Chapter 18 I'd Move Out

Alexander's chuckle broke the tension, as he found Olivia's response amusing, but Owen's expression soured. "You're being evasive! How is that even comparable?"

Olivia maintained her composure, meeting Owen's gaze evenly. "Isn't this your reasoning? I am simply presenting a condition based on your logic. What is wrong with that?"

Owen was almost irritated. "Can something from the National Museum equate to a room?"

Tom asked, "Olivia, why are you being so stubborn? It's only a room. There are many others. Do you really make such a fuss?"

Olivia smiled inwardly, wondering why Jessica insisted on claiming her room.

Quinn, Ethan's son, interjected, "Owen has a point. The fairy princess theme is for children. You're not particularly attached to it. Why argue with a child? If there is a problem, I will give you my room. Let Jessica have yours. Done. Let us conclude this. Fighting for a room is ridiculous."

He grumbled, "None of this would've happened if she hadn't come back."

Despite Lauren's involvement in the room allocation, the blame appeared to fall on Olivia.

Alexander's smile faded as he observed the argument. Before he could intervene, Owen abruptly resumed, "You just don't want to..."

"Yes, I don't," Olivia responded, surprising Owen and the others with her firm refusal.

She met their gazes with calm yet determined eyes.

Olivia had grown up hearing similar accusations and remained steadfast.

"Nicole's your younger sister, so you should compromise!"

"Why keep that fox around?" What if it scares Nicole? Get rid of it."

"You're living off of us, and now you want to have a pet. "Are you trying to upset us?"

Olivia had become accustomed to such accusations, but acceptance did not imply compliance.

"Why should I let you dictate to me just because you're younger?" Olivia contemplated silently. Her parents had prepared the room for her birth. People had eagerly anticipated her arrival, but she had only learned about it the day before. Jessica had assumed, with the support of her brother and cousin, that the room would be hers by today. But Olivia, whom Jessica regarded as mean, unexpectedly refused to yield.

Megan's words rang in Jessica's mind. Olivia's return meant she was no longer the only focus of the family's attention. Even Alexander, who had previously supported her, appeared unconcerned now. Jessica was overcome with rage, causing her to cry once more. "I hate you! Get out of my house. Get out!"

Jessica's outburst caused a momentary hush in the hallway. Olivia stood motionless, seemingly unaffected. Even Tom and the rest were taken aback. Regardless of their disagreements, they understood that certain words should not be used lightly.

Alexander's stern reprimand broke the silence. "Jessica!" His tone was unlike anything Jessica had ever heard, sending shivers down her spine and stopping her tears.

Kenneth and Ethan had just ascended the stairs. Their presence added weight to the situation. Kenneth's expression remained cold and serious as always. "What's going on?" he asked.

Lauren's heart raced as she rushed in, pulling Jessica close and offering a forced explanation, "The children are arguing. It's entirely my fault. I didn't think of everything when I was preparing Olivia's room. Jessica insisted on switching rooms with Olivia, but Olivia declined..."

Lauren's attempt to downplay the room incident shifted the blame onto Olivia, emphasizing her perceived unreasonable behavior. Alexander frowned, ready to intervene, but Ethan interrupted with a dismissive tone, "Isn't it just a room? Wasn't it rearranged yesterday?

Kenneth, on the other hand, turned to Olivia, his expression grave as he asked, "Let us put the matter of the room aside for the time being, Olivia. Did you go to the Edwards Villa today?"

Olivia squinted, caught off guard, but quickly collected herself and said, "Yes."

Kenneth's brow furrowed further, heightening his serious demeanor, "Didn't I warn you about getting involved with the Edwards family? I will handle such matters."

Concerned by Kenneth's demeanor, Alexander stepped forward to inquire, "What's going on?"

Ethan explained, "The Edwards family contacted Kenneth, claiming Olivia had shared some strange things with Mrs. Edwards this afternoon."

All eyes shifted briefly to Olivia, some in shock, others in condemnation, blaming her for meddling.

Olivia's previous comments about intelligence sharing had made the Sinclair family wary of dealing with Cynthia's situation. Olivia's visit to the Edwards Villa, as well as her alleged remarks, served to exacerbate tensions. Was she intentionally sabotaging the relationship between the Edwards and Sinclair families?

"You are being reckless! It's one thing to talk nonsense at home, but what about at the Edwards Villa? Didn't you take Uncle Kenneth's warning yesterday?!" Lauren lamented.

Tom joined in, chastising Olivia, "You've barely been home, and already you're causing trouble!"

Olivia stood her ground, ignoring the taunts hurled at her, her gaze fixed on Kenneth. "I never claimed to be a part of the Sinclair family," she said.

Ethan interjected, "But if the Edwards family was investigating someone, wouldn't they find out? I heard you arrived at the Edwards Villa in the Whitmans' car."

Olivia clenched her jaw, realizing her actions were unwise.

Kenneth pressed her for information on her visit to the Edwards Villa. He detected a hint of irritation in Zachary's voice when he called, implying that there was more to the story.

Olivia spoke briefly about her visit, expressing concern for Cynthia's well-being.

The spectators were even more taken aback. Olivia had visited the Edwards Villa and suggested Cynthia might be in trouble. Her actions were contradictory.

They all regarded Olivia as immature.

Kenneth regarded Olivia with seriousness. After a moment, he said, "Your actions were reckless. Even if you have some fortune-telling abilities, you should not have spoken so hastily at their home. I'll contact the Edwards family, but please refrain from interfering with Ms. Edwards' affairs."

Kenneth did not want Olivia, who had only recently returned, to get involved in trouble.

Olivia tried to respond, but Kenneth said, "Because Jessica likes the room, you can let her have it. Zach will choose a new room for you, which you can decorate to your liking."

Kenneth no longer saw a room as significant. It had previously symbolized his longing for his daughter, but now that she had returned, its significance had diminished.

More than that, he didn't want Olivia to have a strained relationship with the family right after coming home, as it would affect her to get along with the kids in the future.

Unbeknownst to Kenneth, his simple words caused Olivia to stop.

Eventually, light faded from her eyes.

It vanished like a fleeting spark in the dark forest, flashing briefly before disappearing into the abyss.

Alexander interjected, "Dad!"

He was about to explain the complexity of the situation when Olivia calmly interrupted, "Stop talking."

Her tone was calm, but her demeanor had changed since the day before.

She fixed her gaze on Kenneth and said softly, "I will move out."
Olivia's Odyssey: From Despair to Dazzling
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