Chapter 44 Chapter 44 "Ms. Summers, how did you get in here? I was waiting to escort you," David gasped, catching his breath. "Leven thought you'd gotten lost." "Took the back way," Olivia said calmly. "Main entrance was mobbed." News of Samuel's transfer had sparked a media circus. Reporters clustered at the front gates like vultures waiting for scraps. "I should've thought of that," David admitted, scratching his head before pulling a card from his pocket. "From Mr. Summers. It's his personal thanks." Samuel nodded vigorously. "No need." Olivia stepped back, refusing the card. "One thousand was my fee. I don't take what I haven't earned." Samuel's eyes gleamed with approval. Putting on his sternest face, he pressed, "Call it 1.5 million. It's trivial. Just take it." "I appreciate the gesture, Mr. Summers, but you don't have to." Olivia's smile was polite yet unyielding. "It's about professional integrity." When Olivia stood her ground, Samuel could only concede defeat. Andrew's amused expression froze as he watched her. Jenny's description came back to him-Olivia's tiny home in that forgotten alley, the elderly woman she cared for, and the teenage boy who could devour a week's groceries in a single meal. Yet here she was, turning down easy money. "Take it as payment then," Andrew countered, arching an eyebrow. "At 150,000 per session, this card covers ten. Does that meet your professional standards?" "Fine." Olivia accepted the card without further argument. Practicality outweighed pride. "We'll renegotiate after ten," she added, matching his raised brow. "And we're counting yesterday as session one. Is that okay?" Andrew took a slow sip of coffee, his expression inscrutable. "I'll agree to whatever you say," he replied smoothly. Olivia packed away the thermos, considering. "Come by when you're free then. I'll send you the address." She pulled out her phone. "What's your number?" Andrew cleared his throat, his ears turning faintly pink. "Actually, Valready have your number." Olivia's eyebrows rose in surprise before she nodded. "Then add me on WhatsApp. Same number." With that, she said goodbye to Samuel and left, leaving David utterly perplexed and Samuel scowling at Andrew's unfair advantage. David stood frozen, trying to piece together what he'd missed during his absence. Samuel's envious glare at Andrew spoke volumes-he wanted to be added to Olivia's contacts as well "How did you get her number?" Samuel asked sharply. "Got lucky," Andrew replied with a shrug, silently thanking his sister. Samuel turned away from Andrew, his gaze following Olivia's retreating figure through the window. "Our Ivy would be about her age now," he murmured. Just then, Charles burst through the door. "We'll find Ivy, Grandpa," he said, his voice catching when he mentioned his sister. "The trail leads to Magnolia Town. I'm dispatching another search team immediately." Samuel gave a terse nod, his brow furrowed, Magnolia Town? Olivia mentioned that place recently. Could she possibly know something about Ivy's disappearance?' he wondered. "Charles," Samuel said after a moment's consideration, "while you're at it, look into Olivia's past as well, I want to know where she's been and who she 1/3 07:19 Tue, 2 Sept Chapter 44 knows." Though Olivia's story didn't align with Ivy's, some instinct told him the two women were connected in ways he couldn't yet tee "Got it." Charles didn't question the order. When his grandfather spoke, he just obeyed. The strange familiarity in Olivia's manner made him smile despite himself. For one foolish moment, he imagined she might actually ise his forg sister. Morning light filled the window. Cheryl allowed herself a small smile as she read the message. Natalie: [I don't know who you are, but your information saved me. Thank you.] Cheryl was pleased to see Natalie proving so useful. Having read the book, she knew the Phantom Healer's identity was never revealed, which meant could designate anyone for the role. Lately, Cheryl had noticed the story's plot drifting off track. Worse still, her "parents" from Magnolia Town wouldn't stop hounding her for money- something she couldn't spare, not when she'd barely settled back into the Sherman family. "Nydia, when are you sending the money?" The voice on the phone turned-urgent. "They're closing in on our operation. Pay us now so we can disappear Remember your promise-you said you'd support us after we sent you back. Don't break your word now." "Is money all you care about?" Cheryl snapped, and then her eyes gleamed with an idea. "Mom, didn't you say there's a fifteen-thousand-dollar bounty for delivering the right kind of girl?" "That's right," Gina Johnson, Cheryl's so-called mother, said with a dismissive wave. "Our agent pays based on quality. The better the girl, the higher the price, with no upper limit. "You turned this down before for what? That useless college degree? You'll slave away for years after graduation and still not make what you could in one year doing this." Her voice grew louder, thick with excitement. "Actually, the town head wants a son," Gina added, "He's looking for the right woman. Why don't you go? You're beautiful, intelligent, and our families are close. He'd pay at least 30,000 for someone like you." Cheryl bit back her anger and forced a smile. "Mom, I know someone even prettier. With her looks, you'll make way more." "How much are we talking?" Gina asked, feigning disinterest. "At least a hundred grand," Cheryl replied coolly. "And I'll give you another thirty thousand when it's done." Gina perked up at that. "Seriously? Who's the mark? That kind of money would cover Bobby's wedding. Hell, Nydia, you're a godsend!" "Olivia. You've seen her before." Cheryl's eyes darkened, a cold edge creeping into her voice. "She's the one who torched Magnolia Town and walked away scot-free." "That little bitch!" Gina's teeth clenched. "How the hell do you even know her?" "Turns out she's the Shermans' adopted daughter," Cheryl said, her fingers digging into her palms. Cheryl burned with anger at Olivia, who'd stolen the life meant for her and the future she deserved. She had no doubt about one thing-to take back what was rightfully hers in this story, Olivia needed to be removed. Gina hesitated. "The Shermans' foster kid... That's playing with fire." "No," Cheryl said coldly. "The Shermans disowned her. As far as they're concerned, I'm their only daughter now. "When we threw her out, I made sure she believed her real family was the Summerses. I even gave her your details. Just tell her you're her parents, and 312 Chapter 44 she'll go with you without suspecting anything" Freelance photographer Violet Beck is forced into an engagement with CEO Roy Payne. He is everything her wild heart rebels against: proper, predictable, and painfully kind. But love has a way of devel...