Mia’s face briefly clouded with a shadow of worry, but she quickly masked it, gently grasping Olivia’s arm and guiding her toward the plush couch nearby. Lowering her voice to a cautious whisper, she urged, “Liv, you need to keep your voice down. This isn’t the right moment or place for this. If anyone overhears us, we’ll be the talk of all Solara by tomorrow morning.”
Olivia shot her a sharp, defiant glance. “So what? You think you can lecture me now? Who do you think you are? The Bennett family has always been nothing more than a pawn for the Brooks family. Don’t forget your position. Don’t start acting like you truly belong with us.”
Pain flickered in Mia’s eyes, which glistened with unshed tears as she stared at Olivia. “Liv, how can you say that? I was only trying to protect you. If Mr. Ethan ever hears you speak like that, what do you suppose he’ll think of you?”
The mere mention of Ethan caused Olivia’s anger to falter. Slowly, the fire in her eyes dimmed, and as she took in Mia’s distressed expression, she sighed softly. “Alright, I get it. I lost my temper. I wasn’t thinking straight. Don’t take it personally. Besides, you wouldn’t want to ruin your makeup before the banquet, would you?”
Mia discreetly wiped away a tear, speaking in a gentle tone. “That girl isn’t a real threat. Think about it: someone like her could never marry into the Lewis family. Mr. Jayden would never allow it. There are plenty of women trying to get close to Ethan, but what really counts is winning his heart. You have to show him why you’re the one meant for him.”
Olivia’s confidence wavered, her voice dropping to a softer, more vulnerable tone. “I know… but every time Ethan looks at me, it feels like he’s miles away. What more can I possibly do?”
Mia picked up a nearby glass of red wine, tilting it ever so slightly so that a fine white powder dissolved silently into the liquid. She handed the glass to Olivia with a reassuring smile. “You’re beautiful, intelligent, and successful. It’s only a matter of time before he realizes that. But tonight is crucial—you have to stay composed and make sure he sees the very best version of you.”
Taking the glass, Olivia sipped the wine thoughtfully, her mind racing. “You’re right. I have to make Ethan understand what he’s missing.”
Mia exhaled quietly, watching Olivia drink. A fleeting, unreadable emotion crossed her eyes, but it vanished as she smiled warmly and encouraged, “Come on. The charity gala has already started. Ethan is just outside. You don’t want to miss your chance to be with him.”
A renewed determination glimmered in Olivia’s eyes as she nodded firmly. “Exactly. Ethan hardly ever attends these events. Who knows when I’ll get another opportunity?” With that, she rose gracefully and strode confidently toward the grand banquet hall.
—
As Ethan and Lillian stepped out of the hall, the charity auction was already in full swing.



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