Chapter 31 She Was My Foster Mother

Paul, Nicole, and Kayla stood there in stunned silence, their expressions reflecting the shock that ran through them. The revelation hit them like a tidal wave, leaving them with a deep sense of defeat. When Olivia appeared, any remaining hope in Nicole and Kayla's hearts was quickly dashed. Olivia turned out to be a member of the Sinclair family!

The initial surprise gave way to simmering jealousy within Nicole and Kayla. Nicole, in particular, felt a gnawing at her insides. She'd always been aware of Olivia's beauty. Nicole had previously chosen garish dresses for Olivia whenever they attended social gatherings, fearing that her own radiance would be overshadowed. Even if Olivia objected, Kayla would insist she wear them. It was either comply or go to the event naked.

Olivia, on the other hand, had a talent for wearing even the most daring colors with grace, her delicate skin appearing immune to the clash of hues. Despite Nicole's efforts over the years, Olivia's fashion sense remained impeccable, earning her the reluctant admiration of the wealthy elite, albeit with a faint undertone of criticism.

The crowd fell silent as Olivia stepped into view, dressed in a meticulously crafted two-tone camellia dress. Despite being dressed in black, she appeared to radiate pure elegance, drawing all eyes to her.

"Isn't she Percival's granddaughter, the newest addition to the Sinclair clan?" inquired a nearby lady, piqued by Olivia's attire. The conversation quickly shifted to fashion and lineage, with much speculation about the origins of Olivia's stunning ensemble.

"Could it be a counterfeit?" Nicole couldn't help but speak up, her tone tinged with concern. Her question was met with incredulous stares from the women around her, who looked at her with contempt.

Much later, a mocking and disdainful sneer sliced through the air, followed by the sound of retreating footsteps as the crowd completely ignored Nicole. Nicole's expression twisted into a grimace, her frustration palpable.

Nicole looked at Scott, seeking solace, only to find him equally entranced by Olivia, his expression frozen in disbelief. Nicole gritted her teeth and clutched her handbag tightly, hoping to regain some sense of control.

Olivia's sharp gaze quickly locked on Nicole's, her attention drawn to the negativity emanating from the Parker family. Olivia sensed something was wrong and scanned the crowd, only to recognize a familiar face. Though they hadn't seen each other in days, the shadow behind Nicole appeared to have darkened, wrapping around her like a shroud.

Olivia kept her cool, a slight smile on her lips, unconcerned about the unsettling sight. Kenneth and Alexander noticed the change in her demeanor and followed her gaze, furrowing their brows as they spotted the Parker family trio.

Percival approached them, a smile on his face as he addressed the guests solemnly. "Thank you all for joining us today. The Sinclair family is grateful to each of you, and it gives me great pleasure to introduce you to my granddaughter, Olivia Sinclair, the newest member of our family.

With Percival's introduction, Olivia—formerly Olivia Parker—acknowledged the guests with a polite nod, her gaze briefly flickering toward Nicole before returning to normal.

Prior to the event, Percival discussed changing Olivia's name to Ophira to reflect her new identity as a Sinclair. Despite his suggestion, Olivia insisted on keeping her given name, citing her fondness for it as the reason.

In the midst of the crowd, Paul's mind was filled with doubts until the name Olivia rang out, shattering his confusion. The child he had raised for eighteen years was actually a long-lost Sinclair descendant!

As he completed the puzzle, he was overcome with amazement. Paul finally understood after recalling their recent business dealings, the abrupt termination of the collaboration, and Kayla and Nicole's guilt-ridden demeanor. Everything revolved around Olivia's true identity as a Sinclair.

Paul came to a realization. "The reason for the sudden cooperation and subsequent cancellation—all because of Olivia," he murmured to himself. He cast a fierce glance at his wife, Kayla, who flinched and moved away, pretending innocence.

Meanwhile, Kayla was dealing with her own regrets. Had she known Olivia's true lineage sooner, she would not have spoken so carelessly to Kenneth, inadvertently offending him. She realized the gravity of her mistake, but it was too late.

Both Paul and Kayla felt remorse. If the Parker family had discovered Olivia's true heritage sooner, they could have formed a beneficial alliance with the powerful Sinclair clan, propelling the Parker Group to new heights. Instead, they found themselves on the outside, unable to secure an invitation to Sinclair family events.

The weight of regret and anger threatened to suffocate Paul, but he braced himself, mindful of the occasion. Suppressing his emotions, he put on a show of warmth and joy, seizing the opportunity to approach Olivia amidst the crowd.

Paul addressed Olivia with a genuine smile and an affectionate tone. "Olivia, you look stunning tonight. Your presence gives us great comfort. Your mother and I have really missed you since you left."

Amidst the puzzled murmurs of the onlookers, Paul corrected himself with a light tap on his head, admitting his slip of the tongue. He gave Percival an apologetic smile. "My mistake. Force of habit. Kayla is not your biological mother, but your adoptive one.