Chapter 4 She Shouldn’t Even Be Alive

• Olivia’s breath caught in her throat. This voice had haunted her dreams countless times. Whenever she heard the voice call her name, it was colder and more ruthless than the last. It sent a chill down her spine when she heard it in person. After a brief silence, she said icily, “I have every right to take my child away. There’s no need to speak.”
• “Heh. Is that so?” Nathan’s voice was frosty. He sneered. “In that case, you won’t be seeing Liam again. After all… he’s my child too!” With that, he snatched Mr. Valtor’s phone and hung up.
• Olivia felt her limbs numb as the dial tone rang in her ear. She didn’t want to face Nathan, but he used Liam to blackmail her. Is he still unwilling to let me go? It makes sense. He hates my parents and me. Even after all these years, he still believed she owed the Carter family her life.
• But she was only seven years old back then. She had lost her parents, and her relatives had shunned and abandoned her. The Carter family had even humiliated her and labeled her as the daughter of a murderer. She became an orphan, but the family also made her feel like a criminal who shouldn’t even be alive.
• The heartless expulsion from Carter Manor five years ago had pushed Olivia to the brink of death multiple times. She felt that she no longer owed the Carter family anything. Now, with Nathan trying to take her precious son away, she couldn’t just stand by and do nothing.
• Olivia’s expression turned slightly cold. Her turbulent emotions quickly simmered into a calm resolve. She instructed Benjamin, “Let’s go.” She would go personally and speak to him. She had nothing to fear.
• The two swiftly hailed a cab and made their way to Beverly Hills. Forty minutes later, they were greeted by Nathan’s private residence after arriving. It was a serene oasis amidst the bustling city, a favored spot for the affluent and renowned. The courtyard gates provided residents with much-needed privacy.
• When Olivia exited the vehicle, she saw the large, intricate, openwork iron gates standing tall at thirteen to sixteen feet, looking exquisite and imposing. It led into a spacious courtyard adorned with a grand fountain and meticulously crafted greenery. Further ahead loomed the opulent, palace-style building.
• Every detail here was so familiar that it was etched into Olivia’s memory. Her blood ran cold, and her heart felt like it had stopped beating. It felt constricted, and she almost couldn’t catch her breath.
• Memories of that fateful night five years ago flooded her mind uncontrollably. The rainy night, the insults, the humiliation, her pleas, and… the man’s callous figure. Her heart raced as she stood frozen in place. She didn’t ring the doorbell.
• It was then that a black Bentley slowly pulled up beside her… Emma had arrived early for breakfast with Nathan. As she approached Carter Manor’s gates, she noticed two figures standing there, one of whom seemed vaguely familiar.
• She assumed they were guests, so she didn’t think too much about it. She stopped the car, rolled down the window, and inquired, “Are you here to see Nathan?” Olivia snapped back to reality at the sound of Emma’s voice. She turned and looked straight into Emma’s eyes.
• Emma was utterly taken aback! She immediately recognized Olivia and was in disbelief. She looked like she had seen a ghost. “Are you… Olivia Monroe?” she asked, as if seeking confirmation. An indescribable panic gripped her. Olivia is back! Isn’t she supposed to be missing?!
• After Emma had orchestrated that car accident, Olivia vanished without a trace. It had been five years since she disappeared, and Emma had assumed she would never see Olivia again. Hence, she pursued the man she desired with a clear conscience.
• But Emma never expected Olivia to return! Here she was, standing at Carter Manor’s gates early in the morning. Does Nathan already know she’s back? Emma was in shock as her mind raced with questions. Her emotions reached a boiling point as her expression darkened. She stepped out of the car and walked towards Olivia, her eyes filled with disdain. “Olivia Monroe, it’s been a while! How do you have the nerve to come back?”