her anymore. Alex, only I truly love you. Let's be together again, okay?"