Chapter 76: Oliver's Disappointment.

While the dance floor continued to vibrate with the lights and music, Rebecca returned to the center of the club, once again giving in to the frenetic rhythm. Johnny, on the other hand, preferred to sit at one of the VIP tables reserved exclusively for him. Soon, women attracted by his aura of power began to surround him, aware of his influence, even if obtained through questionable means.

What neither of them imagined was that an acquaintance of Oliver's was present at the club, observing everything from afar. When he saw Rebecca and Johnny at the bar, talking and then walking hand in hand towards the VIP bathroom, something seemed wrong. He knew that Rebecca had direct connections with the Kicher family and, more specifically, with DK, one of Johnny's declared targets. The observer did not hesitate to take discreet photos. Later, he saw Johnny fix his gaze on Rebecca as she lost herself on the dance floor, even kissing two strangers at the height of her fun. Feeling compelled to report what he saw, the man decided to call Oliver as soon as he left the club.

“Hey, Ed! Merry Christmas, bro!” he greeted excitedly.

“Long time no see, bro!” Oliver replied, initially relaxed.

“What’s up? Don’t tell me this is just another request for money?”

“No, no. This time it’s serious. I want to ask you something.”

Oliver sighed, irritated by the delay.

“Get to the point, Ed. What is it?”

“Did DK team up with Johnny Iverson by any chance?”

The question made Oliver frown, now completely alert.

“Never. They’re mortal enemies. Why are you asking that?”

“It’s just that Rebecca seemed pretty close to him tonight.”

“What are you talking about?” Oliver asked, his voice now filled with concern.

“I’ll send you some pictures I took. Take a look and draw your own conclusions.”

The images began to arrive one by one. Oliver, as he analyzed them, felt a whirlwind of emotions. Frustration, anger and perhaps even a touch of betrayal. He stood up abruptly, dismissing the redhead who was with him in his room.

“Don’t send any of this to DK yet. I need to decide what to do.” His voice was evidently tense.

Ed, noticing Oliver’s state, agreed to keep the photos just between them for now.

At the Kicher mansion, the party had already ended. The last guests were saying goodbye as the sky began to lighten. Taking advantage of the moment, DK retired to his room, exhausted. As he passed Oliver, he noticed something different.

“Aren’t you going to rest? Are you waiting for Rebecca? The way she is, probably already scheduled another party somewhere.”

“Thanks for your concern, boss. But I’m fine, I’ll just stay here a little longer.”

DK shrugged and went up to his room, where he threw himself on the bed, oblivious to the tension that surrounded Oliver.

The counselor stood on the front porch of the mansion, arms crossed, eyes fixed on the horizon as he waited for Rebecca. When she finally arrived in a taxi, clearly drunk, the sun was already shining in the blue sky.

“Good morning, Oliver! The party seemed to be good yesterday.” Rebecca tried to walk past, but he blocked her path.

“It was great. But your party seems to have been even better, considering the time it’s arriving.”

Rebecca glared at him irritably.

“I don’t owe you any explanations. You’re nothing to me, and you have no right to question me.”

Oliver took a deep breath, keeping his tone firm.

“You’re absolutely right. But then explained this to me.” He showed me his cell phone.

“Ugh, Oliver, do you really want to bother me? I don’t have the patience for riddles.”

“Look at the photos I sent on your cell phone.”

Reluctantly, Rebecca took the device from her bag and opened the photos Oliver had sent. Her expression of surprise was impossible to hide.

“Now tell me, how do you know Johnny Iverson and since when have you two been so close?” Oliver pressed her, his eyes fixed on her, waiting for answers.

Rebecca stared at Oliver, trying to come up with some excuse that could convince him. She believed it would be easy to manipulate the man who had always been blindly passionate, without realizing that he was no longer willing to be fooled.

“I just met him at the bar. He was the one who pulled it up, and I just responded. Those photos were taken by someone who wanted to turn you against me. You’re not going to fall for that, are you?” Rebecca was friendly, her smile full of cynicism and false innocence.

Oliver stared at her for a moment before responding with apparent calm:

“Of course not.”

“Great! Then, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going upstairs. I’m exhausted, it’s been a long night.” She tried to walk past him, showing a malicious smile.

Before she could take another step, Oliver spoke firmly:

“Yes, go upstairs. Take the opportunity to pack your bags. I’ll let you leave here without punishment, and I’ll think of a convincing excuse from the your absence to DK. You have 20 minutes.”

Rebecca stopped abruptly, turning on her heel to stare at him in disbelief.

“You’ve got to be kidding me! I already told you I have nothing to do with Johnny Iverson!”

“Shut up, Rebecca.” Oliver’s voice was cold, charged with a contained emotion that made her hesitate.

“I know you better than you think. Those guys you kissed at the club, okay, it was fun and nothing more. But with Johnny it was different. It’s obvious. The way you were close, how you let him hold your hand... Don’t try to fool me.”

Rebecca shrugged, letting out an ironic laugh.

“And you still say you love me.”

“It’s exactly because I love you that I’m letting you leave here without a scratch and alive. But all love has limits, Rebecca, and you just reached mine. Now, you have 15 minutes.”

Huffing in anger, she went upstairs, muttering muffled curses as Oliver found her in the living room, motionless and determined.

Shortly after, Rebecca came down with two huge suitcases, one in each hand, struggling to carry them.

“You could at least help me, couldn’t you? What are those huge muscles for?” She asked ironically, still irritated.

Oliver crossed his arms, implacable.

“For many things, but not to help you now. Come on, you can do it. One suitcase at a time. The taxi is already waiting outside.”

Rebecca gave him a look of pure contempt, but had no choice but to drag the suitcases to the door, leaving behind the mansion and, finally, Oliver, who retreated to the guest room that DK had made available for him and there he cried all his disappointment and sadness.