Chapter 111
""Benjamin's dad and Isla's dad were brothers in arms. After they retired, they went into business together, lived in the same neighborhood, grew up together—Benjamin's always treated Isla like a sister.""
""But I can't shake the feeling that Isla doesn't see Benjamin as a brother,"" Cassie said with a side glance.
Laura fell silent for a moment, letting out a sigh. ""You think so too? I've had my suspicions, but no proof.""
""Better keep your eyes open, just in case,"" Cassie warned.
""Yeah.""
————
A week later.
The Brooks family, a party of three, finished their vacation and returned to Madison.
Not long after they had settled back into the Brooks family villa, Arthur Lewis called again.
Olivia glanced at the caller ID, a flicker of annoyance crossing her eyes, but she answered regardless, her tone laced with cheer, ""Arthur, what's up?""
""Since when do I need a reason to call you?"" he responded.
At that very moment, Arthur Lewis was parked not far from the Brooks family villa, having just witnessed Olivia's return with her parents.
""What are you talking about? Of course, you can,"" Olivia's tender voice came through, softening his expression momentarily before her next words sent a chill through his heart.
""It's just that I'm still abroad, planning to go surfing today and I'm really pressed for time.""
""Is that so?"" A surge of anger replaced the air in Arthur's lungs. ""But I just saw you. You're back at the Brooks family home. I'm right outside your villa. Why lie to me?""
""...""
Olivia glanced out the window, silent.
Arthur Lewis's voice was firm and unwavering, a note of accusation threading each word. ""So now that I'm no longer the president of The Lewis Group, you want to wash your hands of me, is that it?""
""Fine,"" Olivia Brooks retorted coldly, dropping the act. ""Let’s cut to the chase, Arthur. Time for you to face reality: without the backing of the Foster family, without your heir status to The Lewis Group, you are no match for me. I'm the heir to a billion-dollar company. We come from different worlds. Let's just end this on good terms.""
Dumbfounded, Arthur managed to stammer out, ""Olivia, how can you be so mercenary? Were all those declarations of love, every 'I love you', every promise of sacrifice, all just lies?""
""They were true at the time,"" she answered, her voice devoid of emotion. ""But that was based on who you were then. Do yourself a favor and don't bother me anymore.""
Without another word, Olivia ended the call.
Arthur sat in his car shell-shocked, as if his soul had been ripped from his body. After a long, silent moment, a bitter laugh bubbled up from him, tears spilling over in its wake.
He had been a fool, thinking he held the reins in this marriage of convenience, only to step into Olivia Brooks' trap, one careful maneuver at a time. He had believed that she was head over heels in love with him, willing to give her all.
It had all been an illusion. To think he had wronged Cassie for such a person—had hurt her, berated her, almost destroyed her.
He smacked his forehead in self-reproach. How could he have been so blind? Cassie, his childhood friend who'd grown up with him, would never have abandoned him. He recalled the dark days when he found out about his father's illegitimate child, how Cassie stood by him, encouraging him to keep his chin up.
For his sake, she'd even gone the extra mile to take up culinary arts. And yet, he had forgotten all about it. No wonder his uncle always said he had a problem, and Cassie called him blind.
He had truly been blind—not just blind, but heartless too."
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