Chapter 10

In Scarlett's Perspective:

I didn't quite understand Oliver's reaction. Everything was fine just now. Why did she get so angry when she heard the name "the Bennett family"?

'What's wrong?' I held her, trying to figure out what was going on.

I knew Oliver. She wouldn't hate someone or a family unless these people did something to her.

But Oliver refused to say anything. She looked up at me and then shook her head.

'Anyway, there's not a single good person in the Bennett family," Oliver remarked with a couple of cold snorts, curling her lip, "Since they don't provoke you, don't bother with them."

She seemed very dissatisfied with the Bennett family, but she wouldn't tell me the specific reason.

Oliver just repeatedly warned me not to associate with the Bennett family.

"Okay." Seeing Oliver's serious expression, I had to agree.

Oliver was a kind person. If she said so, something must have happened. Even if she didn't want to tell me, I would believe her.

"Let's not talk about the Bennett family." I deflected, linking arms with her as we headed back into the house. "How were you yesterday? Does everything was fine?"

I had been worried about Oliver since yesterday. She was alone at the police station, and I didn't know what might happen.

She suddenly looked frustrated.

"Of course, I'm fine," She waved her fist and said, "I should have beaten Alexander up!"

"Unfortunately, I didn't even get to see Alexander's face before his bodyguards restrained me."

Oliver sighed several times, looking dejected.

"Cheer up, Oliver," I comforted her, "That's why I study law: to punish the wicked legally."

I said this not only to comfort Oliver. In my opinion, no one could truly cross the line of the law.

Scumbags like Alexander would eventually be punished by the law.

I worked so hard to get into the best law school precisely for "justice."

"Punish the bad guys legally." Emily repeated my words, sitting at a small table nearby, suddenly raised her hand.

She was clutching a crayon, her face expressionless. But both Oliver and I were pleasantly surprised.

"You know, Emily has never talked with people before." Oliver looked at Emily with surprise in her eyes. "But she talked to you!"

"Is she doing better?" Oliver cautiously approached Emily, then looked at me inquisitively.

Oliver was a very competent mother. Her love for Emily was evident to everyone.

Despite Oliver's challenging financial situation, she worked tirelessly to provide Emily with the best possible life. Sending Emily to the finest intervention school and spending time drawing and chatting with her daily was all that Oliver could do.

"Early intervention and active interaction can help Emily fully recover from autism." As I watched her drawing, it struck me that Emily longed to experience the same happiness as other children.

"I've already enrolled Emily in a mainstream school," Oliver stated without displaying any happiness. Instead, she regarded me with a worried expression, "I've always felt that those specialized schools are a hoax. It's been so many years, and Emily still hasn't shown improvement."

Oliver hesitated but kept saying things like "it's useless."

The Oliver I know wouldn't make such a decision. Even when she had just lost her husband and couldn't afford a penny, she didn't give up on Emily.

Watching her back as she walked to the kitchen, I suddenly realized her troubles.

While I was in a coma, Oliver took care of me. She must have spent a lot of money on that. It must have been a significant burden for Oliver, who was not wealthy.

Did Oliver send Emily to a regular school because of this?

Oliver loved Emily so much. How could she bear to let Emily go to a regular school?

Oliver's apron was already faded from washing, but suddenly I found her extremely beautiful today.

For a moment, I seemed to see my mother. I hugged Oliver and softly thanked her.

"What?" Oliver didn't hear what I said.

"I said, I just received good news. Your husband's death benefits have been issued," I exclaimed, showing Oliver the remittance notice, "A full hundred thousand! Now you and Emily don't have to worry about money anymore."

Oliver couldn't believe it. She kept saying "Oh my God" while covering her mouth, looking at me incredulously.

"This is great!" Oliver's eyes were filled with excitement.

"Intervention schools can be costly and may not be effective. Let Emily have a few days of rest at home," Oliver suggested, "We can consider sending her to the intervention school next month. And I'll take Emily to buy some new clothes. She's grown a lot, and the old clothes don't fit anymore."

Since Oliver's husband passed away, I had never seen her so happy.

Emily became the focus of her life. It was a good thing and I was genuinely happy for her.

However, I lied to Oliver. The money was not her husband's death benefits but money given to me by Lucas.

I already owed Lucas too much, and now even more. I wanted to repay this money to him as soon as possible.

The school workload wasn't too heavy, so I still had time to find a part-time job.

In Lucas's Perspective:

I didn't force Scarlett to accept me. I respect all her thoughts.

When Scarlett offered to repay the money, I didn't decline. I knew her well; even if I said she didn't have to repay, she would still find a way to do so. 

Silly girl. Why would I ever want her money?

But I am truly obsessed with her body.

I was still thinking of the night I spent with Scarlett, which left me wanting more.

But when I got home, I was met with Gabriel's accusations.

"You bastard! Charlotte is an excellent girl. She is perfect for you, and she likes you very much." Gabriel trembled with anger, constantly tapping the floor with his cane. "Look at what you've done! You left her alone!"

"Do you know that the Winters family has many government connections? As long as you're with her..." Gabriel kept complaining.

I wasn't surprised by Charlotte's status. After all, it was rare for Gabriel to be so satisfied with a marriage arrangement.

"I won't marry Charlotte." I interrupted Gabriel.

I knew very well that none of what he said could change my mind.

"You Bastard!" Gabriel's cane suddenly struck me.

Apart from this matter, I have always been grateful to Gabriel. Although I didn't like the Mafia, I knew very well that if he hadn't adopted me, I wouldn't have achieved what I have today.

I knelt in front of Gabriel, lowering my head and letting him vent his anger.

"You broke the promise you made to me and had sex with a stranger!" Gabriel suddenly burst into a rage.

I then realized that Scarlett had left marks on my shoulders and back.

"Tell me! Who is her?" He hit my back hard.

The pain made me break into a cold sweat, but I didn't say a word.

I knew very well that if Gabriel found out that the woman I slept with was Scarlett, he would kill her.

Gabriel scolded me often, but for some reason, the cane felt particularly painful today.

Eventually, I couldn't hold on and collapsed.

Before I lost consciousness, I heard Mark's panicked voice. "Oh my God! Lucas is injured!"